(A.N.) So I went and saw The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey opening night. Have to say…it was amazing! I think it helped that I read the book again, but still, it was a really good movie :P.

Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews! XD

Dessert Maniac – Haha, thanks! Yeah, I try to be as original as I can, but it can be difficult with popular works like this. I'll keep that in mind :P

Elvendiath – I know you were just waiting for this chapter XD, lol. I hope the lemon scene is good. And I totally understand (I had four finals plus Cisco projects to work on ).

Elemental Dragon Slayer – Yeahno love dilemma! I agree with you, actually I never really planned on writing it the way I did, but somehow I just couldn't think of any other way to write it :/. I have, however, added my own twist in the Vault of Souls (which you will see here).

Ratafia – Thanks for the input. I have added something in the vault scene to make it seem less canon-ish.

To everyone else that reviewed that I did not mention up above, thank you so much! No one said anything about the idea of an epilogue, so I guess I'll just decide about it when I come to the end.

New (short) POV scene here at the beginning!

Enjoy XD

Chapter 16

Nasuada

"Lady Nasuada, we must make our move on Uru'Baen…now!" King Orrin said rather sternly. He was never one to keep his cool, but he was trying with all of his strength not to explode.

"We will move when I deem it appropriate." Nasuada replied as she kept her eyes fixed on a piece of parchment. It was a letter from Queen Islanzadi, asking her of when they would move on the black castle, and if she had heard of any news from Eragon.

Nasuada sighed. The days were passing by and she could could not afford to wait any longer. After speaking with Roran and finding out that a scouting party had nearly discovered their position, her patience began to grow thin. She would not put the lives of her men and all of their hope to wait for Eragon and Saphira; even if all of their hope rested upon that boy—that man's shoulders. They had to move, and soon. Nasuada stood and motioned to her scribe, who quickly walked over to a desk with a stack of blank parchment.

Nasuada turned back to King Orrin. "We will wait for Eragon."

King Orrin scowled and clenched his teeth but he turned and slowly made his way out. Turning back to Nasuada, he suddenly said, "Three days, that is all I'll give you until I move my men." And with that, he threw open the tent flaps and strode off.

Nasuada glanced at where King Orrin left before turning to her scribe and beginning her message to Queen Islanzadi.

It was an eerily calm night as Nasuada changed into her gown and gently sat down on her cot. Sighing, she slowly rolled her shoulders and groaned lightly as she stretched her tense neck and shoulder muscles. A strange noise brought Nasuada to her senses. She glanced at her pillow and back at flaps of her tent. Slowly reaching under the pillow, she silently pulled out a long curved dagger and stood up. She silently walked over to the flaps and was about to her open is when she had the strange feeling that someone was watching her. Nasuada spun around on her feet. A scream nearly escaped her lips before they covered by a rough hand. Fear flashed across Nasuada's face as she came face to face with Murtagh…

Murtagh

With one hand covering her mouth, he brought his other hand up to his face and placed a single finger on his lips. When Nasuda calmed down, he released her mouth and took a step back. His blood red armor and messy black hair that slightly obscured his face betrayed his calm demeanor.

"Why have you come?" Nasuda finally asked in a whisper after several seconds of silence. "To take me back to him? Or have you come here to kill me?" She asked bitterly.

When he said nothing she tightened the grip on her dagger and glanced behind her to the exit of her tent. "One shout and Eragon will be here, are you sure you're willing to risk that?"

Murtagh shook his head and laughed. "Do you really think me a fool, Lady Nightstalker?" He replied, his eyes flashed dangerously as he took a step closer to her. "I know that he and his dragon have left, but to where I do not know."

"So." Nasuada began. "That is why you have come, then? To figure out where he went?" Nausada asked; her voice betrayed a sense of fear as he edged closer to her.

Murtagh shook his head once more. "I have not come for Eragon. The King has no desire to capture him anymore, he only wants Saphira. Oddly enough he doesn't know that I am here right now." He kept his cold, piercing eyes fixed on her, but his hands remained casually at his side; he made no attempt to even twitch to Za'roc, which was belted to his hip.

"How…how is that possible? The King has a hold on you, does he not? You must obey him lest you suffer his wrath of torture." Nasuada said sternly.

She was not a woman to be trifled with that was certain. She definitely knew how to hold her authority over others.

Murtagh hesitated for a moment. "I…I think I may have found a way to change my name…"

Nasuada blinked back at him in disbelief, but the grip on her dagger did not loosen, clearly she required more persuasion.

"I do not believe you." She said, glaring back at him.

Murtagh turned his back to her and absently observed her quarters. "…Eragon spent a lot of time trying to convince me that I could change my name. That the people in my life could help me change my name, but I did not believe him."

Nasuada remained silent, and Murtagh silently observed her glaring, angry demeanor. "After the battle of the Burning Plains, I asked Thorn what he thought. He believed that I could do it. And if I succeeded then it would help him to change his name as well."

"Why do you wish to change your true name? I thought you served him now?" Nasuada suddenly said.

Murtagh spun around so fast that Nasuada barely had enough time to raise her dagger up. "Why? Why?!" Murtagh laughed bitterly. "Because I wish to be free of him! I wish to live my own life! And Thorn, he has known no life beyond that of enslavement! I wish to free both of us and live life on our terms…" He fumed. Anger and rage boiled inside of him, but he still made no move to his sword. Instead he had his hands clamped into fists.

Nasuada said nothing, but she eyed him suspiciously. "I…I still do not believe you." She said, but her voice betrayed a slight hint that she was lying. Perhaps she was lying to herself, and had yet to realize it.

"Nasuada…" Murtagh said softly. He approached her, his heavy boots crunched in the ground. He could feel the fear rising from Nasuada as she raised the dagger and pointed it towards him; her hands quivering all the while.

"Nasuada…" He slowly neared her until the point of her dagger touched his chest plate. "Eka woehnata haina ono (I will not harm you)." Nasuada's eyes widened slightly as the words of power entered her ears. She may not have understood it, but the power of the words still made her belief that he would, in fact, not harm her.

"H-How?" She whispered.

Murtagh looked deep into her eyes. "Nasuada…can you think of no reason as to why I have come to see you?"

Nasuada's lips quivered and she slowly lowered her dagger; the tip gently scraped his chest plate but left no visible marks. He stared back at her intently and she finally tore her gaze away from him. "I-I cannot!" She stammered.

Murtagh gently raised one hand and clasped it onto her shoulder.

"No! Let go of me!" Nasuada yelled, trying to swat him away. Murtagh didn't listen to her request. Instead he gently turned her to face him, placing his other arm on her other shoulder.

"Thorn told me…that I must find the reason with which I fight. Why do I continue to fight and struggle against that mad king? What hope is there for me to escape his relentless grasp on my mind?!" He forced himself to calm down before continuing. "And then found it! The reason why I fight. Who do I fight for?" He asked, shaking her slightly. He heard her whimper softly and backed off just a bit. "For this land? No! For its people? No!"

"Then you and I are very different!" Nasuada hissed, cutting him off.

Murtagh stared into her eyes, his steel hard gaze made her freeze. "I fight…for you, Nasuada." He whispered.

Nasuada

"F-For me?" Nausada repeated in shock.

Murtagh nodded. "When Eragon and I first arrived at Farthen'Dur, it was you who was so kind to me; when everyone else saw me as some kind of disease!" He spat. "It was you who brought food down for me and spent time with me in that large cell they made me stay in, and if it were up to me I would have stayed there if only to spend more time with you." He whispered.

Nasuada stared back at Murtagh, her eyes wide with shock. Should she believe him? He spoke in the ancient language, but she hardly knew it. She felt as though he was telling the truth, but for all she knew that could have been a spell to tamper with her judgment; although she felt perfectly in control of her emotions.

"Murtagh—"

"I fight for you, Nasuada! In the hopes that I will one day rid myself of his imprisonment and spend the rest of my days with you!" He said, almost pleadingly.

"No…" She replied, turning her gaze from him. "We cannot be…"

Murtagh scowled. "Why not? Am I not the man you once fell in love with?"

"You killed King Hrothgar!" Nasuada yelled. She didn't know why she said that, of course she knew that it was not his fault, that it was really the kings doing. Just like Oromis and Glaedr.

She could fell anger boil inside of the red rider before her. "That…" He whispered coldly, "was not my doing…" He turned his face from her and for a moment she thought she saw a sense of solemnness in his face.

"I…I know…" She whispered.

Murtagh looked back at her and then leaned into her, his face was now dangerously close to hers. "Wait for me." He whispered. "Tell me that you will wait for me."

Nasuada swallowed hard. She was finding it increasingly difficult to fight off her emotions. It had been a long time since she was this close to Murtagh, and while she could not deny that she still harbored feeling for him, it did not feel right."

"W-We can't…" She said with great difficulty. She could feel his warm breath over her face now and there was a sparkle in his eyes that she could not seem to get over. He began to lean in closer; his lips were threatening to touch hers.

"Nasuada…" He whispered her name again and it echoed throughout her mind.

"N-No…" She whispered, but she wanted so badly to feel those lips upon hers even though every fiber of her being was shouting at her to stop him.

And before she could do anything, his lips met hers. She closed her eyes and tried in vain to push away from him, but she couldn't and she soon found herself kissing him back; her world exploding in a multitude of colors. The kiss had ended almost as quickly as it had started, but she did not dare to open her eyes.

"Wait for me…promise me you will…" She heard him whisper.

"…I will wait for you." She suddenly found herself breathing out. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that her tent was empty. Falling to her knees, her mind began spinning as it tried to grasp what had just happened.

Eragon

"U-Umaroth!" Glaed suddenly spoke. A color of emotions sprang forth from him; shock, excitement, happiness, confusion.

"Hello Glaedr, it is good to see you once again." Umaroth said.

"But how?" Glaedr asked.

"It is along story, most of which I will tell you all now…ahh Saphira." He said as the great blue-scaled dragon approached the Eldunari.

Saphria dipped her head low to the ground. "Umaroth-elda, I am honored to meet you."

"It is an honor to meet you as well, Bjartskular, but now is not the time for introductions. Eragon, please take a seat, this will be a long story." Umaroth asked Eragon kindly.

Eraogn blinked in confusion and clenched his teeth. "But we do not have time for stories! The Varden move on the black castle at any moment and they will need our help!"

"I understand, Eragon, believe I truly do. But this is very important. Please sit take a seat." Umaroth asked again.

Eragon bit back a retort and grudgingly took a seat beside Saphira, who was already lying down.

"It starts just over a century ago, when Galbatorix lost his dragon and demanded for a second egg. The council, of course, grew fearful for what he might do with a second dragon, and so they denied him this request. He grew mad with rage, as you know, and months later he attacked us." Umaroth started to say.

Eragon Saphria said nothing and waited patiently for Umaroth to continue.

"No one had any idea as to what was about happened to us, but Vrael and Oromis had been deeply worried about Galbatorix; anger can do terrible things to people, and losing one's dragon is no simple matter. So, keeping it a secret from everyone, including the elders, Vrael and Oromis took what dragon eggs and Eldunari they could and created the Rock of Kuthian; placing these items underneath it in what is known as The Vault of Souls."

Eragon nodded, he was with Umaroth so far.

"To keep this place a secret, the memories of hiding the eggs and the Eldunari here were erased from our minds; my own Eldunari being the only one here that knew anything of had happened. As the years passed myself and the other Eldunari were able to branch our minds out into the lands of Alagaeisa. We watched, in silence, as events unfolded and it was not until Saphira's egg was captured that we intervened, putting our own plan into motion."

Eragon narrowed his eyes and shifted slightly. "What plan?" He asked suspiciously. He had a feeling he wouldn't like where this was going.

"…We knew that one day a boy would be born in Carvahall and that he would be the one to bring down Galbatorix." Umaroth started. "The elf, Arya, had attempted to send the egg to Brom, but it was we who directed it to you in the Spine."

"What?!" Eragon shouted in disbelief. Saphria too seemed shocked by these words.

"We did not stop there. After Saphira hatched for you, we realized that you were, in fact, the one who would bring down Galbatorix. So we gave you the visions of Arya at Gilead, it was we who told the werecat what to tell you, it was Oromis who placed the brightsteel under the roots of the Menoa Tree before wiping his memory, and it was us who gave you the way here in your dreams."

Eragon clenched his teeth. "What…?" He whispered. "Are you telling me, that you controlled my entire life?" He said bitterly, hands clenched into fists.

"Eragon…" Saphira warned.

He ignored her. "When you found out that I was the "one" did you think you could just run my life? Had I no say?" He cried out.

Umaroth seemed to understand his anger. "You misunderstand Eragon, we did not rob you of choice. We merely placed clues and hints as to what needed to be done. We never forced you to save the elf, nor did we cause your father's death. In fact we had no knowledge that he had passed on for some time. Understand that we had to do what was best for Alagaesia and its people. We had to set everything in motion to bring that mad man down. The goal is bigger than all of us."

Eragon closed his eyes and felt hot tears run down his face. What he would give just to see Brom's face again! Only he would know what to do.

"Little one…" Spahira said, attempting to soothe him.

"Eragon, I am truly sorry for everything that has happened in your life. For one so young to witness so much, it was not our intention. But now is not the time to feel weak, There is much that must be done."

Eragon jerked suddenly as three phrases echoed in his mind. "Wh-What was that?!" He asked aloud.

"It is a spell, one that was created by Vrael and Oromis just before the Fall." Umaroth explained. "He gave it to me just before they placed me here, and erased their memories."

"This spell…it's to sever the connection one has with an Eldunari!" Eragon exclaimed as the sudden realization flooded over him.

Umaroth gave a mental nod. "Indeed it is."

Excitement welled up inside of Eragon. "Saphria…do you realize what this means?!" Eragon cried out.

Saphira chuckled, sending her excitement across their mental link. "I do little one. I believe now we may have chance."

Eragon nearly fell to his knees as he was overcome with joy. Finally, finally they had discovered a way to separate Galbatorix from his hundreds of Eldunari!

"Umaroth-elda, I am ready." Eragon said with confidence.

Umaroth seemed pleased. "Good, then let us be off. We have already wasted precious time."

A large amount of wind had picked up when they arrived at the grassy field where they had first landed, and the sky looked considerably darker than when they had last set their eyes upon it.

"Looks like a storm." Eragon mused.

"We'll have to chance it." Umaroth replied. "A storm on this island could last for days but we cannot wait that long."

Eragon nodded and gracefully jumped onto Saphria's back before strapping himself in her saddle.

"Ready little one?" Saphira asked.

"Ready." Eragon replied with a smile as he patted the top of her neck.

Saphria craned her neck and crouched down before tilting her wings and pushing herself off the ground with a large amount of force. As they she gained altitude, Eragon could fell the wind pick up drastically, and droplets of water soon covered his body, as well as Saphira's.

Almost a full hour passed before Eragon picked up the sound thunder. He looked ahead and waited for lightning to strike. His eyes widened in shock as a single bright bolt of light struck down from the sky much closer than he had expected.

"The storm is getting stronger; we must be nearing its center." Umaroth said. "Saphira, you will have to navigate as best as you can, will be do our best to aid you."

Spahira grunted. "It will take more than wind and thunder to bring me down!" She roared.

The wind picked up in speed tenfold as they flew on, and the droplets of water son felt like sharp arrows on Eragon's skin.

"Saphira!" Eragon cried out. "fly higher!"

Saphira made no motion nor showed any sign of acknowledgment to what he said. Eragon frowned and shielded his face from the rain. "Saphira, fly higher!" He shouted out loud, projecting his voice with magic.

"Sorry, I had my mind blocked off by accident." Saphira shamefully admitted.

"It is alright." Eragon said while trying his best to shield himself from the rain.

Saphira snorted and dipped her head down and up as she shifted her wings and began to push herself higher and higher into the sky. The wind was incredibly powerful now and Saphira was having a difficult time flying. Her body was thrown from side to side but she managed to do her best to keep herself from being turned upside or taken completely by the storm. Their main problem was that every now and then a gust of wind would force Saphira downward and she would have to start her ascent yet again; and it was always random.

Eragon blinked twice as he suddenly felt then descending. "Saphira? What's wrong?"

"I-It is nothing." She tried to say, unconvincingly.

"Saphira, you know you cannot lie to me. I know you are tired, just fight it for a little while longer." Eragon glanced further ahead and noticed a slight change in the color of the sky. "I think we've almost pasted it. Just try to get us up above the clouds!"

"I-I will try." Saphira replied.

Eragon smiled weakly. "I love you, Saphira."

"And I you, little one." She replied.

With newfound strength, Saphira tilted her wings and began to push herself up with a force Eragon hadn't known she had within her. He smiled at her sudden boost in will power and they flew closer and closer to the clouds. Eragon glanced behind him as a far off sound of thunder came into his sense of hearing. They were past the worst part of the storm now and Saphira began to slowly descend.

Many of the clouds had cleared up as they flew further and further past the storm, giving them a perfect view of the ocean, and the world beyond.

When Eragon turned around to face forward, he felt his heart skip a beat.

"Saphira…"

"I see it little one." She replied quickly.

The dark blue colored ocean went on for leagues underneath them, but was not what had caught their attention. Now that the skies were relatively cloudless, they were given a most spectacular view of the world as it dipped off at the edges; completely changing their knowledge of the world being flat.

"Now there's an eye opener if I have ever seen one..." Eragon whispered as he found himself breathless.

"Indeed it is youngling…" Both Glaedr and Umaroth replied in astonishment.

"Is our world…truly round?" Eraogn asked in disbelief.

"It would seem so little one…" Saphira replied in equal disbelief

Flying on the back of a dragon was really a rare gift, but the day's events were yet to be complete. As night began to fall they were made breathless again as the sun fell and the moon rose, giving them an absolute perfect view of the ends of their world bathed in moonlight. But now Eragon knew it was not the end, in fact the world had no end; it went on and in a big circle.

Sleep never came to Eragon, how could it have with a view as spectacular and mind-changing as this?

Arya

"Eragon…I hope you are on your way. I doubt Nasuada can wait any longer before pressing on to Uru'Baen."

Arya lay on her cot, staring up at the light brown colored ceiling of the tent she shared with Eragon. It was late in the night, but Arya had no desire to sleep. In fact, apprehension at the knowledge that their final battle and confrontation with Galbatorix gnawed at her conscience and adrenaline coursed throughout her body. But moreover, she was worried about Eragon and, of course, Saphira. She sighed and rolled over onto her side. Worrying about anything too much is never a good thing; and with that in mind Arya gently closed her eyes and drifted off into a half-awake/half-asleep state.

The next day was the same as any other. Arya had performed her morning rituals and after sparring and bathing she went to see Roran and Katrina. Oddly enough, she had begun to spend some time with the human pair as they were the only two people who were the closest to Eragon. She had learned much from them, but she still felt odd around them. It wasn't that she disliked them; to the contrary, she enjoyed their company very much. Perhaps it was the fact that they were both human, and their way of living was somehow strange to the elf.

Putting aside those strange and uncomfortable feelings, Arya decided to visit them as much as she could; if not for herself then at least for Eragon. She learned a lot about Eragon's past and much about both Roran and Katrina. Eragon's life as a child and a young boy had intrigued Arya, and she had several laughs at his many childish antics. The Eragon she knew now had still shown some of that boyish character he had years ago.

As the morning became afternoon, Arya was able to get a lot of work done. She had joined Roran and Jormundur to sit down with Nasuada to figure out the best course of action as to how they would take Uru'Baen. It was a good plan, but because Eragon was gone, the assumption that their plan could very well change was hindering their actions. As the sun began its decent Arya went, as she had been for the past few days, for a run and cleaned herself up afterwards. She found herself once again lying in her cot, staring up at the ceiling of her tent. Dusk soon turned to night and she could not find the desire to sleep. Sighing, Arya threw her legs over the edge the cot and gently rested her feet on the cold ground. Standing up, she walked over to a desk in the corner of the room where a pile of parchment sat, neatly stacked on top of one another. Pulling out the finely crafted wooden chair, Arya sat down and began to read the various doctrines.

There was a sudden shout in the camp and Arya's keen hearing caught every word as she cocked her head towards the flaps of the tent.

"A dragon! A dragon approaches!" Someone yelled.

Arya's felt her heart begin to race as she swiftly threw on her knee length boots and made her way towards the source of the voice with all haste.

"Wait!" She yelled just as the soldier was about to signal the alarm.

He scowled at her but as she walked under the light he was able to get a proper view of her face, thus realizing who she was. The soldier paled at the sight of the elf and nodded at her, dropping his arm which was holding a large horn.

Arya surveyed the land and finally caught sight of a dragon not one league away. It was too dark to make out the color, but Arya had a distinct feeling that it was Saphria. Closing her eyes, she cast out her mind and was pleased to be met with Eragon's familiar barriers.

"…Arya" Eragon's voice reverberated throughout her mind as he let his barriers fall, and Arya felt her heart jump at the sound of his voice.

"Eragon!" Arya cried out as she sent her happiness across their link.

She heard Saphira chuckle at her excitement. "Do not worry little elf, we will be there shortly."

Arya felt a small amount of heat rush to her cheeks, but dark sky made it difficult for anyone to notice it; or the small smile that crept across her face. Saphira landed in the southernmost part of the encampment, and several individuals had come to see him; including Katrina.

Large gusts of wind blew in around them as Saphira flapped her large, majestic wings. She arched her body and tilted her wings as she flapped them forward to slow herself down, and then gently landed. Eragon eyed everyone before he unstrapped himself and then jumped off her back; Blodgharm being the first to approach him.

"Shadeslayer." He said as he bowed to him; his furry mane ruffling in the cool night breeze. "I hope your venture was not overly tiresome." He purred.

Eragon gave a light laugh, which made Arya's lips twitch into a smile. . "The journey was long indeed, Blodgharm; but the little rest I had come by was more than adequate. "

Nasuada approached him. "Eragon, Saphira." She smiled at them. "I am glad that you have returned safely. Another day and I might have been forced to march the army on towards Uru'Baen."

"Forgive me; I apologize for taking so long, Lady Nasuada. Circumstances forced me to remain longer than I had anticipated." Eragon replied.

Nausada raised an eyebrow curiously. "Oh? And when will you be telling me what happened on your journey? Or where you went, for that matter?"

Eragon chuckled again. "Very soon, I must speak with all of you as soon as possible if it is alright."

"Saphira…will you be joining us?" Eragon asked as Nasuada nodded to his question.

Saphira, who had been watching everyone intently with her large eyes, ruffled her body. "I think not, little one. You are more than capable of explaining what happened. I think I shall rest, I have flown a long distance, and that storm was rather powerful."

Eragon nodded. "Of course, take rest then. Arya and I will return to our tent shortly."

When Saphira arched her body and flew off, Nasuada gave Eragon a questioning look. "She has flown a great distance and wishes to rest." He explained.

Nasuada nodded and motioned towards her tent. "Very well then, I shall meet you in my quarters."

Eragon nodded and watched as Nasuada turned and left to her tent, with Jormundur and several of her Nighthawks trailing behind her. He then turned to Arya and, as if he did not care that several people were around them, rushed to her and hugged her close to his body.

Arya chuckled and breathed in that familiar scent of farmland; no doubt he was enjoying her scent of crushed pine cones.

He slowly pulled away from her and Arya placed a hand gently on his cheek, trailing her long fingers across his now slightly bearded face. "I have missed you." She whispered to him in the Ancient Language.

He laughed lightly and took her hand in his, kissing it softly. "And I have missed you, my beautiful Elf." He stared into her eyes, and Arya found herself catching her breath as a sudden wave of desire swept across her body. She found herself looking deep into his eyes; dark swirls of chocolate brown.

She released a sigh as he rested his forehead against hers. "After I speak with Nasuada, we can be alone." He said. It seemed that he had understood everything she was thinking just by looking into her emerald eyes. That was just like him, to know all her thoughts and desires without seeing into her mind.

Arya smiled and nodded at him before taking his hand in hers. "Then let us make this discussion quick."

Eragon nodded and they both walked off towards Nasuada's tent.

Eragon

Nasuada must have already alerted her guards of his arrival, because they bowed to him as he approached with Arya and Blodgharm close behind. Muttering,
Shadeslayer," as he approached them, they opened the flaps of her tent and allowed them entrance. Nasuada stood by her large chair at the end of the long wooden table that sat in the center of the room. She stood tall, with Jormundur beside her, ready to receive Eragon's report; but it was easy for him to see how tired she was. No doubt from the countless hours that were needed to prepare the Varden for their final march to Uru'Baen.

Eyeing everyone in the room, Eragon finally recounted everything that happened on the Island of Vroengard. At the mention of the several Eldunari that were discovered under The Rock of Kuthian, all eyes grew wide, and Eragon felt excitement fill the large room.

"I could not bring them all back with me." He began. "However I am sure there is someone here who I think you all should meet."

Everyone eyed him in anticipation as he untied a pouch from his belt and carefully pulled out a white stone. He heard Nasuada gasp as she neared the, now glowing, white orb in his palm. Arya too neared the stone; her deep emerald eyes reflected back the bright pulsing light, as well as a sense of wonder and amazement. Eragon glanced up at Arya and as he caught her gaze, a small smile graced his lips.

"Is he…is he there?" Nasuada asked tentatively; remembering how long it had taken before Glaedr had spoken to them.

"I am here…Leader of the Varden." Umaroth's voice echoed across the room.

His sudden response made Nasuada jump back slightly, but she immediately recovered and eagerly awaited all that the ancient dragon would tell her.

Eragon entered his tent and stretched as he slowly undid the straps to his armor, grieves and gauntlets. As he placed them neatly on a wooden stand, he suddenly felt two thin, long arms wrap around his stomach. He smiled as the bearer rested their head on his back, just below his neck. The scent of freshly crushed pine cones graced his senses and he closed his eyes before taking in a deep breath. He slowly turned around and placed his hands on Arya's waist. She wore a brown tunic and dark leggings; a thin belt was strapped around her slender figure, just above her waist. A small werelight in the corner of their tent caused Eragon's shadow to cover part of Arya's body, but he could clearly see her eyes; those two emerald orbs that he could easily become lost in.

"Arya…" Eragon whispered, giving her a warm smile.

She leaned in closer and hugged him, burying her head in the valley of his chest. "I have missed you so much Eragon…" She whispered.

Eragon chuckled and let go of her; raising her head up so that he was looking down upon her. Placing his hands on either side of her neck, he trailed his fingers lovingly across the skin below her ears. "I know." He replied.

"No," She said as she gripped his forearms, "you do not." She craned her neck slightly and planted her lips upon his. Eragon released a breath at the touch of her soft lips. How he had missed those lips, those eyes, and her raven hair; how he missed everything about her, down to the very last detail. It came to no surprise to him that she would indeed miss him, but this was beyond what he had expected. Arya released a breath as she deepened her kiss, giving off a soft moan that made Eragon's heart jump. He felt her hand trail up his arms, across his face and into his hair; where she stopped and began to run her long fingers through it. Arya pressed her body closer to him; her assets pushing up against his chest, causing very sensitive area below to prickle. And when Eragon felt the last bits of air leave his lungs, she finally broke of and rested her forehead against his.

"Arya…" Eragon started to say as he breathed heavily. "That was incredible."

"There is so much that I wish to share with you, Eragon. While you were gone I…I think I finally realized just how much I love you."

Eragon gave her a confused look. "Arya…what are you saying?"

She looked deep into his eyes. "You and I, we are companions; but we are not yet bonded to one another…we are not yet mates."

Eragon's eyes widened as the realization of what she had meant suddenly hit him with full force. "Arya…are you saying that you…" He trailed off. She didn't respond; she didn't have to, everything she had wanted to say reflected back to him from her eyes. "Arya…are you sure?" Eragon asked, throwing her a more serious look.

She smiled at him weakly. "As sure as I am that the ground beneath our feet is solid." She pressed herself against him once more and pressed her lips against his, with more passion then before.

Eragon pushed away slightly after a few seconds. "Arya, what about your mother?"

She raised a thin eyebrow. "What about her?"

"She would not approve of this…" He replied, frowning slightly.

Arya shook her head slightly. "What my mother feels bears no consequence. This is my decision. Just as it was my decision to be with you." She said, placing a hand on his cheek. "In three days we fight in the single most important battle of our time. If I fall in battle—"

"Arya don't—"

"If I fall in battle, I will have regretted not spending this time with you."

Eragon swallowed hard. "I could not bear to see you fall, Arya."

She smiled at him. "You are stronger than you may think, Eragon. I know that you would do everything in your power to avenge those that killed me, and end Galbatorix's reign of power."

"But—" Eragon started to say before Arya placed a single finger on his lips.

"Our time is here, now, Eragon. We know not what tomorrow will bring. I have made my decision…what will you do?" She asked him. Her emerald eyes searched Eragon's face but her face remained emotionless.

Eragon swallowed. Inside, it was something that he had dreamt of for so long, but he was still unsure of what to do.

"Why do falter little one?" Saphira asked.

"What should I do?" He asked her.

She scoffed. "Do what your heart tells you, little one. You have earned this. Arya has made it clear that she loves you and that she wants to spend the rest of her life with you."

Eragon closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he slowly opened them to see Arya staring back at him intently. He smiled and then placed his lips upon hers in a passionate kiss, silently making his decision; and Arya chuckled at his eagerness.

*(A.N.) This is the start of the Lemon scene, so if you don't want to read it just skip down to the end for the ending A/N (or you can skip that too I suppose).*

Eragon moved his hands to cup her face as she removed her fingers from his hair and trailed them down his chest. Eragon released a sigh as Arya slowly slid her fingers under his blue tunic and began to trace his every muscle that was concealed by his shirt. He tensed slightly at the initial touch of her cold hands. The feel of her fingers as they moved all over his upper body drove him mad. Trails of fire were left behind as she slowly moved her fingers up and down.

Eragon gasped softly before moving his hands down her body and gently grasping the ends of her tunic. Arya chuckled softly before removing her hands from under his shirt and lifting her arms up help get her tunic off. Tossing it to the side Eragon caught his breath at the sight of her lithe, toned figure. Even under the dim werelight her stunning features were easily seen. He found his mouth agape as he wondered how such a beautiful goddess could bring herself to be with him. So much love and passion reflected back at each other through their piercing gaze; it was enough to drive anyone mad with desire.

Arya kissed him once, softly, lovingly; and then again, and yet again. Each time more passionately than the last as they both found themselves locked together. Eragon slowly and hesitantly reached out to touch the bear skin of her stomach. He felt her sigh, which drove him to roam her entire upper body as she had done. Arya moaned again at his touch as she brought her hands lower and lower, until she finally stopped at his belt. She smiled through a kiss as she undid it and gently pulled his breeches down.

Eragon gasped, a bit louder than either of them had previously, as Arya grasped his manhood. Eragon's entire world erupted in a wide array of colors, but he regretfully bit them down as he suddenly took her hand to stop her. "Wait a moment." He breathed.

Arya furrowed her eyebrows. "What is it?"

He didn't answer her as his eyes suddenly took a far off gaze. "Saphira?"

"Yes little one?" Came her reply a few seconds later. She must have been sleeping, for her voice sounded slightly agitated.

"Could you make sure that no one comes to bother us, unless it is extremely urgent?"

He heard her chuckle. "Of course." She pulled her mind away from his to give them privacy.

His gaze returned to Arya but he immediately closed his eyes. "Atra nosu waíse vardo fra eld hórnya (may we be warded from listeners)."

The spell took immediate effect and he heard Arya chuckle as she once again gripped his tool. She showed no signs of amazement or disappointment towards it and for a moment Eragon began to worry whether he would be satisfying enough for her. He quickly shook the thought away as he trailed a line kisses from her soft lips, down her neck and stopped just above the valley between her breasts.

Arya moaned as her breath quickened and she tilted her head back. She stroked his tool and quickened her pace as Eragon turned her and walked over to their cot. Arya yelped suddenly as the backs of her legs hit the edge and she fell over onto the bed. Eragon fully removed his breeches; now standing before her naked in the werelight. Arya eyed him up and down as he crawled to her on all fours before gently laying his body over hers.

Kisses of fiery passion were exchanged as Arya resumed stroking his manhood. Eragon took his time as he gently massaged her perfect mounds, doing his best to elicit as many moans and gasps of pleasure as he could from the elven princess. After several minutes, Eragon felt that he could take no more, and so he released her breasts and moved his hands down her lithe figure, tracing his way down her belly and stopping at the waist line of her leggings. He slowly undid them and Arya needed no more coaxing as she shifted her weight, helping him to get them off.

Tossing them to the side, Eragon was once again taken by her stunning beauty and soaked up every detail he could before trailing his hands from her feet all the way to her thighs. Arya moaned at his touch and suddenly gasped out as Eragon kissed her belly, slowly trailing his mouth down until he stopped at the lining of her undergarments.

"Don't…don't stop!" Arya cried out, almost pleadingly.

Eragon needed no more encouragement as he gently pulled them down and off before tossing them to the ground. Eragon eyed her entrance, noticing that there was very little hair on her body, if any at all. He absently remembered that Elves didn't have body hair as he knelt down and gently licked her folds.

Arya cried out and writhed as he hesitantly licked her once more; receiving a much more powerful response from her. Eragon dove in and began to drive his tongue inside of her; memorizing every corner of her he could.

"E-Eragon~!" Arya cried out in pure bliss as she arched her back.

Her cries only fueled him to continue harder and faster; experimenting and throwing in different things wherever he could in any attempt to hear her vry out in pleasure. He felt her hands clasp his hair as she brought her thighs to his cheeks; writhing uncontrollably as waves of pleasure hit her over and over again.

After much time, Eragon withdrew himself from her and made his way up to her body. He was immediately graced by her hands as she cupped his face and pulled him closer to her; slamming their mouths together. Eragon felt as though his heart was ready to burst forth from his body from the sheer anticipation of what was about to come next. As he positioned himself above her, he looked up and caught her gaze. She was blushing profusely and eventually turned her gaze from him; looking embarrassed and vulnerable.

Eragon gently grasped her chin and pulled her to face him; she shifted uncomfortably. "I…I have never shown myself to anyone before…forgive me if I am not very pleasing."

Eragon frowned and placed his forehead against hers. "Arya, you are the single most beautiful lady I have ever seen, or ever will see. That will never change." He smiled warmly at her.

"Eragon…" Arya breathed; her emerald eyes reflecting wonder.

He kissed her lovingly before breaking off and changing his expression; silently asking her if she was ready.

She smiled weakly and nodded as fear and anticipation welled up inside of her. Eragon grasped his tool and gently lowered himself; his tip just touched her entrance when she suddenly stopped him.

"Wait, Eragon."

Eragon looked up at her, his face reflecting not confusion, nor annoyance nor anger; only concern. "What is it?"

"Please…be gentle." She whispered. "I understand that it can be rather painful for women the first time, and after seeing yours," she coughed, slightly embarrassed, "I can only imagine that it will certainly be painful…if only a little."

Eragon was blushing madly now, but he lowered his face to hers and planted a kiss upon her lips before whispering, "Wiol Ono (for you)."

In silent agreement, Eraogn lowered his body once more and gently pushed himself inside her. Arya gasped and cried out as she was met with a wave of pain and pleasure; which caused Eragon to stop halfway and begin to pull out.

Arya stopped him. "N-No…keep going." She urged him.

Eragon nodded and slowly pushed himself further until he was fully inside.

"A-Ahhh~!" Arya cried out. Eragon found himself grunting as he felt her inner walls tighten around him. He gently pulled out, causing both of them to moan, before entering her once more. It was strange, and it felt a little awkward at first, but he was soon able to get a slow rhythm down, and she slowly matched it.

Eragon began to thrust faster and with a little more force, and Arya found herself crying out as she dug her nails into his back. Eragon placed his hands down on either side of her to get a more stable hold. Their bodies glistened as sweat covered them, and Eragon's taught muscles were accentuated in the dim light.

Eragon lifted her right leg and laid it over his left shoulder, giving him a much better angle.

"Ahhhh! Eragon~!" Arya cried out his name over and over again, and it drove him mad as he did the same; causing him to push even harder, faster and deeper than before.

She suddenly stopped him, and with lightning speed she flipped him over onto his back; causing him to gasp as his back hit the cot. He watched Arya as she gently sat down on his tool, straddling him, and began to sway her hips gently; moaning as she grinded her body and placed her hands on his chest muscles. Eragon grunted as pleasure gripped his body and mind, and he watched as Arya tilted her head back and grabbed her breasts; content to ride the waves of euphoric bliss.

Throughout the night, the sounds of their names being called out in loving passion, and skin meeting skin, were the only things that could be heard by the two Shadeslayers. They shifted their bodies, trying out new positions and loving each one more than the last.

Eragon soon found himself once more on top of Arya as he felt himself nearing his end. "A-Arya~!" He cried out. She understood what he had failed to completely say and she pressed their bodies together as she kissed him fully on the lips; their wet hair sticking together.

Eragon felt his pelvis tighten and jerk suddenly, and he grunted loudly as he filled her walls with all of his undying love. He slowed his thrusts down and gently bit her lower lip, nipping it lovingly until he finally came to a stop and rested his head on her shoulder; both of them breathing heavily.

Arya smiled as she ran her hands through his messy hair, and Eragon shifted slightly as he turned his head to face her. Chocolate swirls met with emerald orbs, and in that moment they realized that their lives had been changed forever.

Eragon brushed his nose against hers as he whispered to her in the Ancient Language. "Arya…I love you so much."

She smiled warmly at him "And I you." She whispered back.

The two soon drifted off to sleep in each other's embrace; a single thick blanket the only thing covering their naked bodies.

(A.N.) *Wipes sweat from forehead* Wow, honestly I think I may have gotten a little carried away with that lemon scene (took me like three and a half hours to write that…yarp!) But I do hope that it was at least decently enjoyable :).

This chapter was exactly 8K words long in word, making it the longest chapter I have ever written and the lemon scene was 1,778 words long, just barely making it the longest mature scene I have ever written!

Review please, and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! (if it's almost Christmas time where you're at :P)

- Demonzmagic