Thanks for the reviews! Sorry for the bit of delay, got a bit busy with school and my other fics. :) Oh and congrats to fAtEd LoVe—hundredth reviewer!!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything you recognize.

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Eragon couldn't believe what he was hearing. Wait. Did she suggest that I'm attracted to Illera? After I told Arya I love her? Arya looked apprehensive.

"And why would you think that?" he asked softly, his steady gaze boring into hers.

She looked away. "Because you two and Ryan always spend so much time with each other."

"We are all simply friends."

"I see."

"Why do you ask?"

Arya knew this question had been coming, but hadn't prepared an answer.

"…Eragon vodhr…"

"Arya Svit-Kona?"

"Would you still accept me?" she asked softly.

"I wouldn't ever reject you," he answered, his intense, dark eyes smoldering.

Overcome with emotion, she stepped forward and hugged him. Eragon seemed surprised at the physical contact, but hugged her back all the same.

"We…not in Ellesmera," he murmured. "Maybe…after the battle."

"Mm," Arya sighed. "When will that be?"

"In a week or so."

They stood like that for maybe five minutes, and then Illera walked in on them. She grinned.

"I knew it would work," she said, and walked back out.

--

A day or two later, Ellesmera resumed with Blade of Glory. The remaining contestants fought one another until there were four left. Eragon, Illera, the former champion, and Arya; Ryan had been eliminated when an elf had cried foul.

"You must draw lots," Islanzadi proclaimed, holding out a basket with two names on them to Illera. She took one. Arya.

Illera smiled crookedly at her, and at the same time felt sympathetic for Eragon. Although him facing Arya would be kind of awkward…Amira chuckled. Yes. Have you noticed ever since that day in the old Riders' Hall they've both been much happier? Yes. I've noticed alright…I told her it would be good for her…but no one ever listens to me, Illera thought wryly.

"Contestants!" The announcer yelled into the microphone. "We have decided to have the two pairs face off at the same time, in different arenas so it would take less time."

Illera acknowledged this, and drew Aie. Arya did the same, and they blocked their swords.

"And it begins!" the announcer said with a flourish.

Illera sighed to herself. I wish I could get this over with…

Arya stood there, watching Illera. Great. She wants me to start.

Illera slashed at Arya, forcing the elf away. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Eragon struggle with the champion.

Fine.

They danced like that, blades whipping around like a colorful wind. Arya stabbed in her direction, Illera jumped backward and felt something slam into her side knocking the wind out of her. What the-!

Eragon was on the floor, scrambling for his blade.

Illera slid and knocked over Eragon's opponent, giving him more time while pretending to lose Aie.

Hehe. Eragon you owe me one.

He smiled slightly and returned to sparring.

Arya's relief was barely noticeable, but Illera was close enough that she could sense it.

"Come on. I know you want to finish it," Illera murmured, eyes connected with the elf princess'.

Arya didn't say anything, but glanced back at Eragon quickly.

I would thank you if you ended it. The elf connected with the Rider's mind.

Illera's lips curved into a grim smile, and Arya pretended to thrust at her.

The Rider avoided it and flipped Arya's sword out of her hand.

When the elf dived to get it, Illera went after her and flicked her sword up to Arya's throat.

"Dead."

Ande boomed, "And the Oriental Rider wins the match!"

Arya shook Illera's hand and went off to sit next to the Queen. Illera gave her a knowing look before sitting down next to Ryan.

The two Riders watched their leader struggle with a massive elf wielding a two-handed steel colored sword.

"Jesus, no wonder my leg fucking hurts," Illera muttered. "I tripped him!"

"Smart," Ryan chuckled, his eyes intent on Eragon.

The elf slipped slightly, just enough off balance for Eragon to pounce on him and swing Ilian up to his neck.

"The Blue Rider wins this match!" Ande was heard speaking quickly, but the other Riders paid him no attention.

"How was it?" Illera asked him as soon as Eragon got to them.

"Hard," he muttered, giving her a weak smile.

Ryan laughed. "Well you'll have to spar her next. Good luck with that!"

"Mm."

Ten minutes later, they were facing off. Illera hissed through her teeth; she wanted it to end quickly.

"Eragon?" she whispered quietly, pretending to seek a hole in his defense.

"Yes?" he answered back softly.

"When you and Murtagh fought, who won?"

His answer was prolonged, and she felt like his eyes were studying her.

"Neither. We were evenly matched," he answered.

"I see. Let's start."

She sliced at his arm and he rolled away quickly, recovering from the surprise attack.

Eragon thrust Ilian towards her side and she danced back, avoiding the thin blue blade.

Ande broke through her concentration.

"And they are weaving such an intricate web of steel! It's almost as if it is a dance, not a spar! This is how you spar, with elegance and grace as well as strength and brutality!"

Illera resisted another urge to roll her eyes. Eragon struck again, this time closer to her than she would've liked. Parrying the blow, she tried to flip her sword so that his would fall, but he twisted his blade away. Her eyes narrowed. Hm. This is interesting. Don't get too cocky Illera. Remember what Murtagh taught you. I wouldn't ever forget, Illera almost snapped at her dragon. Sorry. Trying to- the train of thought was cut off as she dodged another strike from Eragon. Sorry, I'll talk to you later. This is challenging. Amira chuckled before withdrawing from the conversation.

Illera stabbed at his chest and he bent backwards gracefully to avoid it. Her eyes widened.Well that's one thing I've not seen!

Eragon straightened and swung his sword near her leg. She slammed Aie down to block it, and the vibration carried up Ilian, into his arm. Eragon winced, but brought Ilian crashing down, aiming for her shoulder. Illera slid to the side. Tripping him, she flicked Aie up to his throat and said, "Dead."

He grinned and she helped him up.

"Good match," Eragon said, shaking her hand.

Illera smiled. "It was more interesting than I thought it would be," she teased.

Ande was going off target and rambling until Islanzadi stood up.

"Elves of the Realm, we have just concluded the Blade of Glory! The champion is Rider Illera! And her prize is…" Wait we have a prize!? Apparently.

"…A shield, created by Nideun of Kirtan! It will, as soon as you touch it Rider, bear your emblem."

Illera stepped forward and received the light, beautifully wrought steel shield. As soon as she touched it, a purple dragon formed in the middle of it, and the backround of it turned light lavender.

"Thank you," she murmured.

Islanzadi smiled at her and declared the ceremony finished.

--

It was time to go back to the Varden; the battle was rapidly approaching. Illera shook her head as though she was trying to get rid of an irksome fly. Ok. So Arya is going to fly with us, Orik will fly with Ryan and Eragon will have the bags? Yes. Eragon wishes to have time to think, according to Saphira. I see. When will the battle take place? Glaedr said it would be around the time we arrive, give or take a few days. And the elven armies and Islanzadi have left already correct? The night before. Oromis gives us his blessing.

She acknowledged this and finished saddling and armoring Amira. Beside her, Eragon and Ryan were doing the same, Orik and Arya watching. Illera stepped back. The dragon's armor was tinted so slightly the color of the dragon, making it very colorful indeed. Illera snorted. Just imagine Thorn with pink armor. Amira chuckled. That would indeed be a sight to see.

Eragon strapped the bags to Saphira, Ryan helped Orik climb onto Spitfire and Arya smiled slightly at Illera. With a start, she remembered she had to help the elf up.

"Here," she said and told her how to get up. Arya nodded and sat in between two snow white spikes. Illera effortlessly swung up and landed in the saddle.

"Ready?" Eragon called out. Illera nodded.

Saphira took off, leaving deep gouges in the ground. Amira did the same, following the blue dragon in the flight path. Behind them, Illera sensed Spitfire take flight and soar through the clouds. She sucked in a deep breath.Back to the Varden.

--

Review Responses:

Knight Vampire: Thanks! When I read your reply, I went searching for the poem. Turns out I forgot I put it in chapter 15 :). I really didn't know what Illera would write for her poem, so I put a little bit in; I guess I forgot to add it into the Agaeti Blodthren. I didn't really make a finished poem, but I could write one up if you really wanted and post it as a one shot. Thanks again!!

EragonPeep: Lol, I was trying to figure out a really shocking question for a cliffie ending. D. Apparently I succeeded. Her asking that question really shows how little self confidence she has; she's still human! Er…

Jeslie-saheia: Thanks! Lol, I've read soo many fics, so I decided to craye my own. Haha, Murtagh just doesn't understand some things; guys are stupid like that xD. I don't think I'll finish anytime soon; still got a lot. I'll try to read your story! You're right, Illera and Eragon are just really close friends. Glad you liked it!

Arya 4 ever: Lol. Eragon's too nice, too soft to say no xD. Possibly a little unhealthily obsessed with Arya too. It's a good thing though!

fAteD lOvE: Thanks!! Sorry, I'd already written that part by the time you reviewed. I think Eragon's too soft to do that to Arya though!! And congrats, you wre the hundredth reviewer!!

Valinor's Twilight: Thanks! Glad you like it :)