I'VE RETURNED! Well I'm not even sure if this will be permanent. A year has gone by and plenty has happened to me. Since it's been so long I believe I owe you all an explanation. This last year I've been focused on work with little time to relax and lately I've been into this group called Girls Generation (people look this group up! Special shout out to Kim Taeyeon!). Absolutely in love with them. Been visiting places here and there, South Korea a big one on the list. Been working my butt off and I've been finding my spare time trying to relax by playing video games until of course PS3 goes out of commission. Anyone know where I can get one for cheap? Haha. This sounds like a ridiculous excuse for my absence seeing as I promised to finish this story. But I've been enjoying life a lot lately. Everything's been going smoothly and I thought that it was time to finish this chapter and post. I'm not sure if I can do the weekly updates that I've done in the past but I'll try my best. Good news though, I've been working on my own novel this past year and a little more I'll be done. Maybe I'll get my big break there. Anyways sorry for the long author's note so RR!

He gritted his teeth as Arya's soft and nimble fingers lightly glided over his left arm which was twisted at a rather oddly bent angle. Her emerald eyes were narrowed in concentration as she assessed the situation and she paused momentarily at the spike of pain that shot through his system at her touch. Earlier that night, while they were sparring, he had made a rather reckless move and as a consequence; he'd twisted his left arm.

Her emerald eyes flickered to his again. She blinked. Gritting his teeth, Eragon nodded giving her he affirmative to go ahead with her course of action. Reaching out to his wrist, Arya firmly gripped it in her right hand as her left hand gripped his upper arm. Then without giving him a warning, she twisted his arm back into place causing his muscles and bone to snap under the strain of it all. His vision going black momentarily, Eragon gasped as the intense pain shot from his arm to every single vein in his body.

When his vision cleared, her worried face was hovering over him reflecting the dim glow of the firelight. If only you listened to my warning, said Saphira from where she sat on the other side of their camp with Eridor, her head resting on his.

Leave it, said Eragon suddenly tired. After three days of arduous traveling they'd made it to the outskirts of Du Weldenvarden, meaning that they were right on schedule. Saphira glanced at him then she snorted, amused by his sudden attitude.

"Does it still hurt?" murmured Arya as her fingers glided over his arm.

Eragon shook his head, "Not as much as it did before," he flexed his left arm experimentally and found that the pain was almost nonexistent, before giving Arya a grateful look. Her eyes darted away to the campfire and for a moment he couldn't exactly pinpoint the feeling that was welling up within her. It clicked after a few seconds, she was embarrassed! Even though she had twisted his arm—purely accidental of course—Eragon didn't hold it against her one bit.

As he contemplated, his eyes moved to the mass of the large forest before them cloaked in the shadows of the night. It was very intimidating to look at it from this point of view. Ever since they'd left for Du Weldenvarden three days ago, Arya had become more tense and stiff than usual. And whether it was the thought of returning to her home that bothered her or returning to her home with him as a mate that bothered her, he did not know. After a moment of debating, Eragon sighed and stood stretching, "I'm going to look for a stream to bathe, the sand on my skin is not exactly pleasant."

Do not wander too far, said Saphira.

He nodded glancing at Arya's turned back before trudging away towards the sound of the stream to the east of their campsite. It didn't take long for him to reach his destination and when he did, Eragon gratefully slipped into the water, his clothes lying folded on the bank. There was a tremendous amount to think about, though Eragon as he let the slightly chilled water wash over his limbs refreshing him.

Ever since they'd left the Varden, Elva's advice had remained in his mind through the day and night. It was like a small voice was whispering the secrets of her words to him over and over again. The true name of Alagaesia was not a farce, for that he was sure. But he couldn't bring himself to wholly trust in that alternative to win this war. There just wasn't enough time to find it without starving a mass of people or having Galbatorix crush them. Whatever he had to do was a loss to him.

Then there was Solembum and his own riddles about the Menoa Tree and the Vault of Souls. Eragon smiled wryly leaning his head back into the water, riddles upon riddles, he thought wryly. One would think that with a war about them, they would at least give him straight answers.

And apart from that, there was Arya to think about. Her sudden withdrawal and silence made him worried. After their rather intimate encounters after he was healed, he'd thought it would bring them closer together. And though they hadn't consummated their bond yet, their entwined souls was proof of their devotion to each other and yet her mood concerned him. There had been only sweet kisses and tender caresses since they'd left for Du Weldenvarden and even then it felt as if Arya was not with him, as if her mind was occupied on something else.

Maybe I should ask her, thought Eragon, but then didn't elves always prize their privacy?

He frowned and with a frustrated sound submerged himself into the water of the stream. Holding his breath for a while, he emerged again gasping for air.

Clear your mind Eragon! He mentally berated himself. Now was not the time to worry over Arya, when she felt comfortable she would come to him.

"May I join you?" nearly jumping from his skin at the soft sound of Arya's voice, Eragon turned to find her standing uncertainly on the bank of the stream. He had been so preoccupied with his thoughts he didn't hear her approach. Remembering her request, his face flushed as he nodded and trying to give her some privacy, he promptly turned his back to her.

Ignoring the sound of the rustling of clothing as it fell to the ground, he adamantly refused to turn around when he saw the ripples in the water meaning that Arya did indeed join him. She only came to bathe. Once he was done, he would leave to give her some privacy to do so. But to leave would mean that he had to turn around and Arya was behind him. Eragon was positive that the moment he saw her, he would lose all rationale.

It was somewhat irritating and enjoyable to know that his physical attraction to Arya had taken great new heights since their soul bonding. Enjoyable in that she too found the pleasure in it and irritating in that he always had a constant need to be with her. There was a spike of amusement in his emotions.

"Is something the matter Eragon?" asked Arya, he heard her treading lightly over to him before a cool hand touched his shoulders.

"I could ask you the same," he replied as he turned in the water to face her. Her hair was floating on the water, making a pool of darkness about her. He glanced at her beautiful face and was unsure of what to say at the moment. His mind couldn't seem to process the fact that she was being intimate with him since their departure from the Varden. He cleared his head. That wasn't important at the moment. "You've been rather withdrawn since we've left from the Varden."

Her dark emerald eyes were bright in the dark, she lowered her hand wading out further into the stream glancing up at the moonlight. Eragon turned his head to follow her movements, waiting for her to speak. He could feel he emotions, a troubling worry which clawed at him.

"I've been thinking lately," she started.

"I wouldn't say lately," Eragon never liked to joke or attempt to joke but he was always willing to make an effort for those he cared about. Unexpectedly, Arya snorted slightly.

She continued, "For seventy years, I've been traveling outside of Ellesmera, outside of the forest that was my home only to return as a dragon rider. And now, I shall return once more with a mate." She turned to him. "The more I think about it, it seems that I return a different person from whence I left. I was young and ignorant of the world about me, ambitious in my own right when I left seventy years ago only to return after having crossed many leagues across Alagaesia, seeing my companions fall before my eyes. Meeting new people, sharing new sights apart from the forest, and most importantly I returned home as a dragon rider, I became the hope that my people sought ever since the rise of Galbatorix. And now I shall return once more, with you for a mate."

She paused turning to him with a slight smile, "How odd it is to come back and meet those who shared your memories and your past to see that time has left them unscathed and yet it has changed me."

"Outside of the lush green forest that is home to the elves, time is the deciding factor in life. That's why humans can be called fickle and yet some can say that they live life to the fullest," said Eragon, having experience in this particular area. He understood the essence of time more than anyone truth be told. Arya nodded.

"Immortality…Or shall I say, the closest we, elves, are to the concept seems to have made us into a stagnant race," she fell silent for a moment before taking in a breath and disappearing underneath the surface of the stream. Eragon blinked glancing at the surface of the water which was shining dimly in the moonlight. A few seconds passed before she surfaced before him, fully drenched, her hair thoroughly wet. "Change…it doesn't come without a price."

"This world hangs in the balance Arya," said Eragon softly, "To gain you must sacrifice."

"I always thought I understood that thought," she said as she stood before him. She scoffed softly staring up at him, "Or maybe I was more naïve than I would like to admit."

"No one is born wise and I certainly don't wish to claim that I am more so than you are," said Eragon trying his best to find words for his feelings. He reached up to touch a strand of her hair, rubbing it between his fingers. "But sacrifice is a sign of courage, and those are vital to leaders. Maybe that's why you were chosen by Eridor to be his rider."

"And why you were chosen to be our leader," said Arya reaching up to place her hands on his shoulders. "I understand from meeting you that age does not always deem who is right nor who is wise. It's meaningless otherwise we surely wouldn't be following such a young rider."

It was a slight tease for her part.

"How humorous," said Eragon as he watched her. She didn't say anything but turned her head to the side as if something caught her attention then. He stared at her and how her hair parted to reveal her milky white neck and the water droplets that clung to her skin. He felt his heart pound in his chest.

Was he suddenly a pervert now?

But the pounding of his heart continued and he felt a familiar hunger rise up within him so strong that he had to do something. It was urging him to devour her. Half aware of what he was doing, he walked forward and reached up to wrap his arm around Arya's waist in a steel grip surprising her. "Eragon?" he dimly heard her voice.

His dark desire spurred him on, lowering his head against the crook of her neck he licked the water off of her skin. Was this animal instinct his he thought dimly as held her in his grip. She was trying to say something but he cut her off as he lifted his head and met her lips with his. He felt her surprise stirring in him but the desire to devour her won over. He wanted her both in spirit and body. Unable to stay still any longer, he let his hand glide over her skin, trying to memorize every little detail.

She was trying to say something between his rough kisses. What was she trying to say? He felt her move. Then the next moment they were both falling through the cool stream. His senses came back to him then. Waking up from what seemed like a daze, he surfaced with Arya next to him gasping for air. What happened?

"Are you alright?" he glanced at Arya noticing her worried stare but he could only think of the emotions that passed through him. The need to devour her…the familiar crazed hunger. Was that the spirit of Asura? But didn't he conquer his spirit? Why was he still feeling that way then?

Later that night while Arya was sleeping beside him, he couldn't find it in him to close his eyes. What if he closed his eyes and woke up as Asura? His eyes darted over to Arya as she slept. The moment he took in her slumbering form, he felt the dark desire in his body tremble. Turning over on his side, he closed his eyes trying to get some sleep.

"Did you sleep well?" asked Arya as they landed before Oromis's hut. He grunted feeling sore. It was too early thought Eragon as he stared at the large golden mass that was Glaedr. Everything was reminding him of the bright sun in the sky lately. "A typical response."

He's just not a morning person, Saphira laughed in his mind as he slid down from the saddle onto the ground. Coming out from his hut the same as Eragon had left him was Master Oromis. The four of them greeted him in the traditional greeting. Though Eragon had always thought of such formalities as tedious, he had learned better than to disrespect his master else Arya would have a thing or two to say about him. That would be unneeded.

When he straightened Eragon met Oromis's aged eyes with his own. His master studied him for a long moment before his expression changed to a faint smile, "You've changed," he said it with certainty. Eragon inclined his head. "When you first came here your eyes were those of one that sought revenge fueled by your hatred. Now it is something different."

"Much has happened outside of Ellesmera," said Eragon as he and Arya followed Oromis to the tables and chair taking a seat.

"Time goes on," said Oromis as he motioned for the two of them to sit. "Would you care for a drink?"

"If it does not trouble you," said Eragon. He watched as Oromis poured him and Arya a golden liquid in wooden cups, handing it to them. Their master studied Arya with a keen eye. She met his stare not out of pride but out of respect.

"You've come back whole Arya," murmured Oromis. Whole? He glanced at Arya feeling her surprise swirl within him. What did that mean? But as always, elves were never free with their answers. Leaving the subject Oromis took a seat before him and folded his hands neatly on the table. "Now what is it that you've wished to discuss with me Eragon?"

"Our time is limited," said Eragon propelling the discussion forward. They still had to travel to Farthen Dur for the coronation of the new dwarf king if they'd chosen one. If not, their presence there would undoubtedly speed up the matter considerably. "I believe Master Oromis that it is time to tell Arya of the secrets behind Galbatorix's power."

Beneath the table, he felt Arya's fingers touch his hand and her gratitude flowed through him. He knew how much it bothered her that she didn't know and now was the time that she was rightfully told as a dragon rider of the new age the secrets of the dragons. Oromis remained silent, his eyes darting to Glaedr. The golden dragon lowered his head, staring at Arya with its large golden eyes as if testing her will.

He snorted as if pleased with what he saw. The source of Galbatorix's power lies in the hearts of the dragons. From us, he steals his strength. Without our aid, Galbatorix would've have fallen to the elves and Varden long ago.

"Your aid?" her brows creased as she listened to his words.

Dragons are unlike most animals. Though many believe that the mind and body is one, for us it is not. When our body dies, we can still live without the outer shell. In our heart of heart our spirit resides detached from our body, separate entity and yet one. We call this the Eldunari, the ultimate source of our power. A source that Galbatorix has stolen from the bodies of the dragons he slew. A source that he has enslaved to his own devices.

"Eldunari…" repeated Arya, she glanced at Eragon, "You knew about this Eragon?"

"I was trained under Galbatorix," said Eragon reminding her of his dark past, "It shouldn't be a surprise that I know about the on goings in his castle." She didn't say anything else but accepted his words however he could feel that she was bothered.

She turned back to Glaedr and Oromis, "You said that dragons are separate in mind and body but what of Eragon? His own heart was split in half and merged with that of a spirit. Would humans also have a heart of heart?"

"We've considered the possibilities since Eragon has arrived to us by chance of fate," said Oromis a deep look on his face. "Galbatorix has managed to split Eragon's soul when he was younger. A possible theory is that as a child, the mind and body have yet to transform into one entity. Due to that, he was able to split a part of Eragon's soul. However, because it is unlike an Eldunari. He split off the very core of Eragon's being making it more unstable. There are many flaws to this theory but if it helps to understand the basics of what I'm trying to say than it is sufficient enough."

His very essence huh? Eragon glanced at the golden liquid in the wooden cup before him. He saw himself but it didn't feel like the person looking out was actually him.

"My mother knows of this?" asked Arya, her emerald eyes gleaming.

Oromis bowed his head, "It is only naturally that the queen knows what goes on in her kingdom."

He could feel the slight hurt that Arya felt. Behind her Eridor gently nuzzled her head to comfort her. "The heart of hearts…if one were to break that would mean that the dragon would truly die then?" asked Arya. Oromis nodded in confirmation. "And as far as we know, Galbatorix holds the surviving Eldunari in his grasps?"

"It is a sad truth," said Oromis, "But they are at his mercy."

Arya remained silent, the information flowing through her. He felt her elation at the fact that they dragons were alive and the anger that followed at how Galbatorix was using them. But there was another underlying feature. They sat there talking about the Eldunari more with Oromis and Glaedr explaining to Arya any questions she might have.

"Had you returned with Murtagh it would be more convenient to explain to you as a whole but the workings of the world believes otherwise," said Oromis. He fell silent before glancing between Arya and Eragon, "May I ask as to what has happened on your travels since you've left?"

Eragon hesitated and with the help of Arya, Eridor, and Saphira told Oromis of what had transpired since he left the safety of the forest. Whether or not his masters were curious or alarmed at what he said, he didn't know for they listened with the same deep expressions throughout his stories. Even when Eragon struggled to tell them that they he and Arya were now mates. However he thought he did see a gleam in Oromis's eyes at that certain detail.

"Perplexing how so much can occur in your mere months from Ellesmera than the years I've spent living in here," said Oromis as Glaedr huffed blowing a torrent of air against the lush grass. "So it seems now that you and Arya are connected."

"Have you ever heard of such a thing Master Oromis?" asked Eragon. His master shook his head.

Never had we thought it possible to bind the souls of humans and elves, Glaedr stared at them his own thoughts perplexed. If we are not careful of the ears about us, others may try and recreate such a bond on their own.

"I'm afraid so," said Oromis with a grave expression. "What has happened to you and Arya has never been heard of in our history Eragon. You cannot freely speak of it to others for cruel experiments will be carried out to see if one could replicate this soul binding for their own uses. While Arya sacrificed her entity to save you, others will see this as a way to profit from."

"Of course master," murmured both Eragon and Arya.

"Now, have you noticed anything different as of late between you and Arya?" asked Oromis at his words, Eragon felt his face sting as he thought of the many nights he woke up with the desire to devour Arya. He fisted his hands. He couldn't say that aloud. It would make him look lecherous. He was also positive that Arya would not be too happy about his unruly emotions.

"I can feel Eragon's emotions without having to connect our minds," explained Arya, "And sometimes even with the slightest use of magic, I could feel his spirit channeling energy into me." That was right. They'd realized that a few nights ago when Arya went to light the fire for their camp and ended up creating a whirlwind of flames without meaning to.

"And you Eragon?" asked Oromis with a questioning look.

He stared at Oromis and then Arya who was waiting for him to speak. He experience everything Arya described and more. He oftentimes felt his magic getting the best of him and would subconsciously call on it without meaning to. And he wasn't sure himself but the color of his spells had changed slightly as if tinged with a different hue.

He heard Saphira snort in amusement before she spoke. It is impossible for me to rest without being awoken with his ardent feelings for Arya. He nearly broke the table as he knees hit it in his surprise. It's a sensation similar to that of a dragon's raw instinct in mating.

"I see," Oromis started at Eragon his eyes looking like they had mirth to them. Slightly mortified that his animal urges for Arya were spoken so freely, he glanced at her to find her looking intently at Oromis. Was she mad? He couldn't feel it. "The only explanation is that the spirit that Eragon's soul consumed, Asura, merged with his own in the bridge between both of your souls. As such, your soul, Eragon, mirrors his in a way. Spirits like Asura often feel the need to devour and ravage their surroundings in an effort to release their hatred. It could be that with Arya as your bonded mate that your soul desires the same in terms of Arya."

The desire to devour Arya…He felt his heart pound at the thought of it.

"Will it ever subside?" Arya asked no doubt feeling his embarrassment keenly.

"That I do not know," Oromis glanced at them, "Before we move onto a different topic of discussion I would like to see a demonstration of your skills." Eragon nodded, "There will be no need to use your swords lest you might wound each other. A blunt blade is not always a safe blade."

Eragon nodded as he and Arya stood to face off. He could feel the rise of competition rise up in Arya. She didn't know what losing felt like until she met him and he was sure that she wanted to redeem herself in some way. They waited trying to gauge each other's moves. He felt a slight change in her emotions. The next second she ran towards him much faster than he could anticipate. Feeling her emotions, he easily dodged her attack and doubled back. Their bond was a double edge sword. He could anticipate her moves and she could read his. Jumping backwards, Eragon leapt forward slamming the heel of his right foot to the ground. To his surprise, the force of it sent cracks through the ground.

Was that his strength? Or was that Asura's?

Use magic, he heard Glaedr's voice rumble through his mind.

Gathering the energy in the palms of his hand, he was about to shout the words but was surprised when the spell took shape of its own. It was a torrent of light sent towards Arya but something odd happened as it reached her. Instead of hitting her square on, it merely spun about her not harming her in the slightest. Was that a fluke?

He tried again, this time a different spell but it had no effect. His spells didn't seem like they wanted to harm Arya. And the same went for her spells, the harmlessly went pass him and he could tell that she was getting frustrated. When they were done, Eragon blinked in surprise when a ball of golden light came flying towards him but the moment it did so it stopped short at a ward covered around him. The attack illuminated a purple and green ward. He saw strange symbols twirling about him and green wisps of magic that no doubt belonged to Arya.

"Did you put a ward on him Arya?" asked Oromis, she looked embarrassed to say so but she did with a nod.

"This tinge of purple, it must be Asura's soul," said Oromis, "You no doubt have absorbed his powers. Try using magic on me Eragon," at his hesitant glance his master merely smiled, "Don't worry as long as you don't attack with the intent to harm I will be fine."

Eragon nodded. Taking in a deep breath he reached for the words for a simple spell but before he could utter the words, the spell took shape of its own. He wanted to us brisingr but the moments he thought of it, flames leapt from the palm of his hands shooting through the air toward Oromis like a dragon after its prey. That was when he noticed the change in his blue flames, it shimmered showing green tinges to it and outlining the sapphire was a dark violet. Cutting off the spell, he watched as Oromis deflected the attack extinguishing the flames.

"Your magic has become much stronger," said Oromis with a critical eye. "And there seems to be a connection between you and Arya when you use magic." His master seemed occupied with the events trying to find a decent theory to explain their connection. "Never before in history has such a thing happened."

"Therefore it is for us to find out the limits of our bond," said Arya as she joined them. Oromis nodded.

"I apologize that Glaedr and I cannot supply sufficient answers to your questions," said Oromis, "If there is anything else that you are seeking I shall try my best to answer you."

"We're searching for a decent weapon for Eragon," said Arya as she motioned to his lack of an extra sword. Eragon was a master in dual wielding. But he had been going through sword after sword since one of his was snapped in half with his battle with Jeremiah. "Oftentimes, the warrior's life depends on his weapon."

"Basic knowledge," Oromis nodded, "However I'm afraid to say that there is no rider's sword that exist for you to use Eragon. Lord Fiolr has given Arya the heirloom of their family to use to wield. It is best that you ask Rhunon for counsel on such matters."

"Of course master," said Eragon, he told him of what Solembum told him. "He mentioned that I should find a weapon beneath the Menoa tree if I ever needed one."

"I know of no such weapon, Eragon, and I am well acquainted with the lore of this forest," Oromis saw his disappointment. He felt Arya's nimble fingers on his arm. Was he not going to be able to find a decent weapon to wield? "However do not end your search merely because I say so. I suggest seeking out Rhunon's advice before doing anything else."

They spoke more about what else they should do before Eragon and Arya took their leave. Their dragons turned away from Glaedr whom they seemed to have been conversing with. While Arya climbed onto Eridor, Oromis spoke to Eragon once more.

"Yes master," Eragon waited for him to speak.

His aged face was lined in a smile, "Contrary to what you may believe, it is refreshing to see a rose bloom amidst the dangers of war. My blessings go with you and Arya."

The first elf to accept their bond, Eragon smiled.

"Thank you."

What do you guys think? Personally I feel like I've been losing my flare for writing. I hope I still have it. And for all of you readers who were upset with my lack of updates I apologize but life calls and sometimes you have to pick up the phone. Anyways, I don't know when I can post another chapter but hopefully it'll be soon. And I also apologize for any typos, I don't have a beta reader anymore. So be kind to me after my long hiatus! Hopefully we'll see each other soon!