Ah! I'm back with a veeery short chapter unfortunately... I finally got over my writer's block, 'cause I've finally decided what I wanted to do with the plot and the plot holes that have been bugging me for the past two months. I probably could have updated sooner, but I've been back at school *sigh* and it's already demanded a LOT of my time. My Italian's lacking as well, I couldn't even remember how to write in Italian the other day and it's really really annoying and frustrating.

Anyway, I'm glad you liked the one-shot 'cause I really enjoyed writing it. I might write another one, when I have time of course. I'm rambling again :/

It must be a romance day for me, because I just couldn't help writing what happens at the end of the chapter :) R&R!

Chapter 16

The next morning was awkward. That was the only word that Arya could think of that would decribe her current situation perfectly. Both Riders were two very stubborn individuals and far too proud to admit any fault. Truth be told it was not entirely the green Rider's wrongdoing: Eragon should not have been in such a compromising position to begin with, andhe had offended her and she was still rather bitter about the offense, but if she had to be completely honest with herself she also was culpable of not being able to detach herself emotionally long enough to look at the situation from an objective point of view and therefore the standstill. The awkwardness.

Throughout the morning they had of course conversed, but it was nothing more than casual comments, both discreetly trying to get the other's attention. But of course they were both too proud and stubborn to actually talk about the subject their hearts were pining for. Saphira and Eridor actually found the lack of conversation between the two quite amusing, well, at least the glances they took when the other was not looking.

Young one, how fares your Rider? Saphira asked the Green dragon once she cound no longer stand the silence.

Arya is.. drist he replied. The elf had of course been teaching him words, but he still had some difficulty. Whenever he could not think of the right word, he resorted to the Ancient Language. Saphira chuckled, but did not comment.

They had been flying for quite some time and it was nearing dark when they decided to finally make camp. The dragoness blatantly refused, stating that she could continue, but apparently Eragon was in no mood for her antics. Arya scanned the surrounding area and saw that a small patch of woods would give them cover from any unwanted company for the night.

Saphira, land by the lake. We should be safe for the night she said to her friend and now master.

The Riders quickly got a fire starting, as winter was making its presence known in the cool but clear night. Arya looked up at Eragon who was moving around the small camp with a unemotional mask. She frowned. She was most definitely not used to not being able to read his emotions. In their past encounters, especially during their visit to Ellésmera, he was as open as a book layed out in front of her. She missed that. She missed him.

"Eragon" she said softly. This was it.

The tone of her voice startled him. Heck the softness of her voice caused him to stiffen, but he slowly turned to find her looking up at him, two emerald eyes shining in the light of the flames. She was sitting in front of the fire, legs crossed, but unlike her usual stance she was relaxed. Something that he certainly was not.

"Yes?" he asked as he sat down beside her, still keeping his distance.

"I wish to... apologize for my actions. It was not my place to interfere in your personal life, especially after the pain you have suffered because of my reckless thinking. I truly am sorry, for you did not deserve such harsh words." When she had finished, she could not help the tears starting to form in her eyes. Arya cursed herself for being so weak; her old self would laugh sardonically if she could see how painfully emotional she had become over the past two years and all because of a certain Rider.

Eragon moved closer to her, carefully wrapping an arm around her. At first he was rather cautious and it was to be expected when the elf could easily throw him into a tree if he was too careless. Eragon could feel Saphira's smirk. Indeed she could, Little One.

But shockingly, she did not move away or did she make any move to extract herself from Eragon's firm grip, instead she leaned into his figure. Something that left him bewildered, but he wisely decided not to comment.

"Arya, you need not apologize. You were right. I should not have even been in Trianna's presence alone after what happened in Tronjheim and I should not have offended you in such a manner. It was wrong of me and I profusely apologize, Dröttingu."

They sat in comfortable silence, the only noise being the crackling of the fire, until Arya extracted herself from Eragon's embrace, much to his dismay. But her next move left him completely and utterly speechless. She reached up with her hand and she placed it gently on his cheek, all the while keeping her eyes staring into his brown ones with something that Eragon could not quite place. She lifted herself and pressed her lips where her hand had just been, leaving the blue Rider in a daze.

"Good night, Eragon" she whispered and retreated to the resting form of Saphira, who had place a wing over Eridor protetively.

When Eragon finally recovered, he could not help the smile forming.

So, what do you think? To be honest, I thought of a million ways to get ExA going, but in the end I decided to end the chapter on a sweet note: not quite together, not quite not together. And I didn't want to do the whole Helgrind in one chapter, especially with this ending 'cause:

1) I was in the mood for romance

2) You're going to have plenty of Faolin and believe me when I say you're going to hate him

Tell me what you think and I'll try my best to update faster this time :)