Alright, this is the Arya chapter, please tell me how you feel about this so I can fix anything with the upcoming Arya POV chapters. And also, I would like to answer an interesting question brought up in the review. Why did Brom stay in Carvahall? Answer: Thinking that Selena was dead, he thought that the thing he should do to honor her memory was to see that her only son was brought up correctly. :) I hope that cleared up some confusion. And as for Eragon and Arya getting together, you'll see. Anyways, RR!

No one moved, not a single soul breathed a word as Eragon Shadeslayer knelt before Nasuada, offering his blade and his loyalty. Arya was displeased with his position, she would even go far as to say that she loathed its necessity. He was right though, she thought as her eyes drifted over to the dwarf king, his own expression blank. In a game such as this, they were just mere pawns. Hrothgar would without a doubt bring Murtagh under his influence. She returned her eyes to his kneeling figure, watching as Nasuada touched the tip of his blade to his forehead. His expression, she thought, looked rather resigned.

Arya watched as he stood, stepping back with Saphira. With shouts of approval, the crowd rose to their feet, dwarves hammering their boots to the ground, while human warriors banged their swords against their shields. The noise made her sensitive ears want to bleed.

After a few more speeches by various personages—including a still glowering Falberd—the amphitheater began to slowly empty. She waited until Eragon had stepped past the council, ignoring their heated stares and outright distaste. "You've earned some powerful enemies today."

His expression was grim as he sighed. "All the more reason we should leave Farthen Dûr — and soon." As she took in his appearance, she noticed that he appeared tired beyond his years. It was a feeling Arya would frequently have when around him. The feeling that he never really enjoyed himself; that he found everything in life a bother. She would never speak of such matters to him, though, for she hardly knew anything about him. The lack of understanding made her curious. She knew Murtagh; knew him enough to know what made him uneasy and what did not. But Eragon was a mystery to her. She did not know how he felt when he would see her. He always wore the same expression, a blank stare, as if nothing interested him.

They left the amphitheater together. As soon as they were out of the large open area, Eragon's servants were upon them. "My lord!"

Another mystery. One would expect that none of the four of them were especially talented in any way. But they had proved their worth during the battle of Farthen Dûr. Finny, who seemed to be the youngest, no older than twenty and no younger than sixteen, was always smiling. Or at least, he was when she saw him. He would give the impression of a young man that did not have a care in the world; in contrast his unnatural strength was daunting. Bard, who seemed to be the oldest in appearances, looked like he was in his late twenties. He had proven himself to be an apt spellcaster. Rosalie was a skilled healer, and Arya knew nothing of the small petite woman called Desdemona. Both looked as if they were in their early twenties.

Eragon turned to her, his expression changing very slightly, she noticed. His brows dipped forward and the corners of his lips lifted slightly. He was apologetic for the interruption. Arya nodded and without a word, she turned and left, with her dragon following at her heels. It intrigued her as to why they served Eragon with such loyalty, going so far as to step in harm's way for his sake. Nearly everything about him was shrouded in mystery. Entering her room, she sank down onto her bed, grateful that the day was over. Another funeral . . . and that brought her thoughts to Fäolin and Glenwing. Were they buried properly?

No. Now was not the time to grieve over the past; there were more important matters that demanded her attention. She could not ignore them. Ellesméra . . . it has been too long. What would her mother say? Knowing that her only daughter, the only heir to the knotted throne, was a Dragon Rider? Would she accept it? It just made the situation more tenuous. The danger had increased tenfold. From princess to ambassador, and now to Rider.

Her dragon, who sat at the foot of her bed, stood and made his way over to her, nuzzling the side of her leg affectionately. At least she had someone who could share her fate. It was true, she had lost Fäolin and Glenwing, but in return she was given someone who would be her life and mind partner. One who would always understand the depths of her feelings, without her having to explain. She too had to thank Eragon. She owed him much. She would perhaps never be able to repay him for what he had done for her.

Her eyes flickered down at her dragon and at the emerald orbs staring directly back at her. They were the same color as Arya's eyes. She smiled, reaching out to stroke his snout. Eventually he would get too big to fit in her room. He may be only two weeks old, but he was as tall as her waist now. No doubt he would tower over her in a few months' time. "Rest now little one. Tomorrow we shall be preparing for our journey to Ellesméra."

Arya watched as he blinked before curling up on the ground. His jaws opened, a light puff of smoke billowed out.

Early dawn came and she rose with it. Her habits had never changed despite living among humans and dwarves for so long. It appalled her, how some would laze around in bed until late noon before rising and trying to achieve a day's work. She detested many customs, not least how the women wore different clothing than the men. Arya would never bring herself to wear a dress when leggings and a tunic made combat much easier, for some reason something that human women disapproved of.

Her destination that morning was Nasuada's study. It took her half an hour to reach it due to Tronjheim's massive size. When she arrived, instead of two normal two guards at the door, an entire squad of warriors stood before it, alert for the slightest danger. Though the men recognized Arya and her dragon, they barred the way until Nasuada allowed entry.

Nasuada sat behind her desk, still cloaked in black. As Arya seated herself and her dragon beside her, she greeted her. "Good morning, Arya." She nodded in return. Nasuada continued. "I'm sure you've noticed the state of the Varden. We can no longer idle about as a mere resistance movement. We are poor, low on supplies and overextended — along with the fact that few recruits want to join us."

Arya nodded. "When you reach Ellesméra, I would be glad if you could convince your mother to again aid our cause." Nasuada had been told of Arya's position before she had taken the appointment of becoming the new leader of the Varden. "The dwarves cannot support us any longer. With this in mind, I have decided to move the Varden to Surda — a dangerous move, but one I believe it shall be to our advantage. We at last shall be close enough to engage the Empire directly."

Surprise seeped through her at the declaration. To move a force as massive as the Varden would be a difficult task. "King Orrin had agreed to openly support us, with news of Eragon, Murtagh, and yourself."

"I see," said Arya, knowing that despite being an ambassador for her people, she had no power to change Nasuada's mind. "What of your own safety? When Eragon, Murtagh and I leave for Ellesméra to train, who shall protect you then?"

Nasuada favored her with a smile. "Ever since Eragon swore his fealty to me, I've gained many powerful allies. Brom has agreed to stay by my side and assist me in matters involving the Varden. His servants have also agreed to give me their loyalty. I'm sure that you've heard of and seen their abilities."

"I have."

"Then do not worry for me, and hurry to Ellesméra to finish your training, though I should doubt that you and Eragon would need any." Yes, that was true. Arya had studied swordsmanship, magic, and many things besides for decades. Little surprised her lately. She'd had seventy years to perfect her skills and from what she had seen of Eragon, he did not need training any more than she did. "Though traveling with Eragon and Murtagh may be rather unpleasant. They don't seem any closer to overcoming their differences. As requested for by King Hrothgar, I shall be sending Orik along as well."

Orik? She had known the dwarf ever since she arrived in the Varden, but she could not imagine him to willingly travel across Alagaësia to the land of her ancestors, especially atop a dragon. Dwarves had never seen the benefit of intertwining their fate with dragons, and that was why none had ever been a Rider.

The thought of traveling with the two half-brothers made her uneasy. Their differences were sure to make cause for arguments. Nasuada seemed to have mistaken her uneasiness for something different altogether. "If you are worried about Eragon, you should not be. He may seem devoid of emotion, but I've heard that he is very kind at heart."

"No, I'm not worried about Eragon in the least. I . . . trust him. It's the situation of him and Murtagh constantly in company that worries me."

"Ah, sibling rivalry. Or so it appears to be." She glanced down as if deep in thought before returning her gaze to Arya. "You should ready your supplies and meet me at the Northern Gate; I still have yet to speak with Eragon."

"You have?"

A small smile appeared on the dark woman's lips. "I was told by a rather distressed Bard that he doesn't take well to rising early. Apparently, he is an irritable but fairly early riser. He cautioned me to give Eragon time to collect himself."

Arya nodded, taking in the new piece of information. Standing, she bowed swiftly to Nasuada before exiting the study. An irritable riser? The information amused her to no end. She saw Eragon as a strong, hardened warrior, but the thought of him waking up disgruntled made her lips twitch. He was, on all accounts, an intriguing person. The kitchen was the next stop, as her dragon was hungry. When she neared it, the sight of Bard hunched over with laughter greeted her.

"My god!" he roared, pounding his fist against his knee. "That was amazing! I thought they were going to tear her to pieces!" He had not taken notice of her as she stopped before him, her eyebrows raised.

"Tear who to pieces?" it was amazing how fast his laughter subsided and how ramrod straight he stood, his arms by his side, his chin raised high as if saluting a king or queen.

The next thing he did surprised her. He twisted his right hand and placed it above his sternum, in a gesture of respect. "Miss Arya." She was so shocked about his knowledge of her people's etiquette that it took a moment for her to form a reply.

"Bard." Arya inclined her head. Then curiosity overwhelmed her. "Where did you learn that gesture?"

He grinned, looking sheepish. "Lord Eragon taught it to us when he arrived here. Though there had yet to be a circumstance in which to use it." She nodded, and her curiosity for the Rider heightened considerably.

Arya turned back to the subject at hand. "Who was about to be torn to pieces?"

A chuckle escaped his lips as he explained to her. "A sorceress came looking for Lord Eragon. I think her name was Trianna, but I can't say for sure. It was outright wooing if you ask me. It was rather alarming when Desdemona and Rosalie caught sight of her." He chuckled again, his blue eyes sparkling with unsuppressed merriment. "They looked ready to roast her on a spit."

Arya nodded feeling her own lips curve up into a smile. An interesting story indeed. She blinked when her dragon snapped impatiently. "It was pleasant to speak with you, thank you, Bard."

He nodded, inclining his head. "May the stars watch over you."

With that she left for the kitchen. The cook there had obediently served up the meat for her dragon to eat. Arya did not partake of meat, nor did she like the smell of it. It was natural for her dragon to eat meat, though, as all dragons were predatory animals. It was something she would need to become accustomed to. After he had eaten what appeared to be an entire deer, she left to pack.

Arya took time when packing; she did not rush like most people would as in the end, they would always forget something. It would take much longer since she had to bring some food along for the journey. Despite her pack's heaviness, it made little difference due to her elven strength. Who would she be riding with, Eragon or Murtagh? The thought occupied her mind as she walked, only to blink out of her reverie when someone called out to her. Turning, her green eyes came to rest on Brom and Selena.

"Is something amiss?" she asked them when they had reached her.

"Nay," said Brom with a shake of his head. "I wanted to speak, before you met with the others at the gate." He handed her a scroll that was sealed shut with red wax. "Give this to the Cripple who is Whole for me, it explains at length Murtagh's training. I am afraid that I am unable to travel with you, since the Varden have more use of me here. An old man like me would only slow you down and time is of the essence."

Arya nodded sticking the scroll into her pack, tucked safely under her food and bed spread. Selena, who she had rarely spoken to, stepped forward, her brown eyes bright. "I do not know you well, Arya, but I have a favor to ask of you."

Her brows slanted into a frown. A favor? "If it is in my power, then I shall lend you my aid."

Relief flooded her expression and she nodded. "Can you watch out for Eragon and Murtagh for me?" said Selena. "I know you think that Eragon can handle himself, but I don't want him alone. I am reluctant to see him travel to Ellesméra. Despite having Saphira, I can't help but feel that when he reaches your forest, it would make that loneliness of his much more stark." She pressed on before Arya could open her mouth to respond. "He doesn't open up like Murtagh does. Even as a child he did not have friends. So please, extend your hand to him in friendship. I feel that you will come to understand him."

She hesitated. But a part of her mind understood what Selena was asking. Eragon did not seem close to anyone at all besides Saphira, his mother and maybe his servants. And to travel to Ellesméra, it would isolate him. After a few moments of deliberation, she nodded. "I shall do what I can."

A breath of relief escaped her lips. "Thank you and I know this seems much, but if possible, lend him your strength." Her eyes became downcast. "Growing up without a father has made Eragon a person who doesn't ask for help easily. Whether he doesn't know how to rely on others, or if he has no desire to, he doesn't give you the chance to worry over him." A soft smile graced her lips, as her brown eyes, so much like Eragon's, stared into Arya's emerald ones. "And yet, he has a way of aiding others without realizing it."

That was right, Arya thought. He had helped her from the beginning. He had rescued her from Durza, had given her the last remaining egg. And without realizing it, she found herself faintly smiling. "I understand."

"Thank you, Arya," said Brom from behind Selena, though his eyes seemed a little drawn down as he spoke. She nodded and collecting herself, suggested that they go to the Northern Gates of Tronjheim. When they had arrived, a small group was already there. It consisted of Eragon and his servants, Jörmundur, Nasuada, Murtagh, Orik, Saphira and Thorn. Her dragon, who had been following her, ambled up to Saphira excitedly, his tail swaying from side to side, before licking the sapphire dragon's snout.

Arya's eyes flickered to Murtagh who wore a helmet and etched into it were the stars and hammers of King Hrothgar's clan, the Ingeitum. Now every race had a claim on a Rider. Selena rushed forward and embraced Murtagh and Eragon both, causing their heads to bang into one another. Then releasing them, she embraced each individually, kissing them on their brows and cheeks, saying, "Have a safe journey. I love you."

Brom stepped up next and the tension around the four seemed to have worsened from his actions. He said his good-bye to Murtagh, before slowly turning to Eragon. Arya could tell how his face hardened and his brows slanted dangerously. It was a wonder that looks could not kill, for Eragon was glaring at his father so darkly; it would spark fear into even an Urgal.

"Have a safe journey, Eragon." He reached out a hand hesitantly and for a long moment they all thought that he would deny it, until Eragon lifted his arm and gripped Brom's forearm, him returning the gesture. This nearly had Selena crying with happiness.

"We should set off, Aiedail has set." Eragon nodded and released Brom's arm before gesturing to her pack. She handed it to him and watched as he tied it to one the saddlebags on Saphira.

"Take care of my mother and Nasuada for me while I'm away," Eragon instructed his servants. They nodded and bowed, saying their goodbyes to their lord for what seemed like the hundredth time by Eragon's expression. He turned to her, and an intense curiosity and familiar strange feeling welled up in her as she stared into his deep brown eyes. "Climb onto Saphira first, I'll sit behind you."

Arya nodded and with the elegance and speed that she was born with, jumped from Saphira's foreleg to her shoulder, sliding her legs into the straps as Eragon instructed from where he stood on the ground. With as much grace, Eragon followed suit, settling himself behind her. His strange smell drifted to her nose, like a fresh day mixed with the scent of something musky. His arms settled on her waist. The small space between them did not alarm her, but it only increased the strange feeling she felt.

Her eyes turned to Thorn, with Orik and Murtagh. The dwarf sat in front like her, while Murtagh sat behind. She could see the apprehension in the dwarf's face at the thought of flying. With a surge of her powerful wings, Saphira kicked off from the ground, angling towards the tunnel with Arya's dragon following and Thorn bringing up the rear.

That strange feeling gripped her again as Eragon's pressure on her waist increased while Saphira gained elevation. What was this feeling?

So, how was the chapter? Please review. But anyways, I shall see you in the next chapter which I hope shall be posted soon enough.

Chapter update: 08/16/2014