Bright Watcher: Thank you for the review! I agree that the fic has been mostly focused on Eragon so far, but I felt it was necessary to set the relationship between him and the little girl (who was supposed to be named 2 chapters ago, wow I can't believe I haven't done that yet ^-^;) so that I can explore how the two interact with the outside world.

I have just realized I haven't done a disclaimer since chapter 4, so insert standard disclaimer here!

Chapter Six: A Confrontation, A False Impression

A stiff breeze caused loose leaves to shower down onto the forest floor. It was an unusual sight, and it obscured the sight of many animals, since leaves are larger in size than raindrops. Even the elves that had memorized the trails that connect the city, moved slowly, often brushing errant leaves that clung to their faces and hair. It was an odd sight, and many elves, old as they were, had never seen anything like this.

Arya felt the same way as she slowly weaved through the trees searching with her mind. She shook her head as a thick pile of leaves blew across her face, and tangled itself into her hair. Closing her eyes, she again sent a mental pulse that ran through the forest. She sensed every animal and elf present in the city except the object of her search, Eragon. She leaned against a tree, pinching her forehand with one hand, hissing in annoyance and exasperation. Two hours, and not one sign of him! He had disappeared like he had a week ago. That time, it had been explained away as another side effect of the mysterious attacks, but Saphira had mentioned that Eragon had left the loft only a hour ago, and he showed no physical or mental strain, which were the main trigger of the attacks. She sighed, and then resumed her search. After another hour, she found herself at the giant clearing that held the Meona tree. She turned her head slowly, examining the clearing. There! A head of matted brown hair peeked up from one of the massive roots. She walked swiftly to it, and then stopped in surprise. Was he talking to someone? She didn't sense anyone in the area. Her brow furrowed, and her lips tightened. Arya slowly crept up behind him, pressing her back against a root to hide her figure.

"I know you're there, Arya. Please come out, it is rude to spy on me. Although I am sure that the word 'privacy' has no meaning to you when it involves me." The voice sounded cold and bitter. Arya winced slightly at the tone. Why? Was this part of the change Saphira had mentioned? Certainly she couldn't remember a time when he had sounded that cold to her, or anyone at for that matter. She hesitated, trying to school her features into a sympathetic mask.

"Please come out and talk to me face to face." She stepped around the root, and faced Eragon. He was sitting down, looking up at her with a critical eye. She immediately felt unsettled, and even a little afraid. She quickly brushed her feelings away and tried to start a conversation. "How are you faring, Eragon?"

"I am in good health."

"How go your studies?"

"Arya let us not waste our time answering questions we know the answers to. What is the purpose of your visit?" The question caught her off guard. She stalled for time, "You have seem to lost your manners. I thought I impressed upon you the importance of them in elven culture before we came here."

"Perhaps, but it is impolite to eavesdrop too." She had no comeback to that remark.

"I am sorry."

"I accept your apology. May I ask you why you have come to talk to me?"

As the tense conversation continued, a pair of eyes watched the pair. They focused on the elven princess, looking at her with hostility. As Eragon and Arya began to walk, they disappeared with a rustle of leaves. Just out of view of the Rider and princess, a small figure fell behind them.

Eragon sensed her presence. He motioned to Arya, and the pair began to walk. As they moved, the little girl followed them. She was curious about the princess. Why was the elf interested now? She had tailed the princess before, and she knew that she and her mother were only interested in him as a weapon. That thought stopped the girl cold. So her Eragon was just a weapon to that bitch? That elf should be grateful to her Eragon! Instead, she looked down on the man who had saved her life, and only was his friend because of orders. Well that would change now! She would make sure that little whore knew what Eragon had saved her from by making her relive her torture again! Over and over, until her fragile little mind shattered from pain! And then when she looked for salvation, she will see only HELL WAITING BREAK HER PRETTY BODY AGAIN! Grinning, the girl disappeared behind a curtain of leaves, ready to tear into Arya like a hunting tiger.

Arya shivered as a wave of fear suddenly washed over her. Eragon noticed this, and said, "You appear to be ill. We will discuss this topic later."

"I am fine." She said.

"You are pale and shaking. Why don't you rest?"

Arya was starting to lose her temper. "Do you doubt my words? I. Am. Fine."

"I think not." Came the cool rely.

Arya exploded, "God dammit Eragon, what the fuck is wrong with you?! Eragon didn't seem to be affected by the outburst. He merely lifted an eyebrow in response. She nearly screamed at his reaction. "Look, Eragon, everyone is…" She choked off as the ancient language stopped her next words.

"Worried? If you can't say so in the ancient language, then it is a lie."

Rage overtook her, taking away all of her restraint. "You always are causing problems for me! No matter what! First I have to save you because you charge in and try to fight Durza alone! Then I have to stay by you for weeks on end just because I was ordered too. Now you hide everything, and I am told to find out what! Why can't you…" She was stopped by the hurt expression on the young Rider's face.

"Is that what you really think about me?" The voice was a whisper now, low and full of pain. "Do you too see me only as a weapon?" Arya stared at him blankly before she realized what she had said. "Then I'll stay out of your way." He turned dejectedly, and started to walk away.

Arya started to panic. "Wait! I didn't mean that!" He was still walking away! "I'm sorry!" He glanced over his shoulder. "No you're not." His voice was cracking and his body shaking "Your words were spoken in the ancient language. They are true."

"So are these! I was just…"

"Goodbye. Kachina was right about you." He was gone.

Arya stood in horror, with tears running down her cheeks. "What have I done?" She whispered. No one answered her, except the whistling of the leaves. She leant against a root, shaking with sobs. There were two people that saw her as a person. Now, because of an angry outburst, they were gone. Arya collapsed onto the ground. She hadn't meant those words, she was just mad! But, like she had once told Eragon, you had to choose your words with care when speaking to an immortal. They would remember it, and could hold a grudge for a very long time. A sudden thought broke in on her self-pity. Who the hell was Kachina?

Kachina grinned and her eyes flashed red. Now she could begin her torture! The thought was making her shake in anticipation. She slipped away from the clearing, leaving the crying elf alone. After all, she couldn't let her Eragon be sad over that whore, right?