Thanks for the reviews. Im jumping POV from Eragon to Arya which should be obvious and I've left Saphira somewhat of a mystery as of now. Im trying to show how the others have developed over the years. Im sure ill add Roran in soon as well as his decendents. Again R&R.

Disclaimer: I, of course own nothing of the Inheritance Cycle.

Reunion

Arya wandered through the courtyard garden of Tialdarí Hall trying to calm herself before the evening meal with Eragon. What if he is not the same person he was? What if my refusal to join him on his journey turned him cold and resentful? She thought to herself. No. The way he looked at me when he arrived shone with warmth. Arya paused in her thoughts as Fírnen reached out to her mind from where he was curled up next to Saphira on the Crags of Tel'naeír.

You are troubling yourself for naught partner-of-my-heart, Saphira is much the same as she was only more experienced, and I am sure the same hold true for Eragon. She felt comforting thoughts coming from her dragon and was grateful for his intervention as she always tended to over think the smallest of things.

Arya responded. Thank you Fírnen, Has Saphira mentioned how she has grown so much larger? When she and Eragon left Saphira was not so much bigger than you. Now she is at least a third larger.

No, she herself has no idea why. He paused then said. Saphira said it confused Eragon greatly and that he was thinking upon the matter. Fírnen's mind was more at ease now with Saphira close at hand than she had felt in years. It seems he missed Saphira more than he let on.

Will you and Saphira be joining use this evening? Arya asked.

No. I would prefer to rest at Saphira's side tonight, though if you need me I will be there in an instant. He replied and he slowly withdrew from her mind.

Arya continued her circuit of the gardens stopping here and there to admire her favorites. She paused at the black morning glory Fäolin made for her many years ago. She missed him still after all this time. Strange though it was, Eragon was the one to help her come to terms with his death. She remembered another flower, a lily made for her by Eragon to try and ease some portion of her pain when she told him of her imprisonment in Gil'ead. As she was entertaining the idea of a meadow of golden lilies she felt a gentle brush of another beings mind on the edge of her consciousness.

She recoiled slightly hiding her inner most thoughts and granted entrance. The mind was familiar yet much more vast since last she felt it. It reminded her of Oromis somewhat with the amount of knowledge it held. She knew it was Eragon which made her heart beat a little faster. His mind now had a string of music within it that was not there before. It seems he has embraced our culture more than his own. She thought. The melody held a tinge of sorrow but was full of vitality.

Eragon spoke within her mind. I am sorry to intrude Arya but I need a bit of information that may help our evening run a little smoother. How many of your court know of the Eldunarí?

The four and twenty in my court know the truth. I had little choice but to tell them after my mother was killed by the human Barst. They asked to know how a human could have such strength and after Roran killed him, Däthedr found the remaining pieces of the heart of hearts Barst carried under his armor. I had each one of them swear oaths to never reveal or even speak of the Eldunarí outside my court. Arya responded within the confines of her mind. She could feel his displeasure at the information but it could not be helped. He seemed to understand himself and responded.

Very well. That was all I needed. With that Eragon began to withdraw from her mind.

Wait! She called to him. After we are finished entertaining the lords and ladies tonight, May I speak with you privately? Arya asked Eragon.

She felt the tenor of his thoughts soften when he replied. Yes, I was hoping I could speak with you as well. Then he was gone.

Arya smiled to herself and continued through the garden to the dining hall. As she walked she thought about all the questions she had for Eragon. Some she would address during the meal others were for him and him alone. She had to keep up the act of Queen a little longer then she would be alone with Eragon for the first time in almost two centuries.

When Arya accepted the crown and followed in her mothers footsteps she imagined helping to rebuild her race along with the rest of Alagaësia. If she was honest with herself neither she nor the rest of the elves had really changed since the fall of Galbatorix. Yes, more elf children were being born now that the fear of war was lifted from them. Slowly the race was rebuilding itself but her being queen had little to do with that. Elves rarely mated for life and the conception of a child was a bond like none other. More elves were now finding love with each other since that the fear of losing that loved one to war was gone. It was a slow process in itself so it would take many centuries before her race returned to the glory it held before the fall of the Riders.

Her counsel on many occasions brought up the question of when she would find a mate and produce an heir for the throne. It seems they are eager to set the political cycles in motion as if her life was a game of Runes. At times it disgusted her to think of life in such a way, as if she is a pawn in a never ending game of strategy, but this was the way her society functioned and there was little to be done about it. She pushed the issue from her mind and instead thought of Alagaësia as a whole.

It took many decades to repair the damage Galbatorix had wrought on the land. King Orrin stayed true to his word and never challenged Queen Nasuada for her throne. They both worked well together over the years to rebuild the cities damaged from the war. Despite a few minor uprisings in Surda, the land prospered or so she had been informed. The only times Arya had left Du Weldenvarden over the years was to witness the coronation of Nasuada's eldest son Tomlin, two and sixty years after the 'Great War', as it was now called in the human histories. Nasuada married a nobleman from Surda eight years after taking the throne. Though Arya was sure she tried to wait for the return of Murtagh, Nausada was as well under pressure to produce an heir. So she did what was best for the people as a whole. The cycle repeated and Arya has been to three more coronations to date, the last being four and ten years ago. Queen Astrid is her name, a fair ruler she has been, but not accomplishing anything of great notice yet.

This is where Arya's mind was lingering as she took her seat at the head of the table. Four times in two centuries! She thought. Have I really become so complacent? I rarely leave Tialdarí Hall anymore. This has got to change. Arya berated herself.

Arya continued to think about mundane matters until the sun was near setting and she readied her mind for entertaining. She looked up as the entrance door opened wide and Eragon strode in escorted by Lord Fiolr.

Fiolr took his seat further down the table while Eragon made his way through the room towards the chair on her immediate right. His stride was strong and as graceful as a hunting wildcat. He exuded an air of supreme confidence born from decades of experience he once lacked. This Eragon was no longer guarding himself as if waiting to be rebuffed or chastised about some childish mistake. He now wore a more formal tunic of white with black trim. The trim depicted that of a Lianí Vine which ran up his arms, across his shoulders, around his collar and around the hem at the bottom of the tunic. His leggings were white and black boots rounded out his formal wear. Wow. He is very handsome indeed! And he did not use magic to make himself so. Arya thought.

"Good Evening Eragon. I am truly glad you decided to join us, it is our honor to have you in Ellesméra once again." Arya greeted him with a slight smile, still thinking of how well he cleaned up.

Eragon returned the smile as he stopped before her. "Well met indeed. Before we dine, I have a gift." He said pulling out a small wooden box from inside his tunic. "A gift that is not for Arya Drötting but for Arya Shur'tugal." His eyes bore into hers and seemed to look into her very soul send a tingle racing down her spine.

Arya picked up the box and looked it over carefully; it was carved on the top, the sides, and the back with intricate designs of dragons flying in and out pine trees with three mountain peeks for a back drop. The box itself was about three inches across, two inches wide, and two inches deep.

"It is a beautiful work of art Eragon-elda. Thank you." Arya said. Choosing the honorific with care to show she realized how much he had matured.

Eragon smiled slightly. "The gift is inside Your Majesty but I thank you for your praise."

She opened the lid and look inside the velvet lined box. An emerald about the size of the one Eragon wore around his neck was nestled inside. Arya reached in and pulled the emerald out when she saw it was connected to a thin metal rope which she assumed was white gold like Eragon's. The emerald had dozens of tiny facets which made it throw sparkles like Fírnen scales in the sunlight. The gold rope was designed after the Lianí Vine and was just as beautiful as the emerald.

Eragon said. "It became tradition for my students that along with selecting a blade from our vault I also present to them a necklace with a gem to match that of their dragon. Before I give my pupil their necklace I place wards on it. The wards are for protection against physical injury, scrying, poison and things of that nature. The idea is to have an extra energy store in the gem to fuel those wards so as to not rely on one sole store of energy such as the jewel on the pommel of a blade."

Arya was still marveling at the beauty if his gift when he continued speaking, his voice more solemn "I actually got the idea from the last battle my masters fought. Oromis-elda had all his wards placed so the energy to fuel them came from the diamond in the pommel of Naegling, when a seizure struck him, he lost hold of his sword and was left defenseless. Open your mind to the gem." Eragon instructed.

Arya did so and gasped. She was astonished by what she found. The emerald thrummed with energy. More than double the amount held in the pommel of Támerlein and she stored energy in it daily. She looked back at Eragon and said in a sincere tone. "Thank you Eragon for this gift within gifts." She was speaking of the energy inside the emerald. Arya then slipped it around her neck and clasped the ends together; the necklace was the perfect length with the jewel resting just above her chest.

"I am happy you are well pleased with it." Eragon smiled a true smile for the first time that made her stomach flip with excitement. She had not seen him smile like that in a very long time.

Arya smiled back at him just as wide and said. "Now let us begin." She turned to look at the rest of the table which she had not really paid much attention to since Eragon joined them. Six elves that usually waited on her court started bringing plates of steaming vegetables and sliced sweet peppers, platters of fruit and leafy greens, bowls of soup, and several loafs of warm bread with a delicious honey spread with wine, water, adn faelnirv to wash it down.

Idle conversation was made while they ate such as the up coming celebration when Eragon mentioned that he remembered a memory of seeing Queen Tarmunora and white dragon whose name cannot be spoken in any language as the bonding of races occurred. As soon as the words were out of his mouth all talk stopped at once while all eyes turned to him. At one time in his life he would have shied away and been uncomfortable with the eyes of so many elves staring at him that intently. Now he simply stared back waiting on someone to speak. Arya was content to simply watch him and note all the changes in him. Finally Däthedr spoke.

"How can that it be that you have seen such a thing Kingkiller? Only a handful of elves still walking the earth witnessed the bonding between elves and dragons." He asked of Eragon. Däthedr sounded as if he did not believe the words Eragon had spoken but as they were all speaking the ancient language, he knew Eragon could not lie.

Eragon studied Däthedr intently for several long moments. "Arya informs me you all are aware of how Galbatorix was so strong and where his strength came from, correct?" Eragon asked.

Looking around the table as everyone inclined their heads in acknowledgement. He continued "Valdr invited me to watch the memory through his heart of hearts; he is the eldest of the Eldunarí to escape Galbatorix and was one of the wild dragons that provided the energy that fueled the spell." He paused then added. "He allowed me to view it so I could better understand our history the bond between Dragon and Rider. It took my companions and me just over three to build our fortress in and around the mountains where we now live. The first student did not arrive for another four years. I studied with the Eldunarí everyday. I watched through them as the dragons evolved to learn speech, I watched as the Riders evolved to from envoys to healers, scholars and warriors, and I watched the same evolution of elves and humans. I could not truly imagine what Rhunön-elda spoke of when she told me elves once acted like humans until the Eldunarí showed me. Being taught by the Eldunarí was a whole different experience than learning from Brom or Oromis."

"How was it any different? Knowledge itself is valuable as long as the source is reliable and the knowledge you speak of is something we would all love to have." Fiolr commented.

"Yes it is but understanding that knowledge is another matter completely. From a dragons point of view it matters not whether we are elves, humans, dwarves, or Urgals. To a dragon we are all two-legs, as Saphira says. They recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each race and value that which they believe is worthy of notice. Understanding what I was shown has taken many years and I am still learning even now.

Eragon had a distant look in his eyes when he next spoke. "After fighting tooth and claw for survive since Saphira hatched we both found the experience almost….soothing."

"You have indeed grown Eragon-elda." Arya complimented. She looked at Eragon with a newfound respect. Though she was a hundred years older than Eragon, she did not have the wisdom he now possessed. She was seeing Eragon in a new light and though she enjoyed him like this she wondered what else has changed.

Däthedr finally asked a question many of them had been wondering about, including Arya herself. Though Arya knew Eragon would never accelerate Saphira's growth with magic, she could not think of a logical reason for Saphira to have grown so much. Arya was concerned that Däthedr would ask that very question and offend Eragon.

"How is it that Saphira has grown as large as she is in such a short amount of time Kingkiller? She is larger than Glaedr was and he was much older than she is now." He asked.

Eragon was silent for several long moments with a look of deep thought etched upon his face. "I do not know exactly. I have two possible theories but I could very likely be wrong." He paused for a short moment "As we are all aware, when elves bonded with dragons the bond brought about a great change for both races, giving dragons the ability of speech while the elves gained great strength, speed, and immortality. Then humans were added into the spell at a later date and though not as greatly effected they were still changed from the crude barbarians who first landed in Alagaësia. We know that when Galbatorix started his campaign to appoint himself ruler over the whole of the land he came very close to ending the race of dragons completely. Since elves were the most effected by bonding with dragons, the race as a whole was affected most by the slaughter of dragons. When Galbatorix was killed and Fírnen hatched, I am assuming the separate races started to heal, as I left Alagaësia shortly after, all the information I have to go on is what my Riders relay to me. It seemed every race is indeed healing. I did not think much more on the matter at the time. Then some six decades ago rider Nada joined us with her dragon Malmorna. At the time Nada had lived nine and forty years in the city of Osilon. While still a youngling by the standard of elves she insisted she was proficient with mind, magic, and blade, so I tested her."

A wry smile came to Eragon's face. "She did not pass. I consulted with Blödhgarm for he was present at the testing. He noticed as well that it seemed as if Nada was slower and weaker than most other elves we have both encountered over the years, which did not seem very likely. We both came to the conclusion that since we on the island have been living so closely to the rebirth of dragons, we have been affected more by the magic of the bond. This is my first theory."

Arya was listening intently as were the other elves present. It made sense to her for those so close to all that dragon magic to be affected more. Then again she had Fírnen so she should be affected too. A smile slowly spread across her face before she controlled her features. Perhaps she should test herself against Eragon. They were very well matched before she became a rider, so they should be evenly matched still.

Lady Athem then asked Eragon. "What you say makes logical sense Kingkiller. What of you second theory?"

"Before the Fall, elves roamed much of Alagaësia. When it became evident that Galbatorix could not be stopped most of the elven race retreated behind the wards that protect Du Weldenvarden, correct?" Eragon asked of no one in particular.

Arya answered him. "Yes. Queen Islanzadí did not believe it safe for any of us to remain in the Empire once Galbatorix gained control. It was a wise decision for if captured Galbatorix could have forced information out of anyone of us with the power he wielded much like Durza tried to do to me." She shivered at the memories. "I was the first to leave the forest as ambassador. Once Saphira's egg was captured Glenwing and Fäolin joined me to escort her to the Varden. We were the only three to leave the forest until our race marched for war."

Eragon nodded "Yes and after Galbatorix was cast down the elves were content to live in Du Weldenvarden instead of the Empire or Surda. I believe the wards that protect the forest against anyone and anything entering by magical means, could be stopping the magic of the rebirth from entering and affecting everyone behind these wards."

Everyone at the table was quite, considering the words Eragon had spoken when he added. "As I said, it is just a theory. With no way to really prove it; either way it matters little."

Arya thought both theories could very likely be true. "The only way your second theory could be tested would be to release the wards around Du Weldenvarden, as for your first theory, we could easily test it on the sparring field. You and I were evenly matched at one time, both with mind and blade. Would you consent to spar with me?" Arya smiled as she asked Eragon.

He turned to her with fire brimming in his eyes. A look that sent shivers through her body from the intensity of it. Then he inclined his head, with a quirk of the lips he replied. "I would be honored to cross blades with you once again Arya Shur'tugal."

The title Eragon used to address her pleased Arya to no end. She was rarely addressed by anything other than Drötting anymore. It filled her with joy that he saw her as a Rider and not just a Queen. She felt she has done next to nothing to earn it though and of all her titles that is the one she felt she deserved the least, but coming from Eragon it felt right.

Däthedr spoke then. "Are you sure it is wise to insert yourself into such a contest Arya Drötting? We have little time before the celebration and many decisions to make between now and then, it would not do for you to be injured or otherwise occupied and unable to make those decisions. Perhaps it would be more fitting for one of our warriors to participate instead." He finished seemingly satisfied with himself at what he must have thought a logical statement to keep the Queen off the sparring field and on her throne.

Arya had to work to keep her features impassive as he spoke. Her anger was burning under the surface as hot as a forge. She asked Däthedr. "Tell me Lord Däthedr, why did Fírnen hatch for me?"

He answered with a confused expression. "He selected you as his rider."

"Yes I am his rider. Eragon shows me great honor addressing me as such for I have done little to earn that title. If I cannot even meet him on the sparring field I might as well strip this mark from my hand!" She took a deep breath to calm herself. She thought she saw Eragon's lips turn upwards in a small smile from the corner of her eye. "I know my queenly duties well enough Däthedr and you need not fear that I shall fail in those duties, I never have before." Arya finished simply.

Däthedr merely nodded his head and let the matter drop. He knew her anger was terrible when roused.

After a few moments of tense conversation Eragon made to excuse himself and very formally thanked her court for hosting the meal.

As Eragon made to depart for his tree house Arya said. "I shall escort you Eragon, if my company does not bother you?"

He smiled slightly. "I would be honored for your company." Arya then excused herself as well and left Tialdarí Hall with Eragon at her side.

As they walked in silence Arya slowly let herself relax in Eragon's presence. She let the mask of queen fall from her face. It felt good not to keep up the act; though she was still not fully aware of the changes in Eragon she was still comfortable with him. She found his presence to be soothing.

"How are things in the Shielded Forest?" She finally asked of him.

He continued walking at an easy pace and answered. "Everything is going well. Rider eggs don't seem to be hatching fast enough. Compared to those of wild dragons anyway, they all hatched within the first century on the island and we've only had four and twenty rider eggs hatch including Saphira and Fírnen. I have to remind myself from time to time that the old Order took thousands of years to create."

"And what of you Eragon, how have you been?" She cast him a sidelong glance as she asked the question and noticed a brief grimace before he composed himself. She remembered the pain and anguish in his eyes when she said her final words as he set sail for a new land. He had truly loved her. He loved me and I all but spat in his face. But if he understands the meaning of duty he will not hold my decision to stay against me. Arya thought to herself.

"The first several years were tough. We studied and worked with the Eldunarí take our mind off things. We helped the wild dragons at the start but after the first year they didn't need help any longer nor did they want it." He paused. "It truly is a beautiful place. It is much like Du Weldenvarden. Blödhgarm, Lanerra, Yeala, Saniece , and the rest of my original companions are well satisfied with it. Though we all miss Alagaësia it was amazing watching a race reborn."

"I can only imagine how amazing it was. I am sure it was a sight to be remembered." Arya responded. She really wished she could have been there for it. It was within her power to be there as well as her right as a Rider but she had chosen to remain for the good of her people. It was strange to her for even though she was queen, her advisors always seemed to make the decisions. I am more of a figurehead to the elves.

Eragon then surprised her. "I could show you some time." Her head snapped up. Then he added. "Through my memory that is, when your duties permit. It is something you had a hand in creating through your actions in the war. "

"And what of you Arya, how have you been?" Eragon asked.

She was determined to keep her face straight when she answered him even though she wanted to grimace just as he did. She thought of her flight back to Ellesméra with Roran after watching Eragon sail away. Hearing Saphira lament her loss to the sky, knowing her pain was also coming from Eragon tore at Arya. The memory was painful in ways she never felt before. Losing one you cared for in battle hurt, but losing someone who was living, breathing, and standing right before you was something else entirely. What makes it worse is knowing that person loved you to their core, loved you for your triumphs and your faults. Letting go of that love for duty, she thought was by far the toughest choice she had made in her entire life.

Arya was lost in memory until Eragon stopped walking and turned to her. They had reached the stairs that led to his tree house. She finally spoke trying to show nothing in her features but impassiveness.

"As you say, the first few years were hard. Being queen was new to me but I like to believe I handled it well enough." She said.

Eragon was not fooled. He gave her a knowing look before he let it pass. He glanced up at his rooms then turned and said. "Thank you again for inviting me to Ellesméra Arya. I have for many years longed to return to the pinewood city."

Arya looked into his eyes and watched the emotions swirl in their deep brown depths. She heard the words he spoke but also thought the city was not the only reason he longed to return. The double meaning in Eragon's words made her lips turn upwards.

"You are welcome Eragon. And many long years have we awaited your return." Arya replied. She smiled fully now as they verbally danced around each other.

"I will see you in the morning then, perhaps an hour after dawn?" He asked.

"Yes, in the morning it is. Good evening Eragon." She answered as she turned to make her way back to Tialdarí Hall. She smiled the whole way. Thinking of their reunion and days still to come.