Thank you guys so much for the reviews! I've received a few questions, so I'll answer them here (meh, I can't be bothered to reply to everyone!):

1)Isn't everyone a bit out of character? Even if Arya realied
that she had deeper feelings for eragon. I think that she would be able to
control them a bit more.

Nobody is perfect, least of all Arya. She has had much to deal with in the last few years, and it's changed her; even elves can't control every emotion they feel, and I imagine love is hardest of all to conceal.

2)Isn't the fact that Nasuada left with Eragon without any guards a little improbable?

Everyone needs freedom. Nasuada most of all. She finds it hard to work with the number of guards that she has, as mentioned in Brisingr, so it is understandable that she might forget about them for an hour or so. Anyway, Saphira was with them.

3)Even if Eragon had given up on Arya, would he really risk falling in love with someone who is immortal?

You can't help who you fall in love with. Anyway, who said he would fall for someone mortal? I have some twists up my sleeve, ladies… ;)

Anyway, on with the show!

Eragon woke to the sound of horns.

Saphira? He thought, groggily reaching for Brisingr and his clothes. He paused, his pulse racing when he received no answer. Saphira! SAPHIRA!

Quiet, Eragon, she snapped back, causing him to sigh in relief as he continued getting dressed. Wait your turn.

When he was emerging from his tent, fully clothed and Brisingr at his belt, Saphira replied at last. This time, her tone was a little softer. Sorry, little one. Arya was attaching my armour.

Blinking in the bright morning sun, Eragon frowned. Armour? Indeed, when his eyes were accustomed to the light, he saw many men in their armour, running towards the Northern gates, and the war drums began to sound. Groaning, Eragon asked Saphira: Where are you?

Outside Nasuada's tent. Hurry, little one.

Eragon began to run, ignoring all shouts of "Shadeslayer!" and general calls to him as he made his way to Nasuada's tent. Saphira greeted him with a nod as he saw her waiting outside, and he noted how she was already completely clad in her glinting, rustling armour. He smiled in response. His heart battered against his ribcage as he also spotted Arya, her back to him. She scanned the crowd in front of her as he came to a stop behind her. "Where is Eragon?" She asked, a hint of concern tainting her musical voice. He laughed, and she spun around in shock. Yet again, he undiminished beauty knocked the breath out of him; her long, brown, silken hair was loose, and it curled around her heart shaped face, framing it perfectly; her pouting red lips formed an uneasy smile, which Eragon joyfully returned. "Where have you been, Shadeslayer? The battle is about to begin." Eragon opened his mouth to reply, but Nasuada strode out of her crimson tent and the pair looked over to greet her. However, Nasuada wasted no time in early morning pleasantries.

"Has Arya filled you in?" She demanded, buckling her sword to her belt with difficulty. Eragon shook his head, moving forward to complete the task for her. She shifted uneasily, but spoke hurriedly and confidently. "A troop of four hundred approach the Northern gate. Amongst them are archers, swordsmen and spearsmen."

He nodded, stepping back from her. "Are they… can they be killed?"

"We don't know. But we're taking no chances."

She nodded at both him and Arya and made to dispatch, but Eragon caught her arm. Leaning down to speak in her ear, he said; "My lady, I don't think you should be fighting in your… current condition." He indicated her arms, which were still scarred from the Trial of The Long Knives.

She smiled, prising her arm away from him gently. "I shall be fine. Elva has predicted it." Eragon smiled, and turned back to Arya. "Oh, and Eragon?" He turned to Nasuada again, puzzled. "Stay safe." And then she was gone.

An hour later, Eragon and Saphira found themselves once more on the front line of the Varden's troops.

Here we go again, Eragon thought. Saphira answered him with a rumbling growl of excitement.

Arya, to his left, remained staring ahead with her keen eyes, never taking her eyes from the advancing forces that threatened to beseech them. Nasuada, to his right, arranged last minute strategies and spoke with her troops, but never left Eragon's side. All around him were men, Elves, Urgals and Dwarves. Just think, Saphira, Eragon thoughr, we must be setting some sort of record. Six races fighting under one banner!

This Saphira acknowledged with a fierce rush of pride. If only we could persuade the worms and beetles to fight with us, too. Then we would be wiping all records out of existence!

Eragon laughed, but the sound was shaky and uneasy. Arya looked up at him for the first time since they had arrived. "Be not afraid, Shadeslayer. We cannot fail."

"I am not scared of our failure. I am scared of what we might loose in the process of winning." Arya inclined her head slightly, and resumed her staring. This time, a strange sort of determination crossed over her flawless features. Frowning, Eragon looked ahead once more.

What is it, little one?

Do you know what troubles Arya? She seems so much more… I don't know. But it worries me, nonetheless.

Before Saphira could answer, Nasuada leant across her horse to speak with Eragon. The fierce light of battle was strong in her hazel eyes. "Good luck, Eragon, Saphira, although I know you will not need it."

Smiling, Eragon inclined his head. "Stay safe," he told her sternly.

"I will," she replied simply. Then Arya, from his other side, cleared her throat pointedly, and Eragon faced her.

"Stay safe," she murmured, her piercing eyes holding his as she quoted him in the Ancient language, "Wiol pomnuria ilian."

For my happiness.

Eragon continued to stare at her long after she had turned away. And then the war horns sounded. Once. Twice.

And then, they fought.