Ehehe. Sorry about the cliffhanger last chapter, it was over 3,000 freaking words.

EDIT: GRAAGHGRJSASDFGHJKL I'M SO SORRY GUYS FOR TAKING SO LONG! MY WI-FI SUCKS ON THIS RAINFOREST ISLAND! AAAGGHHVEASDFGHJKLZXCVBNM:LOIUYQTIUEJFHVDQMBJAXNKJOSPHUFH!

Ahem. So sorry, guys.

Review Reply: RunWithScissors: Arya's awesome, isn't she?

Lefties are awesome. I actually had a fencing class with a lefty, and he liked the Inheritance Cycle, too…

BUT HE AND HIS BROTHER THOUGHT THAT MURTAGH WAS EVIL. GAAAAHHHHHH! Or at least his brother did. I didn't catch what he thought, but I'm just going to assume that he did too.

Bah. Boys…

Anyways…

Harry Potter! Instaclassic! (oh, shush spellcheck. You know it's a word.) And PJO! ANNABETH! Hee, Annabeth's awesome.

For Ophelia's shadow: they're in a MOUNTAIN. Not much sunlight. And when they're flying, they don't really have lanterns up in the mountain, then when they're landing, they try to make sure they're in a shaded spot as well as far away from people. Then when they're walking, well… Ophelia kind of hides her own shadow. So. And, according to Brisingr, you can't hide your shadow with magic. Unless you're sitting on it. Which probably only works at noon.

FEMINISM. *highfive*

Hee hee.

No, please! Ramble on! I love ramblers; in fact, I'm a rambler myself! (certain other fanfiction writers can tell you the same… hehehe… XD)

She means to duel me! Eragon exclaimed.

But not, I think, to harm you, replied Saphira slowly. Go and acquit yourself well. We will watch.

But if you think you are getting away with ignoring me again, you had better set yourself straight, Tania warned sharply as she settled on Saphira's foreleg to watch the proceedings.

Sorry. Eragon reluctantly stepped forward. Tania could see that he was exhausted from magic use, and didn't appreciate all the people watching—in fact, they weren't watching her, and she felt uncomfortable with them—but was insulted to think that he thought Arya would be in no shape to spar simply because she hadn't had much time to recover from Durza's torture. He may have forgotten Brom's warnings, but she always did her best to hold on to them.

The two faced each other across the circle of warriors. Arya drew her sword with her left hand. The weapon was thinner than Zar'roc, but just as long and sharp. Eragon slid the red blade out of its polished sheath and held it point-down by his side. For a long moment they stood motionless, elf and human watching each other. Tania remembered that this was how many of their fights with Brom had started.

Eragon stepped forward cautiously. With a blur of motion Arya jumped at him, slashing at his ribs. Eragon reflexively parried the attack, and their swords met in a shower of sparks. Zar'roc was batted away as if it were no more than a fly. The elf did not take the opening, however, but spun to her right, hair whipping through the air, and struck at his other side. Eragon barely stopped the blow and backpedaled frantically, stunned by her ferocity and speed.

Tania watched amusedly as the elf toyed with him, seeing that Brom's warning had finally sunk in as Arya attacked again, swinging at his head. He ducked under the razor-sharp edge.

Now, Eragon seemed to understand what Arya was trying to learn. He began the most complicated series of attacks that either of the Riders knew, flowing from one pose to another, recklessly combining and modifying them in every possible way. But no matter how inventive he was, Arya's sword always stopped his. She matched his actions with effortless grace.

Tania watched as they danced, the sharp steel blades of their swords clashing as they whirled, like twisting ropes of wind-blown smoke. The pair carried on for ages, a timeless dance of action and reaction.

At last, as Eragon lunged forward, Arya nimbly sidestepped, sweeping the point of her sword up to his jawbone with supernatural speed.

Eragon froze. Saphira bugled, Ophelia joining in as an unnoticeable undertone. Arya lowered her sword and sheathed it, saying softly yet clearly, "You have passed."

Fredric went up beside a dazed Eragon, who slowly straightened as the huge man thumped his back enthusiastically. "That was incredible swordsmanship! I even learned some new moves from watching the two of you. And the elf—stunning!"

Tania noticed Arya looking at her, then at Eragon, and motioning slightly with a finger, no more than a twitch, toward a knoll about a mile from the practice field, then turning and walking away. The crowd melted before her, a hush falling over the men and dwarves as she passed. Tania used the distraction to slide under Ophelia's wing and into the saddle, flattening herself to the dragon's invisible scales.

Soon, Saphira, with Eragon on her back, took off over the training field, and Ophelia used the noise from her wings to cover her own to follow, hurtling over the training field.

As they soared toward the knoll, Tania noticed Arya running below them with clean, easy stride, practically keeping pace with Ophelia's faint shadow. Glancing at Eragon, she faintly saw him blushing as Saphira snapped her jaws together, offended at something her Rider had said. Tania raised her eyebrows in amusement. He's acting like a lovesick yearling, she commented to Ophelia.

The dragon snorted in amusement. He certainly is!

Ophelia landed lightly on the knoll, not needing to cover Tania as much, seeing as they were alone, but Saphira landed heavily, jostling her Rider. Eragon jumped down without commenting on it as Tania slipped out of her own saddle. Ophelia settled on the crest of the small hill, tucking her legs underneath her and folding her wings.

Arya was close behind them. Her fleet stride carried her faster than any normal runner. When she reached the top of the knoll, her breathing was smooth and regular. Eragon, suddenly tongue-tied, dropped his gaze, but Tania met the elf's emerald eyes proudly, standing straight beside Ophelia, who had darkened her scales slightly so as to be visible to Arya. The elf gazed at the dragons and said, "Skullblakas, eka celöbra ono un mulabra ono un one Shur'tugalar né haina. Atra nosu waíse fricaya."

Tania only recognized a few of the words, but understood the overall message—as did the dragons. Ophelia dipped her head until she was eye-to-eye with the elf, stared at her, unblinking, for a long moment, then drew back and snorted, satisfied. Saphira shifted her wings and surveyed Arya curiously. Then she nodded, humming deeply. Arya smiled, gazing at them both in faint wonder. "I am glad that you recovered," Eragon said. "We didn't know if you would live or not."

"That is why I came here today," said Arya, facing him. Her rich voice was accented and exotic. She spoke clearly, with a hint of a trill, as if she were about to sing. "I owe you both a debt that must be repaid. You saved my life. That can never be forgotten."

"It—it was nothing," said Eragon, fumbling with the words. Embarrassed, he changed the subject. "How did you come to be in Gil'ead?"

Pain shadowed Arya's face. She looked away into the distance. "Let us walk." They descended from the knoll and meandered toward Tronjheim. Eragon and Tania respected Arya's silence as they walked, Ophelia and Saphira padding quietly on either side. Finally Arya lifted her head and said with the grace of her kind, "Ajihad told me you were present when Saphira's egg appeared."

"Yes," Eragon answered.

Arya's next words were heavy. "Then know this: at the moment you first beheld it, I was captured by Durza." Her voice filled with bitterness and grief. "It was he who led the Urgals that ambushed and slew my companions, Faolin and Glenwing. Somehow he knew where to wait for us—we had no warning. I was drugged and transported to Gil'ead. There, Durza was charged by Galbatorix to learn where I had sent the egg and all I knew of Ellesméra."

She stared ahead icily, jaw clenched. Tania titled her head, already having an idea of what was coming next. "He tried for months without success. His methods were… harsh. When torture failed, he ordered his soldiers to use me as they would. Fortunately, I still had the strength to nudge their minds and make them incapable. At last Galbatorix ordered that I was to be brought to Urû'baen. Dread filled me when I learned this, as I was weary in both mind and body and had no strength to resist him. If it were not for you, I would have stood before Galbatorix in a week's time."

Softly, Eragon asked, "Why do you tell us this?"

"So that you know what I was saved from. Do not presume I can ignore your deed."

Humbled, Eragon bowed his head, but Tania said, "I do not mean to come across as rude, Arya, but Ophelia and I have no need of anyone being indebted to us. We have no wish to offend you, the elves or the Varden, but I do not think we will stay—as I told Ajihad, we will fight, but we may return north."

Arya nodded. "That is understandable; however, you may be considered by some obliged as dragon and Rider to assist in the war, and possibly the mess of politics afterward."

Eyeing her shrewdly, Tania replied, "And that is exactly why I wouldn't stay." Ignoring Ophelia's sharp look, she continued, "I've lived most of my life as a wild animal, and it becomes a mindset after, say, ten years. When I was led to Ophelia's egg, I hadn't known what it was. I thought it was an enchanted stone, made to change color according to the mood of whomever touched it—not something that would change me. And, now that I'm here, I am beginning to wonder if that's all it ever was: a way to turn me into something I'm not, and never wanted to be." She rested a hand on Ophelia's snout, which had darkened slightly. "I do not mean insult, and I could never give up Ophelia, but I also cannot give up the freedom that holds my soul together. I know nothing else, and nothing else truly knows me."

The elf watched her carefully, then nodded slowly. "Now I know who you remind me of." Ignoring Tania's frown she continued, "But I can understand your concerns. We will not force you into any deal or treaty, but it would be in both yours and Ophelia's best interests to train with Eragon and Saphira in Ellesméra. The elves know far more about dragons than I believe you do, and your strength in magic would increase tenfold."

"I never said I wouldn't come," Tania said carefully. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Eragon's shoulders slump relievedly. "And I will certainly fight alongside you—I cannot stand for tyrants like Galbatorix—and I believe we both would be grateful for the elves' tutelage. But I will not stand for my ability to speak and act freely taken away."

Arya nodded, and then titled her head curiously. "Tell me, how did you come across Ophelia's egg?"

Tania shifted from one foot to the other, eyeing the she-elf warily, then told her the story, starting from when she had found the place where she was sure Arya had been ambushed to when Ophelia hatched. When she finished, Arya nodded thoughtfully, staring past Ophelia's shoulder into the distance of Tronjheim.

"What you say makes sense," the elf finally said softly. "Galbatorix would have known about a stray egg that was simply buried or hidden; but if spirits—what you saw as floating lights—were guarding it, they could have erased the memory of it from the minds of those who knew, and kept its location a secret. They are powerful beings, and wise, and that they led you to Ophelia's egg, perhaps knowing you would be her Rider, shows that."

Tania nodded as she continued, "But I am curious… you say her egg changed color according to your mood?"

"Yes," replied the Rider. "It was strange; at first it was simply pearlescent, and very pale at that, but as soon as my finger touched it, its colors were vibrant and multiple. They shifted so fast, I couldn't tell one from the other."

"And do her scales still change according to her mood?"

When my emotions are especially strong, I have difficulty changing them, informed Ophelia, but I can usually command them. It is difficult sometimes; there were many moments on our journey that I almost revealed myself unwillingly because of great stress, fear or anger on my part.

Tania relayed her words, absentmindedly rubbing the dragon's snout as she did so. Ophelia hummed contentedly at the contact, closing her eyes. Eragon watched them curiously. Arya absorbed the information, then said, "As I am sure you are curious, I won't be returning to Ellesméra yet—there is much that must be done here. I cannot abandon the Varden, as Ajihad needs my help. I've seen you both tested in magic today, and you in arms, Eragon, but not you, Tania; however, I can assume that Brom has been teaching you what he has taught Eragon?"

"Of course," said Eragon. Tania nodded agreement.

"Then you are ready to proceed in your training."

"You mean for us to go Ellesméra?" asked Eragon.

"Yes."

Tania raised an eyebrow at the flash of irritation in her companion's eyes. Really, where else did he expect to learn? Vroengard? According to Brom, the island of the Dragon Riders was in ruin. Here? Brom was dead, and she knew Arya, though important, most likely wasn't the one able to teach them. "When?" she asked.

"That is yet to be decided, but not for some weeks," Arya replied.

At least they gave us that much time, Eragon said. Glancing at Saphira, he asked, "What did the Twins want Tania to do?"

Arya's lip curled with disgust. "Something not even they can accomplish. It is possible to speak the name of an object in the ancient language and summon its true form. It takes years of work and great discipline, but the reward is complete control over the object. That is why one's true name is always hidden, for if it were known by any with evil in their hearts, they could dominate you utterly."

No wonder Murtagh always keeps his mind so well-shielded, Tania realized. If there was one thing she knew he hated, it was being controlled against his will.

"It's strange," said Eragon after a moment, "but before I was captured at Gil'ead, I had visions of you in my dreams. It was like scrying—and I was able to scry you later—but it was always during my sleep."

Arya pursed her lips pensively. "There were times I felt as if another presence was watching me, but I was often confused and feverish. I've never heard of anyone, either in lore or legend, being able to scry in their sleep."

"I don't understand it myself," said Eragon, looking at his hands. He twirled Brom's ring around his finger. "What does the tattoo on your shoulder mean? I didn't mean to see it, but when I was healing your wounds… it couldn't be helped. It's just like the symbol on this ring."

"You have a ring with the yawë on it?" the elf asked sharply.

"Yes. It was Brom's. See?"

He held out the ring. Arya examined the sapphire, then said, "This is a token given only to the most valued elf-friends—so valued, in fact, it has not been used in centuries. Or so I thought. I never knew that Queen Islanzadí thought so highly of Brom."

Tania frowned. Surely she had imagined it… but had Arya's voice caught when she spoke the elf queen's name? She shook her head, berating herself for becoming distracted as Arya told them not to reveal her tattoo.

Tania found talking with Arya strangely enlightening and exhausting at the same time. Most of what she said was a tangled puzzle, making Tania struggle to unravel it before she spoke too soon. When they parted, Tania and Eragon wandered through Farthen Dûr, Ophelia clawing her way along the side of the walls to avoid people. Tania worried slightly about the strain it put on her wings, seeing as she had to contort them to cover the saddle.

Eventually, Eragon said jokingly, "Why don't we get something to eat, and then you can drag me off to visit Murtagh?"

Tania grinned. "Happily." After Saphira and Ophelia said that they would wait, Tania and Eragon dashed into Tronjheim, ate in an obscure corner of the kitchen, then followed Nasuada's instructions until they reached Murtagh's door. The dwarf banged on the door thrice once more, then unbolted it, and the man ushered them through with the same friendly smile.

Tania chuckled as Eragon gazed wide-eyed at the cell. Murtagh was again reading on the stout bed, and at the sight of Eragon, he laughed and rolled upright, exclaiming cheerily, "Little brother!"

Eragon laughed and embraced Murtagh as Tania settled herself on the writing desk's chair again, watching the proceedings reservedly. Eragon sat beside Murtagh on the bed, mock-glaring at Tania. "You could have at least told me he wasn't in a dungeon cell, Tania."

She shrugged, grinning. "I could have," she replied slyly, "but what fun would that be?"

Murtagh barked a laugh as Eragon rolled his eyes, muttering, "Worse than Saphira."

Tania raised an eyebrow, but let the comment slide. "So, Murtagh," she said, "been up to anything?"

"Hm…" Murtagh raised his gaze to the ceiling, thinking. "Ah, yes. Enjoying many meals, reading many books and scrolls, and absolutely nothing else!" he said, waving a hand dramatically. "Better than what we've been doing for the past few months, though. And you?"

Eragon laughed, and the Riders told him the events of the past day. Tania snorted furiously as they told him of the Twins' 'testing,' glaring at the wall and muttering curses under her breath. Murtagh raised an eyebrow at a few of them.

When they finished, Murtagh leaned back reflectively. "I suspect," he said, "that Arya is more important than we thought. Consider what you've learned: she is a master of the sword, powerful in magic, and, most significantly, was chosen to guard Saphira's egg. She cannot be ordinary, even among the elves."

Tania rolled her eyes. "I've been saying that for the past few hours."

Eragon frowned at her. "Well, I haven't been disagreeing with you."

"No, you haven't. But whenever I try to ask, she blocks me."

Eragon blinked, suddenly confused. "Wait… what? You haven't asked her anything of the sort, as far as I've seen."

Tania raised an eyebrow, then shook her head slowly, sighing. "I asked her multiple times. Just not… directly."

Murtagh watched, amused, then nudged Eragon's arm with his elbow. "You do remember the last time you underestimated her, right?"

The Rider sighed heavily. "Yes, yes I do. It was only a few hours ago."

They all laughed.

Aw… they're all so adorable when thrown in a room together, aren't they? XD

Please review!

FF