Om nom nom. Restrained. Freedom, not necessarily, though it depends on how you look at it. Arya has a right to be upset with Murtagh, but she's not. The 'voice like stone' is Arya hiding her emotions from others. She's changed in a way that she's revealing her emotions more, but only to certain people and at certain times. Andaer was mostly just hesitant, so I guess you could say he was uncomfortable with Thorn. Allysmurfy, I do too, that's why I'm at home sick today. You guys are lucky, if I was at school then you guys probably wouldn't get this chapter until Monday, which is most likely the earliest time I'll be able to update. Well, I hope you feel better Smurfy. Pie in the Face, 'arse' haha! I watched the double rainbow actress again today. It's still as funny as the first time. I love the person at the very end who is just like "Jeez!" after the woman left. I'm listening to Owl City too! I'm listening to Hello Seattle, but Vanilla Twilight is my favorite. It gives me butterflies because I always think of a certain someone when I listen to it. Azura the Blue Dragon, I hide under your porch BECAUSE I LOVE YOU! I absolutely love your reviews! This one literally almost made me pee because I read it when I really had to go to the bathroom.

Chapter 36

"We Will Be Ready"

Nasuada waited a moment for things to settle down and for the others' attention. "The purpose of this meeting is to discuss further plans on our action in the war. We cannot move on to take Belatona until Arya and Andaer have had some training in fighting together." Nasuada paused. "We must also collaborate with the Elves, Dwarves, and Urgals, so that when the time comes for us to strike Uru'baen, we are ready to do so together." Nasuada paused again to think before looking at Eragon. "Eragon, how is Arya's training coming along?"

"Teaching Arya in magic and swordsmanship is unnecessary, which you already know. Saphira and I have been teaching her and Andaer about the Life Cycle of dragons, mostly just covering the basics. She already knows the history of the dragons and Riders, so all that's left is to teach her to fly and fight with Andaer, and a few other things," Eragon answered.

Nasuada nodded and glanced at Arya and Andaer. "And when will you begin to train her and Andaer to fly and fight?" She asked, switching her gaze back to Eragon.

Eragon looked up at Saphira, silently conversing with her.

I will start teaching Andaer to fly in about two weeks, two and a half at the latest, Saphira said to him.

Would you say he'd be big enough to ride about a week and half after that? Eragon asked.

Perhaps even earlier than that because of how swiftly he grows.

Eragon nodded in agreement. Nasuada is wondering how much time before we'll be ready to move out. What should I tell her?

You should tell her how long it will take for us to train Arya and Andaer, and then let her figure the rest, Saphira answered. She sensed a little uneasiness from Eragon. What is it, little one? She asked.

I don't want to send Arya and Andaer out into battle together unless I know they're prepared. Fighting with a dragon, one that is joined to your mind especially, is different than fighting alone. It can become confusing. It is still for me sometimes, Eragon answered.

Little one, Arya is strong and brave, and so is Andaer. They will fight well, and if they need help, you and I, and Thorn and Murtagh will be there. These words calmed Eragon's nerves as he looked back at Nasuada.

"Saphira will begin Andaer's flying lessons in two weeks. Once he's learned to fly well enough we'll see how well he can do with a rider."

Andaer squeaked loudly, unable to contain his excitement. Flying!

Those around him smiled as the emerald dragon's words sounded in their minds.

Yes, we will fly, Arya said to her dragon.

When things settled down once more, Nasuada called on Blodhgarm. "You told me that you have word from Queen Islanzadi." She was extremely thankful for the ward that Trianna had placed on her a while ago that protects her from Blodhgarm's enticing scent.

The furred elf nodded. "Gil'ead is stable. A group of Elves is stationed there to protect the humans and keep the city under control. Queen Islanzadi and her troops are camped on the west side of the Ramr River half way between Gil'ead and Bullridge. A week ago they met a band of Empire Soldiers, but defeated them easily. They are, for the moment, idle, but plan to continue on to Bullridge soon. The Queen also ordered me to tell you that she wishes for you to contact her as soon as possible to discuss further plans of action."

As Blodhgarm spoke, Andaer watched him with emerald eyes full of amazement and question. This Elf is so strange, He thought to himself. What is he? He hardly wears any clothing, unlike the other creatures. His whole body is covered in dark blue fur, and he has tufts of fur growing out of his ears. He also has claws like me!

"Thank you Blodhgarm," Nasuada said once he had finished speaking.

The elf nodded once again before turning and disappearing behind Saphira. Before he did though, Andaer caught a glimpse of his eyes when Blodhgarm looked at him. Vivid yellow and rich gold blended together to form a glistening orb. Thin, cat-like slits the color of the darkest ebony stretched from the top of the iris to the bottom. The staggering pierce of the Elf's gaze caused a shudder to shoot through Andaer's body.

Arya glanced down at her dragon. Are you alright? She asked.

I am fine, Andaer replied in a somewhat mystified voice.

Nasuada fell into deep thought as she stared down at the map before her. "Orrin, will you and your men be ready in thirty-three days?" She asked after a long moment.

"We will be ready," King Orrin answered.

"Good, then if all goes according to plan, we'll move out in four weeks five days."

'If all goes according to plan' Hmm, usually when someone says that it means that things are not going to go according to plan. What do you think is going to happen?