Right, so this is my longest chapter so far. Another filler, but I promise that there will be some action in the next chapter! So, about the poll, I've decided to make both sides happy. Last night I finished my plan for the story and I think you'll be happy with my storyline :) I don't know when I'll publish the next chapter, but I'm sure that reviews will persuade me to write *hint, hint*

Chapter 7

The trio had been flying for over an hour when a thought occured to Arya.

What route are we taking?she asked, projecting her thoughts to both Rider and dragon. She assumed that they would not be flying through the Hadarac Desert, for it would take weeks for them to reach Gil'ead. Saphira was the one to answer.

We are to fly over the Spine, Emerald-Eyes. The traitorous King is far too supersticious to dare venture in these trees. Eragon nodded in agreement.

We should stop in Kuasta for the night. That way we should arrive in Gil'ead by dusk. said Eragon. Arya's eyes widened and she turned her head. Her face was mere inches from his. Eragon smiled and continued to project his thoughts. Kuasta is about two hours away from our current position and I must admit that I am curious to see the town my father grew up in. Who knows, I might even meet some relatives!

Eragon, cautioned Arya you cannot engage in conversation with any of the townsfolk if not specifically asked a question and unless the occasion requires it. There are many spies throughout Alagaesia and if the King were to discover our location, I am sure he would set aside his superstitions and would not hesitate in sending Murtagh and Thorn to capture us./

Saphira and I have discussed this. Thorn was gravely injured by Glaedr in the last fight. According to Saphira he has a few broken ribs and a pierced wing. Those injuries alone would take a full week to heal, even with magic. His tail was also damaged and that would affect his flying. Arya nodded, but could not help the feeling that something would go terribly wrong. She set aside her disturbing thoughts, concluding that they were merely due to the fact that she would be entering Gil'ead once more. She shuddered. She wished she did not have to re-enter such a place, but unfortunately Wyrda did not agree with her.

Changing the subject, Arya asked. Is a Rider's burial miliar to the traditional Elven ceremony or is there something different? She tried her best not to seem insensitive or too blunt, and if she had to be honest with herself, she would not have asked if curiosity hadn't gotten the better of her.

Eragon smiled slightly, but it did not reach his eyes. Yes, there are a few differences, but for the most part it is the same as an Elven burial. Arya let the subject drop, as she did not wish to pain the Rider any further. She could not fathom how the Rider must feel. He had only known Oromis for little over a year and in that time Eragon seemed a lot happier. For once, the Rider did not have to carry the burden of defeating the King alone and now he was the last free Dragon Rider in Alagaesia. Determination coursed through Arya as she promised herself that she would not fail in finding the egg and she would succede in finding its Rider.

During the course of the flight to Kuasta, Saphira had pestered elf and Rider into obliging her into a game of riddles. Saphira found their reluctance almost as entertaining as their pathetic guesses. Once the dragoness decided it was time to give Eragon and Arya a chance to play, the two grinned. Arya went first.

Mountains will crumble

and temples will fall

and no man can survive its endless call.

Who am I?

Saphira chuckled at the elf's eagerness to prove herself. Well said, Little One. Well said. Eragon seemed to be the only one who could not figure out the answer. Several minutes passed when he decided he had had enough. Arya let out laugh and Saphira hummed in amusement.

Time, Eragon. The answer is Time. said Saphira, finally putting him out of his misery. Eragon frowned, which caused more laughter from both females.

My turni said Eragon happily, an evil grin replacing his frown.

When I am filled I can point the way.

When I am empty nothing moves me.

I have two skins: one without and one within.

What am I?

Eragon's grin widened at the baffled thoughts of the rest of the party. Arya had soon given up, since had a headache from overthinking. Saphira was more reluctant to give up, her pride not allowing her to do so. Over half an hour had passed and the dragon still could not find a suitable answer.

Very well, Eragon. What is the answer? she finally asked.

And what's this? A mighty dragon, whose logic is incomparable cannot figure out the answer to a simple riddle? teased the Rider.

Saphira growled in response, earning another round of laughter from Eragon and Arya.

The answer is..i Eragon waited a few moments to create suspense a glove

Saphira snorted and abandoned the game, her thoughts once again concentrated on her flying. Arya, however, had other plans for the Rider.

The next one is easy, Eragon she said with a smile.

What is so fragile that when you say its name, it breaks

Eragon thought about his answer carefully before answering.

Is the answer: Silence? he asked hesitantly.

The elf smiled again. Indeed it is. At this, Eragon let out a triunphant grin and this time it did reach his eyes.

The three companions landed at the edge of the Spine, where Saphira would hunt and rest for the night; close enough to go to Eragon and Arya's aid if needed . Eragon jumped off of his dragon's back with ease and offered a hand to the princess, which once again, she gladly accepted. The pair gathered what they needed for their stay in the village from the sacks attached to Saphira's saddle.

Once Eragon and Arya were ready to leave, they re-arranged their features with magic to appear human. Eragon watched in amazement as Arya's face transformed from that of a stunningly beautiful elf to human. To be safe she also changed the colour of her hair to a sunny-golden blonde and the colour of her eyes to a not so random chocolate brown. The Rider seemed to transform into the human he was before the Agaetì Blodhren, for the exception of his eyes and hair that became black and green.

Eragon also decided to change the scabbard and hilt of Brisingr, to not attract unwanted attention, to that of an average sword. Arya left her sword and bow with Saphira, deciding to take only a dagger, securely placed beneath her tunic on her right arm.

Saphira wished them good luck as she retreated to the forest to hunt. Eragon and Arya walked towards a line of paesants that gathered at the entrance of the town.

The entrance was guarded by only two soldiers that only asked for basic information. As elf and Rider approached the guards they quietly came up with their story.

"What's ur buzness in Kuasta?" asked one of guards with a heavy accent.

Eragon smiled. "My name is Gavin and this is my wife Daria." he answered, pointing to Arya. "I'm looking for work in town. Those wretched rebels are heading towards Melian and we decided to move before they massacred us."

"Aye, you be zmart, boy." The guard gestured to the other, allowing them passage into Kuasta.

Kuasta was a small town, but not smaller than Carvahall. There were a few houses and shops. The people looked overly suspicious towards any outsiders and luckily Eragon and Arya weren't the only newcomers. The pair found a tavern in the outskirts where they decided to spend the night. As Arya and Eragon read the sign that indicated the name, they let out a small chuckle. Ye old Dragon. They quietly retired for the evening, making sure they placed several protective spells on the room. As there was only one bed, the Rider offered the princess sleep there and he would sleep on the floor. The pair, exausted, quickly drifted off into sleep.

So, what do you think? R&R, people! R&R!