The kiss took Mariya by surprise. Eragon liked her? Mariya couldn't believe it. When he withdrew Mariya stared at him. "Eragon?"

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but I'm in love with you."

Mariya smiled. "I'm in love with you two."

In the time it took the Varden to reach Uru'bean, Mariya and Eragon got to know each other a little better. Eragon taught Mariya some of the ancient language and allowed her to speak with Saphira, Mariya taught Eragon how to fire her pistol, he wasn't very good at it. The stone turned out to be a dragon egg once it hatched to Mariya. Eragon taught her what he knew in swordplay and in magic and Mariya took to it fast.

When the Varden arrived the debate on who would be the next king of Alageasia began. Murtagh was locked up in the castle's dungeon until he could be trusted. It wasn't long until it was decides that Roran would rule Alageasia. When he heard this he gladly accepted. Katrina was happy to know that she would rule beside him as his Queen. The coronation was in a week.

Mariya walked the halls of the castle searching for Eragon. There was no sign of him. Mariya however found Roran, and asked; "Have you seen Eragon?"

"Last I saw him he was headed to the dungeon."

Mariya nodded and made her way to the dungeon. On the way there she ran into Nasuada, the leader of the Varden. "Captain Sparrow" She said "Just who I needed to see."

"Please call me Mariya" Mariya said. "And if you don't mind I need to speek with Eragon."

Mariya walked passed Nasuada and soon found Eragon.

Eragon turned to her and smiled. "What are you doing down here?"

"I was about to ask you the same question." Mariya says walking by him.

"I was checking on Murtagh." Eragon says walking down the dark corridor.

"Eragon, the crew and I are leaving Alageasia the day after the coronation." Mariya says looking down.

"Why?" he asks stopping.

"They see no treasure here, and if I don't leave with them they'll mutiny." Mariya says tears forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry Eragon, but fate doesn't want us together."

Eragon's POV

Eragon watched as Mariya walked down the hall crying. He felt a pain in his chest. He ran after Mariya stopping her before she entered the room she was staying in.

Mariya's POV

Mariya whipped the tears from her eyes. "Eragon, I can't stay. Alageasia isn't my home."

"It could be, please Mariya stay here with me." Eragon said hoping she would.

"I wish I could." Mariya said going into her room.

Mariya avoided Eragon up to the coronation. She put on the silver gown Nasuada gave her and stared at herself in the mirror. Today was the last day she would see Eragon. She would miss him.

Eragon's POV

Eragon walked out of his room and went to the courtyard where Saphira was lying down.

Is something wrong young one? Saphira asked, knowing something was wrong.

Mariya's leaving after the coronation. I don't understand, she loves me yet she's leaving never to return.

Why don't you ask her then?

Ask her what? Eragon asked.

Ask her to marry you, perhaps she'll change her mind on leaving. Saphira said.

Hopefully she will, now that I met her, I'm not sure I can live without her. Eragon said to her.

Mariya's POV

After Roran and Katrina were crowned, Eragon had stopped dancing with Mariya. She stared at him, why did he stop?

Eragon kissed her on the cheek and said: "Will you marry me?"

The whole room stopped dancing and was curious as to what was going on between them. Mariya noticed this. Mariya thought she made it perfectly clear she was leaving. She slapped Eragon and left the room.

Eragon POV

The room was in shock. Eragon chased after her, he went to her room thinking she was there, she wasn't. Where could she be? When he realized, she was leaving now. He rushed to find her.

Mariya's POV

Mariya approached Briam. He was almost five months old. Mariya put on the saddle she had made and mounted.

You're not going to get out of that first? He asked.

There's no time, the crew's waiting in Terim, let's go Mariya said to him, after whipping her tears.

Just as Eragon reached the courtyard Briam took off. Mariya watched him fade as they headed towards Terim.

Eragon's POV

Eragon watched as Briam disappeared on the horizon. He had to go after her. He jumped onto Saphira. Saphira took off once he was in the saddle. He hoped he would reach her in time.