The sun slowly rose, sending warmth in a swell over the land of Alagaësia. The figure, cloaked in black leather quivered in the shadow of an ancient tree. Inhaling she closed her eyes as the warm rays of the sun hit her, heat cascading through her body in waves.

Birds, in the still shadow canopy behind her chirped and burst into song as sunlight filtered down through the trees, pushing away the mist and fog.

Sitting down she crossed her arms and legs, her eyes still closed. Reducing the barriers that shielded her mind to wisps of existence she exhaled slowly.

Extending her ancient mind into the forest leagues behind her she smiled, for the first in many days. It was a gentle, peaceful smile. One that not often graced her face. It was complete change to her normal ice-cold demeanour. It was not often she let her guard down. Even among those who she knew could never hurt her, it was always there. An unyielding resistance born by pain and suffering, heartache and loss.

To the left of her was the battle ravished city of Feinster. Smoke rose from various points all over the city, the majority seeping into the sky by the gate Eragon and Saphira had launched their attack at. It was a black dawn. It wasn't the first nor would it be the last she saw.

Beyond the city was the vast encampment that was called The Varden. Masses of tents and fires surrounded the city, enclosing it in a ring of bodies, bleating animals and noise. How the noise angered her. Even from here, atop a hill a few leagues away from the Freedom fighters, she could hear everything. The clang as blacksmiths worked on their iron, the screams and moans of the dieing and wounded, the chatter of the women as they made bread or went about their daily duties. Even the banter and boasts of warriors over the slaying of foes.

She ignored them, the humans. She despised their lack of regard to the earth and to animals. Meat. Arya shuddered. She had eaten it once, well more than once. It wasn't willing of course. She didn't have a choice in the matter. Why humans ate it for pleasure was beyond her. Everything needed for growth or repairs could be found in fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian. That's what they called her kind.

Turning her thoughts away from the pointless pondering of humans, she returned her attention to the many animas in the trees behind her. They were afraid she gathered from the many minds she brushed against. From the small field mouse, nosing its way through the carpet of leaves. To the sleek tiger, skirting through the undergrowth. Each animal was afraid. Afraid of the unfamiliar scents and sounds carried on the breeze.

Pushing herself further she slid into the mind of an Eagle. It glided on the thermals high in the sky. Its sharp eyes picked up a small rodent clambering through the grass, unaware of the graceful hunter of the sky watching it. A deer startled, for no apparent reason bounded across the grass, the white underside of its tail flicked up.

Angling her wings she swept behind it in a steep dive, her shadow racing towards the ground, getting bigger and bigger as she got closer and closer. The grass ruffled and went in every direction as she glided closer, her claws caressing the blades. The deer, sensing her behind it, bolted for the trees. She roared with fury, how dare her prey attempt to escape her! With one last flap of her wings she struck. Extending her paws out she clutched its wet and slippery hide in a glittering cage. The deer struggled viciously, a fleeting attempt to free itself. Pressing the deer into the ground she grasped its head delicately between her ivory teeth. Throwing her head back in an impressive display of power she snapped its spine. In one gulp she engulfed the deer whole, its bones snapped and cracked as she crushed it in her jaws. Blood dripped out of her teeth onto the grass. Her scales glittered in the sun, rainbows reflecting off and dancing into the air. She ran her barbed tongue across her blood stained fangs and roared her achievement too the sky. Birds screeched and flew out of the trees in a swell, as her roar echoed threw the valley and ricocheted off the canon walls, terrified of her.

Arya's eyes snapped open in shock where did that come from? She shook her head, expelling the goose bumps from her skin. The sun was higher now, about three-quarters across the sky. Getting to her feet the elf stretched, rolling her shoulders she set off at a trot towards Feinster her black hair cascading behind her. Time for another boring meeting.

Nasuada's guards, the Nighthawks, blocked her entry asking her business. The two humans were tanned and wore clothes that emphasized their muscles. One had blonde sun bleached hair at the roots the other had black hair, like her own. The two Dwarves had hard lines gracing their faces showing their age. One held a blade, the other a vicious looking axe.

And then the two Kull, they had patches of armour, loose and obviously made for someone or something else. Each held a deadly looking club.

For a brief moment she considered throwing them out the way and walking in unannounced or unapproved. It wouldn't have been difficult. The one closest to her, his attention focused on her body, would be first.

A single step forward and she would be right in front of him. A quick thrust with her blade that hung at her side, mere centimetres from her fingers and he would fall without a sound. The one next to him, she would flick his legs out from under him, and drive his own spear into his chest. The Urgals, they would be more difficult. Though they have no individual loyalty to humans, in particular Nasuada, they would fight to protect her to keep the alliance safe.

Hm, but not too much trouble for an elf of her skill. She could whip out her bow and have two arrows streaming with deadly precision towards them within twenty seconds. Their heavy clubs wouldn't move quick enough to block her elvin sung arrows, nor would their armour protect them from the arrows deadly shaft.

The Dwarves, they would be the hardest. The oldest of all the three races protecting Nasuada, they would be harder to kill. There was one on her right and another on her left. Maybe she should kill them first………

A quick bound to the right, parrying a stroke from his blade, blocking his sword arm with her shoulder, sliding her dripping blade across his throat.

By now the alarm would have been raised, men at arms would come pouring in from every direction. The final Dwarf would be the hardest; he would assault her mind, while attacking her with his axe. She would be hard pressed to injure him, maybe even kill him, while fending off arrows from archers, though she had her wards.

After the final Dwarfs death all she would have to do was open the solid oak doors let herself in and close them when she was through bolting the door in the process.

Or she could just kill them all with magic. Invade the humans minds, their defences were poor for her strength, have them attack the dwarves and take the Urgals on herself… She had enough power, easily. The idea was appealing, but …. No. She would let them live for now.

" Its Arya, the Elvin Ambassador" she spoke, her voice even, not revealing the murderous thoughts raging inside her head. She was obviously affecting the humans; they goggled, their eyes roaming all over her body. She felt a flash of annoyance; every time she was with humans they stared.

It wasn't like she was wearing a low cut revealing dress, wearing a shy smirk and had no weapons visible. No. She was wearing her usual of men's leggings, her sword hung at her side and her Elvin quiver and bow were slung across her back. Her usual expressionless mask was in place.

Stupid humans she thought. None of her kind would be caught openly staring like these men were.

The heavy wooden doors were pushed open after Nasuada allowed her entry, the humans straining against their weight. Moving forward until she was level with the one who was still staring she paused, waiting until his eyes finally rose to meet hers. Leaning forward she hissed. "If I catch your eyes anywhere but my face again, you will lose them. Painfully" His tanned skin turned pale, the blood draining out of his face. He gulped and bowed quickly, his blonde hair falling in front of his eyes.

Nasuada, King Orrin, Jormundur, and a man she didn't know turned to look at her, shock evident on their faces. Briefly she wondered why she had thought she could kill all the Nighthawks at once, and if she was right in threatening the man. She dismissed it; it did not really matter to her and besides, she knew if she was forced, she could kill them all.

Blödhgarm smiled, his mouth of extra pointy teeth gleaming in the sunlight. "Kvetha Arya Dröttningu" he purred in a soft musical voice touching his first two fingers to his lips and twisted his right hand against his chest. He glanced over to the now closed wooden doors " Nen ono weohnata Shadeslayer" and nodded his head, his fur shimmering, as she moved further into the room.

A wooden rectangle table stood in the centre of the room. It had intricate carvings lacing its edges and proud rampant lions held the tabletop. To the left a window looked down on a courtyard, debris was everywhere. Arya smiled to herself she saw the ash darkened cobblestones. Saphira. Men at arms were lugging timber and bricks down the streets. Archers scanned the area with alert, roving eyes, searching for a threat. Patrols strode up and down the streets carrying wounded and dead.

The right window was held in shadows by branches; from where she was Arya could see the sun filtering down through the leaves. Judging by the rich and expensive decorative assets, the elaborate paintings hung on the walls, to the expensive rugs draped on the ground and the other furnishings, this was a Lady or a Lords residence.

"What…"

"I'm sorry I was late" she spoke interrupting Nasuada. "A… " She paused searching for words. "A personal issue came up," she continued, noting with annoyance the awestruck reactions of the male humans.

Nasuada, clad in a shirtsleeve, forest green dress leaned forward, her eyes light with rage. "What do you" she stopped and took a deep breath. Inhaling angrily she straightened. "Blödhgarm informed me that Eragon would be unable to make today's meeting. I trust you and he shall inform our Dragon Rider of all the details he missed."

Arya extended her mind towards Blödhgarm's. Upon reaching his heavily guarded mind she swirled around the outside, waiting for him to allow her in. Eragon is not coping well with the deaths of The Cripple who is Whole and his lifelong companion. Oromis and Glaedr. She felt a pang of sadness and rage upon hearing her Masters and friend's names. Blödhgarm's feelings of sadness meet hers and he inclined his head. Not coping well? She asked. Yes their deaths hurt, all of their deaths had hurt, but she was still functioning.

Or was she? She wasn't sure. In a far secluded corner hidden beneath oceans of pain she was crying. Silent sobs shock her body and tears ran down her face. But enough of that, it wouldn't do her any good do deluge into those memories. She must remain hard and as steel.

For an answer Blödhgarm opened himself up to his memories and showed her Eragon. He didn't look so well. His hair was tousled and dirty; his blue tunic was rumpled and creased. His eyes were red and swollen and he had bags beneath them. Stubble hugged his face. When he spoke, his voice was devoid of life and was harsh and cold. "I don't want to see her or anyone," he told Blodhgarm after he had told him Nasuada wanted to see him.

The memory faded and Arya withdrew from Blödhgarm's mind. She made eye contact and then said. "No decisions will be made without Eragon here." Her voice rang loud and clear with authority. " He is the Lead Rider of the New Order and must be included on all meetings about actions being taken for the future of Alagaesia. No orders are to be given without him here."

Nasuada turned red with anger and her mouth opened and closed, she seemed at loss for words. " How dare you tell me what I can and cannot do!" she snapped, her voice cracking in anger. " Eragon is my Vassal and he will go where I want him to go!" Arya stiffened, Nasuada's "I am boss" attitude was beginning to irk her. Feeling for Nasuada's mind, she and Blödhgarm, slammed themselves against her mental barriers Nasuada is quite well trained she commented to Blodhgarm as they crushed her barriers and flooded into her mind, for a human.

Now listen to me very carefully before you make a scene. Arya told Nasuada, completely in control of her mind and body. Eragon just lost his Masters, a fact you are not unaware of, it has hit him obviously hard and he is finding it difficult to cope. Blodhgarm nodded his agreement and spoke He was very close to them and needs some time to recover from their loss. I strongly suggest you give him time to recover and stop sending messengers to get him. I also recommend you tell him to take a time out form any duties he may have at the present, to recover. Nasuada nodded, finally seeing sense in what was being said. It wasn't wise to argue with an angry and extremely powerful elf, while she and another member of her race were in ones mind.

Give Eragon a week or so of rest. Let your warriors recuperate and have family time, then send for him and make some decisions. The death of those closest to us often leaves us hollow and empty. It takes time to heal and fill that emptiness, though it never leaves us.

Arya spoke softly; her voice low and full of conviction making Nasuada wonder what Arya had lost that could make her almost seem human. Or more importantly who.

And if he still isn't recovered? She asked hesitantly. Then we will wait. He won't shrink his duties to the races, Oromis and Glaedr taught him to well to allow him to do that. Arya said leaving Nasuada's mind. They taught us all well.

Nasuada nodded wondering if she had been meant to ear that final comment. "Your words speak the wisdom of your Masters. We will wait nine days for Eragon to recover." She spoke out load for the benefit of the others in the room. Arya turned to leave, already knowing Nasuada's decision, when she asked for entrance into her mind.

Allowing Nasuada in Arya quickly hid her thoughts, emotions and memories. "Why does Eragon's well-being matter to you? She asked. Arya thought about this for a moment. Eragon and Saphira are our only hope if we wish to meet Galbatorix on near even grounds. We need them both as physical and mentally well as possible if we are to have a chance in defeating him. If that means we have to sacrifice some time to achieve this then it will be done. . Nasuada seemed to be waiting for more so she added slowly. I know what it is like to lose someone so close to you, the pain and ache takes a long time too fade.

She threw Nasuada out of her mind and strode out the door, Blödhgarm following her.