Okay…so I pull a really corny scene in here, all right? But don't you think after all the angst these two have gone through and have yet to go through that they deserve some cute times:D

Chapter 25: No Lies

Marie? It's time to wake up… A male voice whispered through Marie's head. She shifted in her bed, a warm smile on her face as she dreamed. She pushed the voice away, too happy with her dream to care for awaking.

Marie…come on…The voice nudged again gently.

"Not…not now, Eragon," Marie murmured, sighing again.

Eragon? Why would you think I am Eragon? Marie, don't you remember me yet? Marie shot up like a bullet, suddenly realizing who was speaking.

Oropher! No…I remember…sorry…must've been a dream, Marie said, her excuse plainly a lie. Oropher sent her hesitant, suspicious waves but he covered them up to.

I'm supposed to let you know that you need to go down to the archery range. Oromis says that he knows you're weak but time is of the essence and you need to keep up your training. Since you'll have slight periods of memory for about a week until you're fully healed, you are to train physically with Lady Tari and Alatariel. Oropher said, his instructions flat and resound for some reason.

Marie's attitude flattened as well and brightened then too. She had forgotten all about Tari…though whether it was from her illness or not is debatable. Her slight happiness came from working with Alatariel. She knew that meeting the elf lady couldn't have been for nothing and now to be working with an elf that seemed almost…dare she say it, human, was exciting.

However, the female Rider had just been instructed to go to the archery range and if Marie remembered correctly, that was exactly what Tari had been so "eager" to teach her.

All right then… Marie said to Oropher.

Oropher gave a grunt and then the dragon's attention had left her. Marie frowned. When had they become so distant? Marie knew their bond was the closest the world could ever create…so why is it that she barely spoke with her own dragon?

This idea made her suddenly feel very alone and Marie sighed and got dressed. She seemed to feel less discomforted as she pulled on breeches, a tunic and boots. The dresses had been rather comfortable but something about this wear made Marie feel safe…and at home. She strapped Brom's old trusty blade to her hip and pulled on her gloves. There was no need to wear them while she was there but she still found comfort in wearing them.

She made her way outside, absently wondering where Eragon might be. After wandering around for a few moments, she sighed and realized that she hadn't taken a look around Ellesmera as she should have. Now she was lost and left to wander around.

"Why is it that I always seem to find you when you are lost, milady?" Marie turned around, a haughty grin on her face as Lifaen's dancing eyes met hers.

"I do not know the reason for that, Master Elf but it's oh so convenient," Marie said.

Lifaen laughed richly and held an arm out to her. "May I escort you to wherever you'd like?"

Marie was about to eagerly take his arm when the picture of Eragon's jealous face entered her mind and she faltered and shook her head. "I better not…maybe just directions?"

Lifaen looked at her for a moment, puzzled by her behavior and then a knowing smile spread across his face and he nodded. "Well then, I'll be happy to oblige with what I can give you."

Marie nodded and headed off into the direction of the archery, a scowl on her face. Her scowl was matched by that of Tari, who was standing in the middle of the empty range, her arm held firmly by the same snide-looking elf who had been standing amongst the people during the ceremony.

Marie stepped up to them, looking hesitantly up at the tall male elf. He was frowning at her, a brow raised in disgust. And yet, his disdain for being there didn't seemed directed entirely at her. After performing the motions, the elf introduced himself.

"I'm Vanir and I believe you have already met Tari," he said, saying Tari's name with a slight.

Marie nodded, glancing stiffly at the girl. "Yes, I have. And may I help you with something? I believe Tari was going to teach me…"

Vanir nodded and thrust the young elf forward. She crossed her arms and looked away, not looking at Marie or Vanir. Vanir scowled and muttered angrily, "Tari."

Tari shot him a glare and sighed. She grunted and muttered something.

Marie looked at her in confusion. "What?"

"Ir srmy," she muttered louder.

"Come again?"

"I'M SORRY!" Tari shouted and then spun around to face Vanir. "Are you happy you-you-UGH!"

A viscous smirk rose up on his lips. "Yes. I'm satisfied."

He walked to Marie and bowed to her. "Lady Rider. It was a pleasure."

And then he turned and sauntered off. Marie's lip quirked. He was…different. She looked back down at Tari and frowned. "So…where do we start?"

Tari gritted her teeth and balled her fists up. "Just because Vanir said I have to be nice to you doesn't mean I will. You're a human. A rotten scum of a human. At least Eragon is a male. At least Eragon can actually fight. But you…you're disgusting and will never be able to help the elves out. Why they are even depending on you is beyond me. Eragon is much more powerful then you are!"

Marie's rage peaked then. "You little witch! I've had it with you insulting me in front of everyone! What did I do to you anyway? It's because I'm a female, right? Females are just as powerful as males. Look at the elven females-"

"Elves are especial because they are the ones that first created the bond between Riders and dragons. Humans are just a waste of time and effort. Women especially have no traits worth liking at all."

Tari spun around then and without a word, stormed off. Marie was left their mouth agape. She was infuriated and raged all at once by this short spat between her and the elf but what the elf had said had pricked a tender spot. She was a human girl. The least likely to be of any help with the people or the elves. She was a hopeless, lost cause.

She sighed and went to a tree and sat down at its base, cupping her cheeks within her hands. A frown was set on her face as she thought long and hard. She watched as the sky rose from morning until noon before her stomach gave a growl to let her know that she needed food.

Marie sighed but did not stand. Butterflies circled the grassy field and light danced off the grass. Was she supposed to be a Rider? That question hadn't bothered her since Oropher had returned. Now it had entered her mind once more. Why was this little elf quirking her nature so? She was an elf far older then Marie herself and yet she seemed so childish…so young. Even so Marie was…hurt, offended…what was she?

"Marie?" Marie sat up to see Eragon striding towards her, looking tired but happy.

Marie smiled lightly, almost giddily back up at him as he stopped in front of her. He glanced around. "Where's Tari?"

Marie's face fell. "She's…she left."

"Well, did you have your lesson already?" Eragon asked, taken aback.

"It was cut to a maximum of five minutes," Marie replied flatly. "I'm not worthy enough to be trained by an elf."

Eragon winced, catching the thick, black humor. He sat down next to her. "Well…Oromis sent me here to see if you needed any help. He knew she's troublesome to be around sometimes…"

Marie smiled at him. "Will you help me a bit?"

Eragon grinned and then looked around. He leaned in to kiss her but she raised her fingers to his lips and he opened his eyes to see her panicked face. "What?"

"Someone might see us."

"Let them," Eragon said, brushing her hand away but she stood then and he looked up at her, confused.

"We can't be caught…" Marie said, frowning.

Oropher touched her mind then, quick and fast. Marie, what's wrong? You're distressed…

I'm fine Oropher…just…arguing with Eragon, that's all, Marie replied, sounding light though Oropher still felt miserable waves.

Why? I thought you two were getting along now?

I…I uh…

What's going on?

Nothing…I need to get back to my lesson, Oropher and you should do the same, Marie said and she cut off the connection so they could only feel each other there and not speak to one another.

Eragon had been silent but now that she had turned her attention back to him he looked irritated. "Marie, no one is training here…the place has been cleared out for your training. We can't be seen."

"What if Tari comes back?"

"Then…I'll…I'll keep my mind open…like Oromis has been teaching us to do. I'll search for her presence and make sure she isn't coming," Eragon said.

"So you can touch minds with that worthless creature?" Marie snarled. "I don't think so. Besides she's an elf. She'll see right through you."

Eragon groaned and stood. "Fine, fine…not now then. Let's get you started on that bow."

Marie frowned, slightly guilty that she had to stop this. Watching Eragon's lips twist into a scowl as he went for the bow made her itch. She looked away and reminded herself that they weren't supposed to have relationships. The dragons would have a fit.

Eragon grabbed a bow began teaching her how to string and knock it. It only took moments to cover and Marie felt like she was ready to move on. Eragon nodded and then stood and knocked an arrow, aiming for a target forty meters away.

"Keep your eyes just above the tip of the arrow, to see where it's going to go. Pull back tight but not too hard and when you have it, let go," Eragon said, letting the arrow loose with a whir. Marie watched in appreciative awe as the arrow sunk into the bullseye.

He handed her the bow and arrow and made her take a stance. He laughed then. "Your arms are too low, Marie. And you're going to hurt yourself with that finger posture."

Marie felt heat rise to her cheeks as Eragon stepped behind her and put a hand on her arm, lowering it. His other hand went to the one on the bow and laid over them, correcting them. She was still very unaccustomed to being so close to him.

"Now," he said softly in her ear. "Eye the target and when you feel it is directly on the bullseye, release."

Shivers were sent spiraling down Marie's back as she searched for the bullseye. Once found, she barely had time to release before Eragon had turned her around and was kissing her sweetly on the lips. Marie didn't protest. How could she when she was so weakened and inarticulate at that moment. Eragon had power over her like no other creature in the world did. And it was almost frightening.

"Marie, are you there?" a feminine voice sounded from the far side of the range. Marie tore herself away from Eragon swiftly and he spun around, clenching his fists, letting himself emit a low curse.

Marie sighed. "I told you someone would come…"

Eragon just grunted in reply and muttered. "I will see you at dinner."

With that he strode away and Ala came striding in, a sword on her hip. The elf stopped in front of Marie but the Rider saw Ala's eyes drift behind her. "Was Shadeslayer just here? Am I interrupting a lesson?"

Marie wanted to laugh scornfully then. If meeting lips with Eragon was a class she would be the first one there. However it was a dangerous secret and she shook her head. "Not a lesson. We were just having a disagreement on archery."

Ala nodded and then suddenly her bubbly energy seemed to return. "Well then, malady, shall we begin?"

Marie nodded eagerly and unsheathed her sword. She set the proper spell over it as did Ala and then they head off for a section out of the way of archery.

"I'm a little rusty at this so…" Ala said, sounding meek and giggling a little as they both stood in combat mode.

Marie merely and nodded and then with a cry she leapt forward, skimming her sword against the ground for an uppercut. All of her fury and irritation over Eragon seemed to spill with a single mad attacked and Marie expected it to land.

Marie grunted in surprise then as her sword was stopped mid-blow. Sparks flew as if in slow motion from the females' blades as they locked eyes, one in absolute surprise and the other with a bright, cocky grin.

Before Marie had time to move, she was on the floor in a heap. She got to her feet swiftly and held her sword ready, still gaping at Ala. "Rusty?"

"Yes…I haven't practiced in a long while," Ala said and then laughed. Marie was so stunned by the elf's upbrupt laughter that when Ala suddenly charged she was barely able to block.

Marie groaned and pressed her free hand against the blade, pushing Ala back. She raised her blade for a slice above when suddenly she was overcome with nausea and she forgot where she was. Ala's pommel collided with the bewildered Rider's stomach and she was sent hurtling backwards.

Ala started with surprise and was at Marie's side in seconds. "Are you all right, Lady Rider?"

"I…what? Who are you?"

Ala looked alarmed and then nodded, as if remembering something. Marie suddenly became aware that her stomach was throbbing and that Ala had a sword in her hand. Marie started to her feet. "You tried to kill me!"

"No, Marie!" Ala exclaimed. She touched her own blade to show that her hand stopped about three centimeters before touching the metal. "See? It's protected."

Marie glared at her. "Liar!" She held her sword ready and charged. Ala held up hers easily and swung Marie to the ground with a flick of her wrist. The elf had been holding back.

Marie grasped her head. It was stinging and twisting around. Memories were jumbled together and causing her to feel sick. She remembered that she had been fighting then and held up her hand. Her tongue was about to utter a spell that would case Ala to go flying back when a more powerful magic force pounded on her and she was knocked unconscious.

Ala looked up in surprise to see Lifaen and Eragon striding forward. Ala bowed deeply to both. "I didn't know what to do. This memory loss of hers is going to get someone hurt."

"You would've been," Lifaen said softly, bending down to check Marie. "She still has some side effects of the healing process. Her magic is effected by it especially. It'll cause it to be extremely powerful at times and extremely weak at others…at least until the effects wear off in about two weeks' time."

"How did you know something was wrong?" Ala questioned.

Eragon shifted uncomfortably next to Lifaen and the elf sighed. "Eragon came and found me and wanted to know whether I'd like to spar with him or not. So we came and saw Marie in this state."

Ala looked intently at Eragon who widened his eyes at her and looked away. She frowned then, trying to understand what had just happened.

Eragon bent down by Marie, any anger he had before changed to concern. "Will she be alright?"

"She will be fine," Lifaen said. "A little fatigued but nothing wrong. Another memory loss like this one should arise again sometime tomorrow so be aware. I will awaken her now."

Lifaen whispered a few words in the ancient language and Marie shot up in panic. She spun around, looking at everyone in confusion. "What…what are you doing here?"

Eragon backed stood, his face blanking stubbornly. He was still upset. "Just your little side effects causing problems, that's all."

Marie's brows met in confusion and then realization hit her. "I must've had a…did I hurt anyone?"

"Not a chance, malady," Ala broke in cheerily before Eragon could drop another snide comment. "You were just a little confused at why you were laying ion a heap on the ground…"

Marie frowned again. "Why am I on the ground?"

Lifaen smiled up at Alatariel. "You just experienced one of the many talents, Lady Ala posses. That's all."

Marie nodded and sighed. She was about to stand when a thundering gust caused Eragon to fall down next to her and Lifaen and Ala to shield their eyes. They looked up in alarm to see Oropher roaring and sweeping downwards. He landed in the middle of an archery range, which split into billions of pieces from his tail hitting it. He charged over, a snarl on his lips and the elves leaped out of the way as he bent over Marie.

"Oropher!" Marie shouted in surprise as Oropher's golden eyes flicked around warily at the people and at Eragon who hadn't budged from Marie's side.

I sensed confusion! Pain! Anger! What happened? Are you hurt? Did HE hurt you? I'll bite his head off-

"Oropher!" Marie shouted with her mind and mouth as he knocked Eragon backwards with a flick of his claw and pinned him to the dirt. Eragon didn't try to escape tough nor did he get angry. He merely let the dragon pin him.

Oropher stopped and looked at her, his golden eyes filled with agony and worry. He ever so slowly backed away from Eragon. Marie's breath came out short and a few tears slid down her cheeks. She stood and went and touched Oropher's snout and hugged him.

Eragon sat up slowly and looked at both Marie and Oropher. Both blinked or nodded in some affirmation that cast bewilderment between the elves. Eragon nodded, his face grim and tight and he stood and left without a word. Marie stayed and sat by Oropher's head, touching his side and apparently conversing with him through their own telepathy.

Lifaen and Ala stood then and backed slowly away until they were standing just outside the clearing. Neither move nor spoke then.

Ala could barely whisper. "I didn't…did you…?"

"No…" Lifaen said quietly. He watched Marie with fond eyes. "And I don't think we ever will. They are of a different world then we and something like what just happened…can't be explained. I think though…Marie and Oropher have appeared to really reunite then…something must've happened. As for Eragon…I think he's coming to a grim conclusion to Oropher is first no matter what he does or where he lies with Marie. There are definitely much more deeper things going on between all of them…but we can never be a part of it."

Ala sighed. "I…is it wrong to want to?"

"No," Lifaen replied. "I do…and I think anyone who comes in contact with these two Riders and their dragons. They want to take part in whatever special happening is going on…they want to be in the big picture. However we will never be unless we become connected to one of those amazing creatures and even then, we wouldn't have started where Eragon and Marie had came from."

Ala nodded and sighed and then turned to walk away. "Thank you, Lifaen…though I do not completely understand what just happened…I know a little. Though I think if we knew them better…maybe we would've understood as well."

"Yes…" Lifaen said as silently with the magic of elven feet Ala slipped away. "Yes…we might've…"

MMMMMMMMMMMMMM

How are you feeling?

Like I could fly for miles and miles…the lesson was easy and short today…Oropher fled. What happened, young one?

Marie and Oropher have returned to one another's sides…their quarrel has ended.

Not with them…with you. You seem…changed, Eragon.

I think I have a little…and I don't know why.

We'll understand it…in time…

Time…I hate it…I hate all of it…it is time that has cursed us with waiting for our battle against Galbatorix. I want to be prepared Saphira…but I want to end it…to move and live a nice healthy life like I wanted to…

A quiet life sounds nice…but for now we are tied…is there something you aren't telling me?

…

Eragon?

Nothing…there is nothing I'm not telling you…

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

A slight breeze picked up around Marie from where she sat on her balcony. Oropher was resting beside her, both content and loving, as if they had just met once more. But Marie's mind was open enough to her dragon so that Oropher finally turned one large golden eye to look at her in questioning.

What is it?

I..can't say.

The dragon lifted his head at her then. Why not? Hadn't we just agreed not to fight anymore? That means we shouldn't keep anything from one another. Nothing at all.

I know! Marie snapped. It's…complicated. Leave me for a few hours….then I will speak…

Why can't you speak now? Why must you think? What is it? Oropher demanded, though rising to his feet nevertheless.

Please! Marie snapped, frustrated. She stared at in, her face twisted in the agony of keeping such an intimate secret from her most trusted companion. Oropher's face relaxed and he dipped his head. Another unspeakable communication had passed between them and he went to the edge and dropped out of the tree.

Marie swiftly broke from his contact and reached out to the world, searching for the one person who could relieve her from this problem. When she found him she touched him immediately and found that he let her in with ease, only his presence was connected to another's.

Marie? Saphira asked in surprise. Is there something you wanted?

Yes…What's going on? Eragon questioned. He pulsed worried symptoms to her and only her and she relieved him.

Saphira…if you don't mind…I need to speak with Eragon…alone and in person… Marie said, slowly. Her heart beat hard against her chest. What would the dragon say? Would she figure it out right then and there and force Eragon and Marie apart? What would happen?

Okay then… Saphira said and Eragon and Marie felt the dragon slip away.

What's going on? Eragon asked the second the dragon was gone.

I need to talk to you…come to my room…please, try not to be seen by Oropher, Marie begged.

Okay then…is something the matter?

Marie sighed. Just come…

I'm there.

The door opened then and Eragon came rushing in. Marie barely had time to stand before he had his arms wrapped around her and his lips locked with hers. Marie had trouble then in trying to remember why exactly she had called him. When it finally came back to her, slowly and hard, Marie pushed him reluctantly back.

Eragon looked at her, his eyes dancing. "You seem fine to me…"

Marie smiled but then sighed. "We…have to tell the dragons…"

Eragon looked at her, surprised for a moment and then he nodded and sat on her bed. "Okay…how…when…and what are we going to possibly tell them…to get them to listen to us?"

"I…don't know…the truth for starters…"

"That'll do a lot of good. You remember what they said. They'll make me start permanently training with Lifaen if we started something. We wouldn't be able to see each other…not unless we fought in battle with one another…"

"We have to try…I already told Oropher I was hiding something…though I think he knew something was wrong long before."

Eragon winced and nodded then. "Aye…I do believe Saphira knows something is wrong too."

"So…what choice do we have?"

"I…don't know."

Eragon sighed and leaned back against the pillows. "Marie…what do you think is in store for us…in the future? How will the battle turn out? What will we do?"

Marie shifted onto the bed herself and lay against him. "I…I don't know. I don't know if I will be ready when the time to fight comes. We've been practicing…and learning magic…but…if Galbatorix is the master everyone claims him to be…how is it possible that we can defeat him?"

Eragon frowned. "I know…there seems to be a lot resting on the Riders…"

"We are hope…"

"And yet…we can still fail," Eragon said. He thought of Saphira and Roran and Gareth and Brom. How the people he cared for most needed to be saved and the people that had died needed to be avenged. It was not just the weight of the Alagaesian people that pressured he and Marie…but the weight of their own needs and duties. Promises that they will forever strive to keep before they ever became Riders.

Marie sat up and crossed her legs. "I…long to see Murtagh again."

Eragon nodded and the pained memories of the friend he had gotten close to. Murtagh had even been close enough to be called his brother. The way he had been taken was so sudden and fast that it was taking the Riders even now to comprehend it.

"He would've…he would've known what to do at a time like this," Marie muttered.

Eragon's lips tightened. "He would've made the better Rider."

Marie looked at him, stunned for a moment. Eragon avoided her eyes. "He would've. He is the son of a Rider…evil or not…Morzan was a Rider. And Murtagh had the blood in him to do so…I wonder if Saphira might've chosen him if she had been exposed to him earlier."

Marie's surprised expression changed to angry. "Don't say that! Murtagh would've been a great Rider, you're right. But you…Saphira could've chosen Murtagh for all that time he lived in Uru'baen. But she didn't…she chose you. Just earlier you were lecturing me about doubting my position…now you say this."

Eragon shifted on his side, away from her. She raised her brows and then forced his shoulder down so she was leaning over him. "Brom said so himself…that the eggs only hatch in the presence of their Rider. That's why Oropher hatched for me and Saphira for you. Because we are their Riders…"

Eragon stared into her eyes and then closed his. "I know…I…know. I just can't help feeling like the world is always on our shoulders. That someone more prepared to take such a challenge is out there and that really…this was a mistake. And now this has happened…where I can barely find time in the world to enjoy peace…to enjoy being with you or Saphira…all because I am burdened."

Marie nodded and backed off him. "I…understand."

"You…are the only one I'd believe when you say that," Eragon replied and then he leaned up and ran a hand across her cheek.

Marie sighed and brought up a knee against her chest. "Maybe we would not be so burdened if we tell the dragons…now."

Eragon nodded and closed his eyes. "Alright. I'll call Saphira and tell her to get Oropher and have them meet us in the glade by Oromis's creek."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Minutes later, two large dragons, one beautiful sapphire female and the other a gold and pearly sheen walked into the glade that was spoken about and lied down. The gold and white one snaked his head over and nuzzled the sapphire one, a large humming nose rising from his throat.

Do you know what this is about? Oropher said.

I think…I have a clue… Saphira replied.

They're going to confront us about it aren't they?

Aye…I believe they are.

And your feelings are the same as my own?

Yes, if you feel what I think you feel…

Good.

The sound of feet coming towards them turned to dragons away from each other to look towards the trees surrounding the glade. The sun was slowly beginning to set and was casting long shadows across the glade. Fireflies began to dance about and weave between the blades of grass.

Then the owners of the footsteps stepped out of the forest, their hands linked. Saphira and Oropher showed no surprise as Eragon and Marie walked forward, heads held high and faces set. They showed no care to Marie's hand firmly grasped in Eragon's.

The two Riders stopped in front of their dragons and glanced at one another, longingly and worriedly before turning their main focus at the task at hand.

Saphira…Oropher…we have something we'd like to share with the both of you, Marie said.

Eragon nodded in agreement and both looked at the dragons. Oropher and Saphira sat politely, waiting for them to continue.

We… Marie trailed off and looked down, hesitant. She bit her lip, unable to continue. She was too afraid to take the chance.

"I am courting Marie," Eragon said aloud. Marie looked at him fast and in amazement. Eragon continued, not looking at her. "We were first just lovers but…I think that when the time is right I can give her a real ring…for a proper engagement."

Marie felt her knees weaken as she stared at Eragon, whose gorgeous face hadn't turned from staring the dragons boldly in the eyes.

Oropher snorted then and a low growl rumbled in his throat. What makes you think…boy, that you can just take Marie's hand in marriage like that…without consulting me, first?

Eragon winced when Oropher practically spat the word "boy" at him but continued. "We knew you dragons would not accept. When we had begged to be together before…when we had tried to do something before…you made it clear you would separate us if we started something and-"

"We've been thinking a lot about what's been going on and what is to come," Marie broke in. Eragon turned and looked at her and she let a small smile slip his way before turning back to the dragons. "And we've decided that no time would be right to start a relationship. We'll always be burdened, there will always be war and there will always be fighting. And just recently…when Eragon thought I was going to die, we realized that one of us really could die unexpectedly and we would've never had to chance to be together."

"And so we've decided that now is as good a time as ever…" Eragon said.

Marie nodded and looked back down. She could feel Oropher's strange angry pulsing and his eyes resting on her. Saphira's eyes were set on them both as well and nothing was said for the longest time.

Alright then, Oropher said.

Marie blinked and looked up, too stunned to register what he had said. "What?"

Oropher looked at Saphira, his expression smug. Alright then.

"What…are you saying?" Eragon asked slowly.

The dragons exchanged looks again looking very pleased with themselves and then looked down at the two Riders. Saphira spoke, her voice ringing with pride. We knew this was coming since before the celebration of my eggs. We saw it when I and Eragon returned to Ellesmera because of my sickness.

And…we knew there was nothing we would be able to do to stop it, Oropher said.

Saphira nodded. You see? After it had been announced that I was pregnant…Oropher and I decided that it would be alright for us to show our feelings. We knew that we would be forgiven.

But then…we also knew that with Saphira and I getting so close…that it would be harder for you two to keep apart. You two have done such a fine job keeping yourselves from it for so long. It was only a matter of time before you went behind our backs, Oropher said.

Marie began to tremble then as tears of joy were streaming down her cheeks. She cried out and threw her arms around Oropher's neck and laid kisses across his snout. The dragon nuzzled her lovingly.

He spoke to her then and only her. I was angry with you because I wanted you to trust me…I am your dragon, my girl and the only way we can bond is if we can trust each other with every and all things.

I'm sorry…you have no idea how uncomfortable it was for me to keep this from you, Marie breathed, closing her eyes against him.

Eragon watched with unspeakable joy as Marie went to Oropher and embraced him. He turned to Saphira and went to the side of her beautiful face to touch her cheek. I thank you so much Saphira…but I don't understand still. Why?

Didn't our explanation serve as a good enough reason? Saphira asked, though there was no surprise in her beautiful chiming voice.

I understand that…but I don't understand Oropher. Just before…when we were explaining…he sounded almost entirely against it, Eragon said.

You forget that Oropher is like Marie's older brother. They are close that Marie has probably shared her feelings about you since the first moment he hatched. He was testing you Eragon. It is hard for him to let Marie move on and find comfort with another male. Especially when she searches for protection...she usually goes to him. I am okay with you moving on...I have fallen in love and therefore know exactly how you feel. But Oropher...wants to make sure that you're going to protect her, Saphira said. She and her Rider both turned to look at their companions then and Saphira gave a dragony chuckle. Whether she wants the help or not.

I think…I do sort of understand…and it ties in…on how he reacted earlier…in the archery range, doesn't it? Eragon questioned.

Saphira lowered her head to look at Eragon with one big sapphire eyes. I think it does…

Eragon smiled at Saphira then and then stepped away from her. He watched as Marie nodded at Oropher after every few moments. Sometimes her face would look serious and then she'd chuckle and her beautiful smile would light up her grim face.

When she was done talking she turned to him and her smile got wider. Without waiting for permission she raced up to him and leapt into his arms then. He laughed and they ended up on the ground in a heap and rolled in the grass.

Marie giggled and sat up next to him and he touched her cheek. Fireflies hovered and danced around their faces, casting a soft glow on their cheeks. Their eyes shone in the twilight and for the first time since they got to Ellesmera, both were incandescently happy. You know…I'm glad it turned out this way…

Me too…Marie replied, raising a hand to touch Eragon's own. We can finally be together…no lies.

No lies…Eragon repeated. He smiled then and leaned forward to lay his lips upon hers. I like the sound of that.