A few months had passed since Makeeda was rejoined with the Varden. It was different from the last time. The people had changed, even the woods had changed in time. Animals no longer spoke to one another, becoming savage in their fear of being prosecuted for being Narnian.

Makeeda and Eragon prepared themselves for scouting. They had decided to travel out of the woods, to see if they could find other means of shelter than just the trees. Makeeda was second in command under Eragon, her Dalish brothers and sisters looking to her when they needed a decision made amongst themselves. Although Makeeda mourned for Edmund and his siblings, she was happy to see Shruikan so content with Saphira again.

Makeeda strapped her new bow to her back, cursing the fact that she no longer had her original one. At least, or so she thought, it was a Dalish bow, and it was good enough for her. They left the weapon's tent, walking over to their dragons and mounting them.

"We stick together." he instructed. "Our people remain here, under our enchanted trees."

Makeeda nodded, and they took off to the skies. After flying around for a bit, they decided to land for water. Makeeda and Shruikan got their drinks while Eragon and Saphira watched for enemies. Makeeda kneeled at the river, scooping her hands into the chilled water and bringing it to her mouth. Shruikan gulped beside her. She heard a noise, a swift flick through the air, then a cry. Shruikan snapped his head up, roaring at the sight he saw. Makeeda looked up, seeing a Telmarine archer shooting at Eragon, who fell to the ground across the field. Makeeda jumped onto Shruikan quickly, flying over to them. She drew her bow and arrow, shooting the archer to the ground as he drew another arrow of his own.

Upon landing, Makeeda could hear Eragon's raspy breathing. Her heart quickened as she kneeled down next to him, Shruikan stopping next to Saphira. Makeeda touched Eragon's face, trying to hold back her tears of fear.

"Eragon…?" she said, her voice shaky.
"I'm sorry." he said shortly.
"No… No, you are alright. Everything is fine."
"Makeeda…. Go back to our people…" he told her. He looked like he was disturbed by something as he looked over at Saphira lying on the ground. "I need you to promise you will not abandon them…"
"Eragon-"
"Promise."

Makeeda nodded, running her fingers through his hair.

"I promise." she said.
"Will you sing?" he asked. "Of all the elves I have met, you are the one I have yet to hear sing."

Makeeda looked around, trying to think of a tune and words to sing. She did not do it often, but when the occasion was right, she would. This certainly called for it, if it would bring him to peace as he lay dying. Makeeda looked down at him, holding his hand, her gedway ignasia against his, and started humming. Her voice shook as she sang, tears falling down her face. She stopped after a moment, letting herself breakdown briefly.

"Don't stop." he told her. "It is lovely."

She smiled, humming the tune as she tried to find words. It came to her naturally to sing about the forest and the comfort that he would feel as he returned to the soil. By the time her song was done, the light in Eragon's eyes had left, his hand going limp in her own. She laid her head down on his chest for a moment, no longer able to hear to beat of his heart drumming inside. She could hear Shruikan's own crying in her mind. She looked over to see him laying his massive head next to Saphira's. Makeeda closed Eragon's eyes, feeling the air change around her as she did. The wind picked up as she felt her emotions flying high. Her last companion was now dead, save for Shruikan. The one and only other Rider in this world was laying dead, and so was his dragon.

She stood, walking over to her own dragon, knowing they had to leave before more soldiers showed up.

"Shruikan…" she said, sniffling slightly. "Shru, we have to go… We have to leave."
"I will not leave her."
"Shru, you have to."
"You are going to leave them here to rot?!" he said, getting up to face her now.
"I do not have much of a choice." Makeeda replied, her tears endlessly falling down her face.

Shruikan looked from his fallen mate to Eragon, a rumble gathering in his chest. He opened his mouth, taking turns to breathe on the bodies before them. Around them now laid a crystallized tomb.

"They will be remembered here." he said.

Makeeda climbed onto Shruikan, not looking back at the stones that stood there now, knowing she would have a hard time announcing to the Varden that their leader was now gone.

Makeeda listened as the camp went into a full uproar at the news that Eragon and Saphira were now dead. Makeeda watched, not knowing what to do or say to them. Shruikan let out a loud roar, silence falling over everyone. Gabriella stood beside Makeeda. They looked at each other, Makeeda begging Gabriella with her eyes to take control. She did not, however, and waited like everyone else for her to say something. She looked out at the camp of Elves.

"My people… I too grieve for the loss of our beloved Shadeslayer and his dragon… Their leadership is unmatched, and I can only hope that you will give me a chance to be half the leader that he was…"

A single elf stepped forward, stopping in front of Makeeda.

"You are the oldest elf here." he told her. "You are our Lady, the protector of our home, the woods, and all Narnians alike. Who better to lead us than you?"

He opened his arms as he turned to the elves who stood behind him.

"I pledge my allegiance to our Keeper." he said.
"We have not had a Keeper in a thousand years." another elf protested.
"Perhaps this is why we have lost so many. We need a leader, a Keeper, as our ancestors did. I see no other elf among us worthy enough. She was named the Lady of the Forest by Aslan himself."
"She was also named the protector of the Kings and Queens of Narnia, look where they are now. Dead."

The comment stung at Makeeda's heart, making her ache at the thought of her deceased family.

"She is the only Rider left, and the oldest elf. She will lead us." an elder elf said, stepping forward. The crowd hushed as he stepped towards Makeeda, his face stern. "What say you, my Lady?"

She smiled at him through her tears.

"Prepare yourselves for travel… We are going to the Stone Tables."