A/N: sorry for the cliffie last chapter.

Actually, no I'm not.

DISCLA- YEAH YEAH YOU GET THE POINT

CLAI- don't even.

Anyhow, quite a few of the following events come from an inspiring review from Sir Restrained Freedom, a noble knight to his cause. I honor you, a Knight of the Round Table! Wait, wrong story XP. But, still...

Mister Wonderful & Amazing right here.

Secrets of Life

Chapter Eleven

Welcoming

Raven stood in the shadows of one of the large pines, arms crossed, a thoughtful, warm expression on her face. Here was Murtagh, one of the strongest men she knew, nearly falling apart at Eragon's warm, even exuberant and—she felt sure that he thought he was imagining things—delighted welcome.

Like it was the one thing he had ever wanted his entire life.

Which, thinking back, it probably was.

But standing here, looking at the two brothers, she felt a golden flower of joy for Murtagh, for he had found family. Real family.

But she also felt a deep, dark sadness that she had always felt for most of her life. She had a twin brother out there somewhere, but she didn't know if he even knew he had a sister. Murtagh had shone a brilliant golden light through that sadness when they were young, and they had felt more connected than any other. But when she left, that gaping hole had swallowed her up again.

She fell even deeper into that pit when the Hunter, her father in all but blood, had died defending herself and Maelstrom from Galbatorix's men.

Shadefire, Bid'daum and Eragon had shown her light again, but it wasn't as golden or brilliant as the light that boy had shone on her.

Now, that boy, a man now, had his shining light. He had found his brother. She wondered if she would ever find her own.

Deep in her mind, she barely noticed Murtagh pull away from his brother's embrace, face lit with disbelieving joy. Eragon was laughing, relieved that the Red Rider had finally accepted the offer he had made over twenty years ago. It was then that he realized there was someone else with them. "And who are these companions of yours?" he asked.

Murtagh smiled. "The dragoness is Shadefire, part of the pair that had stayed hidden throughout the war. Her Rider–" he frowned, looking around, finally spotting her under the darkest shadows of a tree. "There, in the shade. That is Raven, who is a very old friend of mine. I wonder why..." Then he suddenly remembered her story that she had told him all those years ago. "Cripes, I'm an idiot," he muttered."I'll introduce you to her. You'll like her." He walked over to the dark figure, where Shadefire was looking concernedly at her Rider.

She's not talking to me, the black dragoness said suddenly.

Murtagh frowned. "Raven? Are you alright?"

She turned to him, a neutral expression on her face. Murtagh mentally smacked himself for not remembering sooner what the word 'sibling' meant to her. But she smiled graciously, though he doubted anyone else but Shadefire could have seen the faint sadness in her eyes. The woman held out her hand, taking the glove off in a smooth gesture. "Raven. It's an honor to meet you, Eragon Shadeslayer. There are not many alive who can boast that feat," she added. Eragon grinned churlishly.

"The honor is all mine, Raven. To meet a Rider such as yourself, with a companion so many years older than Saphira is a joy to one such as myself."

Raven smiled, genuinely this time. "It is a simple joy that the namesake of the first Eragon managed to carry on his legacy, and that the descendant of the White Dragon, Bid'daum, managed to see it." Shadefire lifted her head proudly, silvery spikes gleaming, emerald eyes flashing. Eragon, surpised, smiled again and bowed to the onyx dragon.

"Well, I do believe that I should probably welcome you to Du Edoc'sil Ristvarden abr Shur'tugal, home to the Order of the Dragon Riders."

A/N: blegh, I'm terrible at emotional scenes. Sorry about the angstyness of dear Raven, but she really wishes she could find her brother. She thinks that she already has, but she has no proof. Until later... #foreshadowing. HA!

Quick translations for those who don't remember the Ancient Language: Du Edoc'sil Ristvarden abr du Shur'tugal — The Unconquerable Place of Warders of the Dragon Riders. I think. Pretty sure. I'll edit it if it's not.

Once again, THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU Restrained Freedom. You are AWESOME, AMAZING, WONDERFUL, and one of the BEST PEOPLE I'VE MET HERE. Thank you SO MUCH for reading this and being my biggest supporter.

XDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXDXD

Falcon