Author's Note: I do not own Eragon or Eldest I am just a huge fan... so please R&R... thanks to all the reviews...

Chapter Three

A Lady's Love...

News had been spread around the camp that King Orrin was not in his camp since that noon. Rumors had said that King Orrin went back to Surda to do some work in Aberon. Others said that they saw him depart for the north of Jiet River to relax himself. And Majority didn't really care where the King was for the King's business was his own.

When Nasuada heard from Farica that the King indeed left of Jiet River at noon. Nasuada then realized that she only has about five hours to think of an answer for King Orrin's proposal.

Seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours still she has not yet decided what answer to give. When she looked up the sky she saw that the sun was almost setting and she knew in an hour she had to give King Orrin the right answer whether to say yes, or no.

She started walking to where she and Farica was supposed to meet to depart for north of Jiet River that is a thirty minute walk. Thud. Thud. She heard a flap of a Dragon's wing. She smiled knowing that it's Saphira and Eragon.

"Greetings, My Lady," Eragon greeted as he dismounted Saphira. Sapira gave a low bow as Eragon added, "Saphira asks if we may accompany you?"

Nasuada gave a low bow too as she smiled at Saphira, "That would be wonderful Saphira." Nasuada said as she started to walk. "Going back to Du Weldenvarden for your training, Eragon?" she asked as Eragon and Saphira started to follow her, walking beside her.

"Aye, We promised the elves we will," Eragon said then he shook his head then sighed, "But I am afraid we'd not be going back anytime soon. For I made a promise to my brother." he added as he looked at his right shoulder as he saw Roran helping the people of Carvahall.

Nasuada smiled and need naught to ask who the brother was for she knew that the brother he meant was his cousin from Carvahall, Roran. "When will you, Saphira and Roran be leaving for Dras-Leona?" she asked for she already gave permission to Eragon to leave and find Roran's fiancee, Katrina. Only if he promised that they will come back safe and sound.

"We don't know yet, Lady Nasuada." he said softly. "Sapira said, only if we make sure that The Varden and you will return safely back to Aberon." he added as he looked at from Sapira to Nasuada.

"Thank you Sapira that is very kind of you." Nasuada said as she gave another short bow to Eragon and Saphira. When she looked up, her eyes landed on Sapira's light blue eyes. Saphira looked at Nasuada as if she was asking Nasuada a question. And Nasuada knew she was right because Eragon glanced at Sapira as if she had lost her mind. "Saphira can ask me anything she desires, Eragon," she said softly then smiled at Saphira.

Eragon was surprized that Nasuada found out that Saphira asked a question, but he didn't argue or disobey. Choosing his words carefully, he said, "Though Saphira and I know it is not our business." then he paused looking from Sapihira to Nasuada, "She asks if you already have an answer for King Orrin's proposal?"

Nasuada wasn't surprize with the question for she knew she will be asked by anyone by the two of them. Sighing she said, "Yes, you both are right, it is not your business to know." but not unkindly she said it sweetly and calmly. "But since I trust you and Saphira, to tell you this information then you might as well need to know." she paused as she stoppped to her steps and faced Eragon and Saphira. Then she let out a deep sigh, "I honestly don't know what to say to King Orrin when I see him."

"But Lady Nasuada..." Eragon said then shook his head then added, "Why not yet? Aren't you going to meet him now?" he asked

Nasauda nodded, "Yes, I am going to meet him now." she said, "And i do not know Eragon why I haven't thought of the answer." She looked out the orange sky then looked back at Eragon, "King Orrin is right, about the counsel... Majority of them does not want The Varden in Surda for we are the reason the empire attacked. And if given the wrong answer King Orrin himself might send the Varden in exile." she paused as a tear dropped in her eye. I am trapped.

"What about the dwarves? In Farthen Dur?" Eragon asked as he put an arm on Nasuada's shoulder.

"Orik would say yes... he would love to shelter The Varden back in the tunnels... but... with Hrothgar's death I am not sure the Dwarves will welcome The Varden as Hrothgar did. I am afraid The Varden's only shelter is Surda." she said softly as if saying those world would kill her instantly. She put her hand on top of Eragon's as tears dropped from her eyes.

Saphira rested her chin on Nasuada's head for comfort as she said, What does your heart tell you Lady Nasuada?

Before Nasuada heard Saphira's voice in her head she wanted to sob and yell out all she has felt inside her heart, all the pain. But after she heard Saphira's voice, she felt strong as if all the pain inside her was sucked all away making her she realize that she had to be strong for the Varden.

My love is for the Varden. she answered Saphira then to that she felt Saphira presence leave her mind. To that another strength came to her an energy she never felt before. To that she knew that both Eragon and Saphira had blessed her with this kind of strength. She had stopped crying, she looked at Eragon and Saphira and smiled at them. She reached for Saphira's neck and ran her hands on Saphira's neck. "Thank you."

"Lady Nasuada...?" Farica asked as she reached for her lady's shoulder gesturing to her that they should leave.

Nasuada looked at Saphira and Eragon smiling, "I should be going... thank you..." she said

"We too should finish our rounds..." Eragon said as he bowed down then mounted on Saphira, "And thank you for sharing Lady Nasuada..." then with a loud Thud. Eragon and Saphira are on air.

"Are you ready to leave my Lady?" Farica asked as she handed Nasauda the reins of her horse.

"I am now." she said with firm and authority that Farica always respected. She mounted her horse as Farica did with another horse.

"My lady... have you got an answer?" Farica asked softly that only Nasuada could hear.

"I have." Nasuada replied, "But I am afraid that the Varden might not accept what I have decided." she said sadly.

Farica looked at her Lady and smiled, "I am sure the Varden will accept anything you decide for their good My lady."

I hope so Farica, I hope so... She thought as they started to move towards the North of Jeit River.