Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry, I didn't post the last chapter sooner. I forgot to tell you all that I was on vacation to visit my parents in the USA. I haven't forgotten you, and will try to make up for it ASAP! Hearts, Kittie

Shay woke up to the warmth of Vanir's body beside her. A moment of confusion—then memories of the previous night rushed into her mind. His body…his consciousness in hers…the twisting and sweating and fear. The love. She shivered.

Vanir groaned in his sleep and rolled over.

Rune's ring was still on her finger. She hadn't taken it off. In a way, she was glad the girl had given it to her.

Slipping out of bed, Shay searched for her tunic. The cold air hit her bare skin, shocking her fully awake. She shook out her hair – it had grown longer since the battle of the Burning Plains, almost mid-back length – and continued searching for her clothes.

Her whole body ached, and her mind wouldn't rest. She felt strange. Happy, yes. But guilty, perhaps, and just a bit afraid. What if the ring hadn't worked? What if—

She broke the thoughts off. She would be fine. Life could go on. Becoming Vanir's lover didn't change who she was. She was still Shay Everwood.

But still her heart fluttered in her chest with an indescribable feeling.

She found her underwear and pants and pulled them on. Her tunic followed a few moments later. She left the room. The bright light of the morning hurt her eyes. Rune and Alanna sat on a small fence, which corralled their horses. Tawnyclaw was perched on Rune's shoulder.

Rune met Shay's eyes and smiled knowingly. She excused herself from Alanna's company and fell into stride next to Shay.

Neither spoke as they walked. But from Rune's demeanor, Shay could tell she knew very well all that had transpired. In fact, the princess seemed a bit smug.

"Ugh, will you stop!" Shay yelped finally.

Rune blinked at her, shared a glance with the hawk, and blinked again. They both stared back at her with the same unreadable expression. Then a grin split Rune's face.

Shay turned crimson.

"I take it my ring came in handy, then?"

It wasn't a question.

Shay mumbled an affirmative, not looking at her friend. The hawk let out a screech, and Shay thought he was laughing.

"Did it hurt?" Rune asked suddenly.

Shay blinked. "Yes, kinda. But Vanir was gentle. And I'd prefer not to talk about it."

Rune shrugged. "Very well."

The silence was uncomfortable on Shay's end, but Rune seemed unflustered.

"It's life," Rune said finally. "It's beautiful. I'm happy for you. Will you marry?"

"We haven't talked about it," Shay murmured. "I suppose not. Elves don't practice marriage."

Rune shrugged and continued walking. "You know, Shay," she ventured, "One of these days Súndavar or Eragon is going to get carried away. Is it too much to ask for my ring back?"

Shay laughed, the tension broken. She slipped the ring off her finger and handed it to Rune. "Take care you don't need it," she advised with a grin.

Rune shrugged again. "I'd best be returning to Alanna," she said, before darting off.

Shay sighed. This was going to be a long day.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"I'm afraid we can't stay long," Eragon told Rian.

The elf girl had become their self-appointed guide for their stay in Lillendale. She met his eyes, then shrugged. "You must do what you must do," she said. "Your liege-lady awaits. And the passion of Lillendale does not suit all those in your party."

Her eyes flew to Shay and Vanir – saddling up their horses – as she said this. Eragon had noticed that the two seemed awkward, but hadn't began to guess at the reason. He bit his lip. "Then the sooner we go, the better."

Rian laughed. "Perhaps. I wish I could accompany you all, but my place is here. Fly you high, Eragon Shadeslayer."

Eragon blinked at the strange parting.

Rian smiled kindly. "I believe humans say 'Fare thee well". For Riders, it is 'fly you high."

"Oh. Oromis never told me about that."

"It's…it's a personal parting." She kissed his cheek softly. "I will miss you, Shadeslayer."

Eragon turned a lovely shade of red, but smiled. "As I will miss you."

"Take care of your princess," she bid.

The group mounted up. For some reason, Eragon felt like he was leaving the best place on earth. The only place left where sorrow had no place, death could not touch, and Hope and joy abounded.

Rune met his eyes and smiled. On her shoulder, Tawnyclaw blinked. He let out a screech, and Eragon could have sworn he heard a word in it:

Onward!

Rune kicked Eridor softly. "Let us ride!"

Author's Note: I know this chapter probably bordered on T (sorry bout that ) But I'm not going to change the rating, because it was a one time thing. Forgive me, but I couldn't resist. I just luv Shay/Vanir. Probably my fav pairing in this whole story...