Authors note:R.o.k and R.F…..thank you for your reviews. I'm glad you guys liked Selena's chapter. A forewarning to you though R.F….things might not stay peaceful aboard Selena's ship….*Hint- hint… And R.O.K (I hope its ok with you that I abbreviated that) yes selena is very mature. I LOVE her for that factor…but she is also still a little girl, so her reactions to things vary according to her emotions. This is expected of a 6 year old though.

Ok…ready for the next chapter? I know I am. R and R thank you.

Chapter 11: To Quarrel with Reason is to Quarrel with Fate.

As they sat there against the mattress, waiting for the captain's face to appear, Eragon leaned his head back against the bed post. To think this trip was supposed to be smooth and easy, never mind the length of it, and yet here he was, in some small room trying to contact Selena to make sure she wasn't in any life threatening danger. Eragon glanced at Arya, her hair tied up in a neat bun. All except for one stray piece that curved shapely against her cheek. Her green gaze was weary and more than a little anxious. A slight frown was threatening to take form, causing her slim eyebrows to twitch.

It was a given fact that trouble and threats could always, and would always, arise in Alegasia. That was why they had commenced Selena's training so soon in her youth. Selena was exceptionally good at absorbing it all in too, in the small bits that they would offer her. Battle strategies sometimes with her mother and History of the world with her father. But no matter how much knowledge she acquired she was still young, still new and innocent to so much of the world. She was liable to get hurt.

Eragon watched as the water in Arya's bowl swirled and began to change color again. He scooted closer to her and she spared him a sideways glance, "I do not wish to frighten her Eragon, we should speak with Grandu about our predicament first."

He blinked, "How do you down play an assassin Arya?" Arya glared at the water in her hands and Eragon continued " I know she is only Six but she needs to know about what's out there to harm her."

Arya's eyes flickered to his, "And what is out there Eragon? We do not even know for certain."

"Arya she needs to know." He said with finality, hating to disagree with her.

"She will be told what she needs to be told, nothing more, and nothing less. I fail as a mother if I place both fear into my child and lack of comfort for it." Arya was glaring at the water in her hands once more and Eragon could have sworn he heard her whisper,

"My fault she is gone anyways."

Eragon was becoming agitated, why was fate so difficult at times? Arya…what I would give to absorb your maternal worries but I cant. Why must we do this now? If only Saphira were not asleep and here, She would know what to do. Barzul.

He decided to change the subject in hope that it would help settle their shared helplessness. "You knew the captain's name? I don't even think I had knowledge of if he or she was male or female, let alone a name." Arya looked at him blankly.

"You should have expected such. She is my daughter after all, or should we not know who is in charge of her care?" She challenged.

"Of course we should! I was only saying-"

"Mother, father it is you!" Someone yelped suddenly and Eragon and Arya both jumped. His eyes flew to the water in Arya's hands and sure enough, Selena was there.

"Selena!" They released at the same time, pleasantly surprised. Selena stood tall in front of the mirror with a huge smile on her face and Eragon cracked a grin as well. Warmth filled him and it felt so good to see her again. She was wearing clothes similar to arya's traveling attire and her hair was down and flowing from her shoulders. Her hazel eyes swept from Eragons face to her mothers then repeated the action. Her brilliant smile lost some of its luster and she shifted uncomfortably.

"I have missed your faces." She said and her eyes immediately watered. Eragon's heart sank into his stomach and he felt Arya shift closer into his side. He wrapped an arm around her and kept his eyes on Selena. He roamed over her stance and examined how her shoulders were drooping forward and how her beautiful eyes had gained slightly darkened spots beneath. Arya, noticing as well, spoke first against them. "Have you lost sleep Selena? Your eyes are darker, Is everything alright?" Arya narrowed her eyes. "Is there trouble aboard your ship?"

Selena shook her head and took a seat on the floor, tucking her knees beneath her small form. She ran a small hand through her hair distractedly and gazed at the planks below her. "No, there is no trouble. Everything is really quiet and calm here at sea, and I have found myself increasingly bored." Arya chuckled softly and Eragon watched how his mates face softened and attained this motherly glow, which always seemed to come about when Selena was around. Motherhood fits her very well. He commented to himself. He quickly cleared his throat and focused back on the task at hand, while his fingers began to massage Arya's shoulder.

"Selena…is captain Grandu close at hand?" Arya began hesitantly. Eragon shared a swift glance with her after the question, their argument now being pushed to the forefront again. Both knew Selena would not welcome being left out of serious affairs kindly. And as expected their daughter grew curious. "Why, has something happened? Where are you now?" she demanded

"Well…yes and no." replied Arya. "You see…we must speak with the captain first and for most then we may tell you."

Selena's eyes grew big. "Something has happened, hasn't it? Mother what is it?" When Arya was not quick to answer Selena turned her questions to Eragon.

"Father…really. What's going on?" Her bell of a voice pleaded. Eragon stared into her eyes, which were heavy in their worry and sighed. He faced Arya and raised his eyebrow. We cannot keep it from her Arya. Her life could be at stake, the danger could be lethal.

Arya met his gaze with such a stature that it would cause any Politian to shy away. Her reluctance was just, but not appropriate. They needed to keep Selena safe, and her lack of knowledge to the danger lurking really could be lethal. Arya's shoulders shifted uncomfortably, then, Alright.

Eragon blinked and pressed his side against hers, grateful to her. He then faced the water bowl again and this time offered answer to his daughter's questions. "Selena, what we mean to say is, something very serious is going on, something that may put our family in danger. We…well me and your mother had a little run in with a bad man earlier. A man who meant us harm."

"Are you ok!" Selena shrieked. Her composure shattered. Arya held up a hand. "Yes, yes we are fine. But you may not be in the coming hour. Selena… I want you to be extra careful and watch out for those around you. We are not there with you and you need to watch your back, so please…" Arya shifted again and cleared her throat, her voice coming out thick. "Please daughter, for all our sakes be careful. The world is a dangerous place for those who are not cautious. I wish more than anything that we could be there with you. I wish it so much that I…" Eragon removed his hand from around her shoulders and placed it upon her leg. She looked down, and then made a firm act of observing the outside window.

Eragon gently brushed against her inner thoughts and Arya let him in. shh, Arya please. Arya narrowed her eyes and glare heatedly at the window. "Mother no, do not be upset Mother please." Selena begged. "I will be careful I promise."

Eragon let his hand give her leg a gentle squeeze, pleading with her as well to look back towards them. When she did he stared at her. He let his eyes run over every little detail there, from her angular chin to her soft nose, then to her slender cheek bones, and from there to her burning eyes. Oh heavens her eyes. So unique. So beautiful.

" Mother, I will be careful." Selena repeated and Arya looked back down to their daughter. She studied her for a time then…

"Alright Selena. I believe you. I won't be far though. And I do not care the distance, if you need me I will come. And I shall be faster than the wind, no matter the tide." After stating such Arya shot Eragon a look that clearly said, do not dare stop me, and he nodded in acceptance. He could not keep her away from their daughter if he tried. He released his hold upon her leg.

Selena's eyes watered and threatened to spill over again. She stood up shakily and then raised her head high. "I will be as strong as I can be dearest family. I promise to show no fear and, and please tell Alamir and Saphira they are in my heart as well. You are all in my dreams at night. I long to see you face to face again so, please" She begged and Eragons heart gave a painful tug and he swallowed hard, "Please be ok too. Take care of each other." Selena's eyes grew fierce towards the end, and she finished with authority. "Be safe or else." She threatened.

Arya looked a little amused, but she nodded seriously all the same. "And you as well daughter."

Selena looked towards Eragon again, " Father, your word that you will return safely?"

He grinned and vowed in the ancient language, "My word dear lady Selena." Selena smiled at their little nickname, for it was something he often called her at home, and then she lifted a hand in a parting gesture.

"I love you." She told them both before she spun around and ran out of the cabin to fetch the captain.

Eragon inhaled deeply. Be safe Selena

Just then he noticed Arya stiffen beside him and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders again, pulling her close. Her hands were in fists and she cursed, "Barzul."

Determined now to comfort her, Eragon wrapped his other arm around as well, locking her to him tightly. Arya remained stiff muscled however and Eragon growled. "She will be fine. Your people are strong when they protect. Whatever comes her way, they will fight for her." The words were true, but he said them as a reassurance to himself as well. After all, if your child is in danger how else could your assure yourself of their safety without being there?

Eragon rubbed small circles in the middle of Arya's back and finally felt her beginning to loosen under his touch, then the captain walked in and saw them.

"Kingslayer, Arya Dröttingu." He greeted and twisted his hand over his sternum. Eragon nodded to him and Arya sat up.

"Atra esterni ono thelduin, Arya Dröttingu." He said, bowing deeply.

"Atra ono waise sköliro fra rauthr, Grandu." She replied.

"What ails you Shur'tugals?" He asked calmly, his face blank.

"We have a problem on our hands captain." Answered Eragon.

Grandu's eyebrows' rose in unison. "Of what sort Argetlam?"

Arya and Eragon took turns in retelling the news to the captain and by the end of it Grandu's face had remained calm except for his eyes. They were black with anger.

"Will you need reinforcements Kingslayer? I shall call upon our homeland and let the council know if need be."

Arya shook her head, "Leave them among our land, Selena is your priority. The Riders can handle their own."

"Nen ono weohnata, Arya Drottningu." Arya terminated the spell and the water went clean. Somewhere in the room a floor board creaked and Eragons ear twitched towards it. He stood and narrowed his eyes. What did that come from?

"Eragon we might as well prepare for sleep, come away from the door the wood is nearly old." Understanding went through him and he turned away. He walked over to his bags among the floor and placed one for his clothing atop the bed. He then began to remove his shirt to place it in the bag when suddenly another creak went through the room, this time much louder.

Eragon spun around, Brisingr already in hand only to be met with nothing. There was nothing there. He sheathed Brisingr and frowned, am I that unsteady? I could have sworn something was there.

"Eragon what are you doing?" He turned and faced Arya , her eyes calculating. She was already dressed in her nightwear, though how she did it that fast he could never know. She was wearing a dark blue shirt the hung lose around her slender frame and soft grey leggings. Her hair was still neatly arranged and she eyed Eragon curiously before attempting to pull it free with a hand.

"Nothing, I just thought I heard something." He replied and placed Brisingr on the floor underneath his side of the bed, close enough for an easy reach. He then straightened and removed himself of his vest and tunic, then sat on the bed to do the same with his boots. The bed shifted as Arya joined him and he smelt her unique scent grow stronger as she moved in close behind him. Her knee was slightly touching his back as he managed to get the last boot untied and off before he twisted to see her cross legged behind him.

She was looking down and seemed to be deep in thought so he stood and turned completely around to face her fully. He knelt on the floor and crossed his arms, setting his chin against them on the mattress, preparing to wait for her to tell him what she was thinking. Her eyes lifted as she took notice and she blinked.

"I know you know I will leave if harm comes Selena's way." She began, "But I can't help but wonder, what if it is a trap?"

It was Eragons' turn to blink, "A trap? What do you mean?"

"I mean what if this new enemy wants me to leave you, so you will be captured?" Eragon grunted and leaned back off the mattress, his hands newly placed on his knees. "Arya I know you wish to keep me safe but I am not helpless without an escort. I am a well of an enough fighter to manage on my own to Farthen Dur."

Arya's eyes flashed, "That is not what I meant Eragon! I know you can fight but can you fight the unknown alone? If it is all part of some plan and Selena gets hurt just to cause me to leave, you may become sustainable to death or capture."

Eragon rolled his eyes and waved a hand as if dismissing the thought. "Arya you should have more faith in me." In response, Arya's teeth clamped together so hard that he heard their snap.

"I will not repeat myself just because you fail to hear my words correctly Shurtugal."

Eragon blanched and stood up, "What brought this all on anyway Arya? You have resorted to mocking me now! How beneath you."

Arya uncrossed her legs and sat up straighter on the mattress. "I am trying to be practical Eragon. We could have been set up from the beginning!" Eragon growled and leaned down over the mattress, his upper body held up by his hands and his face now closer to Aryas'.

"Arya even if you were right I will still have Saphira with me. The two of us have managed just fine over the years in times away from you and Alamir." Arya leaned in closer, her eyes aflame in an anger that Eragon couldn't really understand. Where is this coming from?

"The two of you could still be held against your will by magic, then were would we be? What if the man is a magician!"

She was shaking now and Eragon could not place her anger. A frail of a thought crossed his mind and Eragon blinked. Oh.

Fully believing he had found the answer to why she was behaving like this, Eragon quickly lowered himself till he was mere inches away from Arya's face. Placing his hands on the mattress on either side of her with his body looming over her slightly he stared her in the eye. Her eyes were still ablaze but she made no move to shift away from him.

"You fool Arya." He whispered, looking from her left eye to her right, "No one could take me away from you. I will never abandon you in this world. That I can promise."

He leaned in closer until the inches began lessening by the second, then almost touching her lips he whispered barley against them. "I promise Arya shadeslayer."

She shivered and wrapped her arms around his neck, forcing him down upon the bed. His abdomen touched hers causing her to flatten against the bed and it was his turn to shiver from their proximity. His arms wrapped around her like two unbreakable bands and he rolled them over until she was lying above him.

Eragon kissed her neck from the base of her collarbone and all the way up to just below her jaw. The goosebumps that arose from his actions were the only give away to her crumpling composure. He moved his lips to her ear and said with the finality only he could possess from being a Lead Rider. It spoke authority."No one could take me away from you Arya. I am yours to hold until the last sunrise of my eternity with you."

Arya laid her head in the crook of his neck and kissed him there. Then she shifted and moved her lips down towards his chest, letting them hover and trail fire all the way down with her until she stopped over his beating heart. She then turned her head against his chest and let her face lay against him, her ear now over his steady heart beat.

Thump, Thump, Thump.

Arya turned her head again until her lips were pressed against skin once more and then she smiled. The sensation caused Eragons' heart to practically leap out of his chest.

THUMP,THUMP,THUMP, THUMP.

Arya pushed off of him and then crawled up closer until she was hovering over him. She smiled such a brilliant smile Eragons thoughts ran to Selena for just a second. So that's who she gets it from.

Saphira had apparently awakened because she laughed through their shared link. Eragon was about to ask her what she was doing awake so soon when Arya's eyes locked onto his. He instantly shoved Saphira from his mind. Completely captivated.

Emerald green met earthly brown and now her eyes spoke a different emotion. Love.

Arya placed her hands on either side of Eragons face and ever so slowly leaned down until her hair fell all around him, her face dominating his vision. "Not a soul could take you away from me Eragon, So do not be so nonchalant in offering to stir trouble. Least I be subjected to quarrel with reason and threaten everyone who breaths fowl against you."

Eragon chuckled and raised an eyebrow, "Ay, and you are mighty terrifying indeed Lady Arya." Arya tenderly grasped a hold of his chin and held him still as she lowered her lips dangerously closer to his, her warm breath sweeping over his face.

"Am I not." She agreed and silenced his reply with a kiss.

Authors note: Ok guys, that's a wrap on this new update. I will be back again soon and im just bursting with excitement for what this story has in store for you. You have no idea yet, but I think your going to love what I have planned for my story. For now though I have three different povs to choose from for my next chapter, and I am offering you the chance to decide which of the three you want.

1)Tristan.

2)Roran.

3)Selena.