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"Murtagh?" Arya exclaimed surprise evident in her voice.

It took a moment for Arya's surprise at seeing Murtagh to fade, and when it did it was replaced by an immense sorrow and a feeling of emptiness inside her. Where did this come from she thought to herself. Then she realized that the reason for her sorrow was Eragon's absence in the mirror, she had been looking forward to seeing him far more than she had let herself believe, and when it was Murtagh that answered her scry rather than Eragon her heart seemed to break. What is this weakness that has come upon me? Why is it that the lack of Eragon's presence has affected me in such a way? I have not seen him in 4 years, so why now do I feel as though I am missing a part of myself?

I know what it is you feel in your heart my partner, for it is the same hurt that I feel whenever my thoughts turn towards Saphira. Fírnen spoke to her while he poured all of his hurt and the emptiness into his link with Arya to such a degree that she had never felt from her dragon. The hurt coming from Fírnen was almost enough to bring Arya to tears.

My dear Fírnen what is the gravity of this feeling you have demonstrated to me? Arya asked of her dragon still shocked at the vast feelings rolling into her mind through the ever-present stream of thoughts and emotions she shared with Fírnen.

What I feel, and what you have just recently discovered in yourself, is the hurt of being separated from the one you love.

Fírnen's words struck Arya as a hammer does an anvil. Love. How could she not have realized it before? She loved him, and the emptiness that had been there for so long, pushed into the background by decades of denying herself the luxury of thinking about her own wants now sprang forwards. The effect was almost overwhelming, and now that she had experienced it she knew she could ignore it no longer.

How can I go on feeling this way, and why have you hidden your hurt from me thus far? How long have you had to bare this hurt? Arya asked Fírnen amazed that number one he had been able to hide such an all-encompassing part of his emotion from her and number two that it had not consumed him.

It has been a hurt that I have felt ever since we parted from Saphira, but it has helped to have the hatchings to distract me from my longings. Fear not my dear for you were not aware of the fact, and I have hidden it from you thus far because I wanted you to come to terms with your love for Eragon in your own time without my intervention. Rest easy Arya for you are not to blame for my hurt.

I am sorry for your hurt dear partner, please from now on do not feel as though you have to hide it from me. We shall share in our sorrow until such a time that we can find a way to resolve such emotions.

As you wish.

What are we to do now Fírnen for I do not wish to suffer under these feeling for any longer than absolutely necessary.

You know what we must do Arya. The only question is have you the courage to take the necessary action?

Arya was yanked from her revelry when Murtagh said, "it's nice to see you too Arya it's been too long." Murtagh said, "but, you've look like just lost your last friend Arya."

Recovering quickly Arya said, "no, it's not that. I'm just surprised to see you. Where exactly are you? Also, where is Eragon? Is he with you?"

"I know I'm new to the culture of the elves, but the interactions I've had with the elves on the isle here leads me to believe this overly curious attitude of yours is rather uncharacteristic."

Ignoring Murtagh's comment and the sly smile on his face she responded, "The elves on the isle? So, you are with Eragon then?"

"Well he's a little preoccupied at the moment. He disappeared last night on Saphira, and when he came back this morning it was only to ask Naya to accompany him for a walk by the sea."

Arya's heart sank. That was it, he had moved on. Forgotten her. How could she have allowed herself to think that he would still want her. How could I have been so foolish Fírnen?

Be at peace my dear. You must heed the words of tan-skinned-two-legged-Nasuada for she speaks true. You must trust the feelings of your heart and trust in Saphira's-two-legged-partner-Eragon. Seek your answers from Thorn's-two-legged-partner-Murtagh before you allow yourself to reach conclusions that may prove untrue.

Murtagh must have seen the distress on her face because even before she could ask all of the questions that popped into her mind he stilled her nerves. "It's not what you think Arya. Eragon was furious when he came back to the Great Hall this morning, but I think I'll let him explain that situation to you. I know not what it would be to have a sister, but I can only imagine that a love a brother has for his sister would closely resemble that which Eragon shares with Naya. She's good for him, he hasn't exactly been the most upbeat person since I've arrived at the isle."

"Eragon was always such an optimistic person when I traveled with him, what could have brought about this change in him?" Arya asked more to herself than to Murtagh, but he responded none the less.

"That is not my place to say either Arya, but if you search your feelings a bit I'm sure you could find the answer you seek."

Ignoring the comment from Murtagh Arya decided to press on with the business she had needed to address in the first place, "do you know when Eragon will be back I need to speak with him about a few things."

It had taken Murtagh a few minutes to recognize it, but once he had looked beyond Arya's figure that appeared in the mirror he saw a sight that filled him with terror and fury all at the same time. "Arya where exactly are you?"

Arya saw the conflicting emotions flit across Murtagh's face, but she couldn't see the reason why so she proceeded cautiously slightly taken aback by the dangerous emotions she saw on Murtagh's face, "I'm in Ilirea."

"The east tower, no?"

"Indeed. How do you know that?"

"You are staying in the same room that I inhabited during my time in Urû'baen while imprisoned by that wretched king." Murtagh said with a hateful scowl on his face. It took a moment for him to break out of his temporary rage and realize the implications of Arya's location. "Wait, if you are even now in Ilirea does that mean you are in company with Nasuada?" Murtagh asked trying to sound casual about his inquiry of the now Queen of Alagaësia. Arya was not fooled though for she let out a short bark of laughter a sound that seemed very foreign to Murtagh, and it was not until later that he realized the sound was so foreign to him because he could not ever remember hearing it before that day. All of the times Murtagh had interacted with Arya were always darkened by impending war or by the fact that they had been facing each other as enemies. He silently made a vow to himself to change that.

"Not currently, but yes, the reason I stayed after the conclusion of the meeting of the 4 races was to enjoy some much-needed relaxation with Nasuada. Why do you ask?" Arya questioned in such as voice as to feign innocence.

"Oh, uh, no reason really. Just curious about her health as she is an old, uh, friend of mine. That's all." Murtagh sputtered out, but he was betrayed by the bright red that flushed his cheeks which again earned him a laugh from Arya.

"If I did not know better I would argue that you long to be in Nasuada's company, and I dare say you do not wish for a strictly professional relationship, am I correct in my assumptions?"

"I suppose there is no fooling you is there dröttning. What you speak is true I do long to be with Nasuada as I often have since arriving in Farthen Dûr with you, Eragon, and Saphira all those years ago."

"If you wish for your confession to remain between the two of us I suggest you refrain from using that title. It annoys me to be reminded of my weighty responsibilities when I have gone to great lengths to be relieved of such things for a few short days."

"Of course, my apologies Arya."

"If you feel as you do why then do you remain secluded away on the isle with only Eragon, your dragons, and the elves as company?"

"What choice do I have? I betrayed Nasuada's trust when I fell slave to Galbatorix. I could never expect her to forgive me of the sins I have committed, and even if she were to forgive me by some miracle the people of Alagaësia would never trust me. I have committed too much evil for them to ever feel comfortable and safe around me."

Murtagh said all of this with much regret and despair present on his features. Arya felt sorry for him, and she immediately began to think of ways that she could help Murtagh in his predicament. If for no other reason that the fact that he was Eragon's brother, or half-brother rather, and he deserved someone to be on his side.

"You shouldn't feel like you have to hide yourself away because of what you were forced to do Murtagh. You should feel comfortable to return to civilization if you so desire, and you should not be so quick to jump to conclusions regarding Nasuada and her feelings." Arya added this last part with the slightest hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips, an action that did not go unnoticed by Murtagh.

"I appreciate your words Arya, and I know that I can count you as a friend who will treat me fairly, but I fear that not everyone is as kind of heart and as quick to forgive as you are. Why do you say these things regarding Nasuada? What do you know of her feelings?"

"I cannot tell you outright for I shall not break her confidence, but I may let slip that we have discussed the matter of our hearts, and you may not have as much reason to doubt her affection towards you as you seem to."

Murtagh looked astonished, "how can what you speak be true! For I have committed so many faults against her and the efforts of the Varden." Then more to himself he continued, "I cannot believe that she could reciprocate my sentiment. I never should have doubted her."

Murtagh began to smile as he allowed himself to feel optimistic about his future for the first time since he could remember. When Arya did not immediately respond he decided that it was his turn to push Arya about the state of her heart. "What about you Arya. What is it that you desire, for you cannot play matchmaker for Nasuada and I without me returning the favor" he said with a mischievous look on his face that made Arya believe that he already knew about the internal struggle she was facing.

"I feel that you have a relatively firm knowledge of my desires. I wish to again be in Eragon's company. Now that the war is over I do not seek him merely as a partner to go into battle with but rather as a partner to go through life with. I seek to share the feelings he has long held for me."

"If this is what you desire then why do you remain in Alagaësia trapped by your responsibilities as Queen?"

"I remain because, as you mentioned, I have a responsibility to my race and to the people of Alagaësia as a whole."

"Yes, this may be true Arya, but you also have a responsibility to yourself. What good are you as a ruler if you lose yourself and the principles you stand for along the way?"

"I see you have grown wise Murtagh," Arya noted with a smile on her face. "My responsibility to the throne, the elves, and Alagaësia aside I still must remain to train the newest dragons and riders until they are mature enough to seek Eragon's tutelage on the isle for there are no riders or dragons remaining in Alagaësia save for Fírnen and I."

"That is a fair point, but I believe that I have a solution to both of our predicaments, for if I find myself wise enough to lend advice to you about the trials of your heart I should be wise enough to heed my own advice." Arya noticed Murtagh mentally preparing himself for his suggestion. "I shall take your place."

"Take my place? You cannot hope to believe that you shall succeed me as ruler of the elves. They will never accept that."

"Not in that regard no, but I shall take the burden of training the newest members of the riders until such a time that they can make the journey to Eragon. I shall return to Alagaësia, and shall present my suit to Nasuada, I have put off my feelings for far too long. Talking to you regarding how I feel about Nasuada, and how you feel about Eragon has made me realize that hiding your heart from those you love causes nothing but hurt and misery. I am willing to take a chance on my feelings. What about you Arya?"

Arya was stunned, and it wasn't until Fírnen prodded her with his mind that she recovered enough to consider that which was being presented to her. The scrawny-two-legged makes a fair point. You have now felt the hurt that comes from denying your heart that which it truly desires. The future is in your hands. You spoke earlier of finding a way to resolve the misery that our hearts now share freely. Here is the resolution that you had asked for. What now will you do with it?

Am I to drop all of my responsibilities to purse a love that may already be lost? Arya asked her dragon in return not just a slight bit scared at the prospect of confessing her love to Eragon.

You speak as if the knotted throne of city-of-trees-Ellesméra is the only responsibility you currently shoulder. You are now a dragon rider Arya. You are skilled in magic, mind, sword, and are as well read as any of your race, but you know not the secrets and the duties that are specific to your office as dragon rider. You also have a responsibility to the riders of old, to yourself, and to me to learn of these secrets and ensure the peace of Alagaësia as was the way of old…

and to do that I must go to Eragon and you to Saphira to learn what they have to teach us Arya finished.

Arya set her face into a confident, determined smile and returned her attention to Murtagh who had been waiting patiently in the mirror for Arya to consult Fírnen. "Thank you for your patience Murtagh. Fírnen and I have reached a consensus. We feel that we owe it to ourselves and to our responsibility as dragon and rider to seek out Eragon and Saphira's knowledge and company on the isle. If your proposition is genuine we are prepared to agree readily."

"Thorn and I have long discussed this matter, and we both feel that it is necessary that we return and do our utmost to repair some of the damages that we caused. We will gladly take on the initial training of all new dragons and riders until such a time that they are prepared to face Eragon's instruction."

There were wide smiles now present on both Arya and Murtagh's faces at the prospect of being reunited with their loved ones. "It is decided then. I shall travel to the isle with the four new pairs as swiftly as possible. Thank you Murtagh." Now that the decisions had been made they exchanged a few last goodbyes and the connection was severed.

Arya continued staring at the mirror long after she had ended her conversation with Murtagh. What have I done? Is this the right thing for me to do?

You have finally made a decision based on your desires not on the desires of those you feel responsible for. I am proud of you Arya. Fírnen tried to hide his jubilation at the prospect of being reunited with Saphira, but his excitement was too great, and the sensation leaked across his bond with Arya.

Feeling his excitement Arya couldn't help but smile at her dragon and agree with his emotions. This is the first time since he left that I have actually looked forward to the future. Let us finish our preparations then we can inform Nasuada and be on our way.

Arya then removed all traces of emotion from her face with practiced ease and chanted the necessary incantation to the scrying mirror. Shortly after Lord Däthedr appeared on her mirror. He bowed deeply and initiated the traditional 3 lined greeting that was customary to the elves. Arya returned his bow and spoke her line in turn waiting patiently for the pleasantries to be passed before addressing that which she had contacted him for.

"To what do I owe this pleasure dröttning" Däthedr asked rather formally once he had completed the optional third line of the greeting.

"I shall not talk around the issue Däthedr, but rather speak freely of my predicament." Before he had the opportunity to speak in response to Arya's uncharacteristically direct words she continued. "Fírnen and I have decided that our responsibilities as dragon and dragon rider cannot be neglected any longer. It is time that we were trained properly as the riders of old were."

"My queen I understand your desire to hold true to your post as rider, but I fear what you imply when you speak of 'proper training,' for there are no riders more senior than yourself that could properly teach you save for Eragon and Murtagh and I expect you do not wish to seek Murtagh as a master. That leaves Eragon and Saphira as the only eligible masters you could seek." Däthedr was trying his best to remain calm, but Arya could see that he was becoming increasingly agitated as he continued, so when his speech was temporarily paused to allow breath to once again fill his lungs she took her opportunity to interject.

"My Lord you are correct, it is Eragon's instruction that I seek, but to do so would require me to leave Ellesméra, the knotted throne, Du Weldenvarden, and Alagaësia. To be direct I have contacted you today abdicate my post as dröttning and appoint you Däthedr as könungr (king)."

"Arya you are a good queen. You treat all of your subjects with kindness, respect, and understanding. Why would you wish to leave your post when you are so well loved by those you serve, and why would you wish to appoint me to carry it in your stead?" Däthedr asked shocked at the prospect of being made king.

"You are the best suited person for the throne. You have helped to advise me and my mother before me. I wish to be with Eragon and to be with the new riders. I am sorry to abandon my people, but this is what I need to do." Arya stated firmly.

Once Arya had made Däthedr fully understand her reasons for abdicating the throne. He went to find another elf to witness Arya's official abdication and appointment of Däthedr as her successor. Once it was officially done Arya felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She felt younger again and freer than she had since taking her mothers place in Ellesméra. She felt excitement for the first time in over 4 years.

Lord Däthedr – rather King Däthedr now she reminded herself – was about to conclude his farewell to Arya when she remembered her students were still in Ellesméra. "Könungr I have one last request to make of you, if you will. Could you send word to my students once you are inside of Du Weldenvarden and can scry them. Ask them to meet me at Hedarth where the Edda River meets Âz Ragni in two weeks' time."

"As you wish, so shall it be." Däthedr responded with a smile. "I shall carry on the tradition of ruling with a fair and kind hand just as I have watched your mother and now you." Däthedr concluded. "Fare thee well Arya."

With these final words Däthedr's form disappeared from Arya's scrying mirror. It is done Fírnen. We are now free to seek those we love. Arya sent happily to her dragon. She was met with a loud roar of triumph and a brilliant jet of flames from her dragon.