A 'pop' sounded on the outside of the Varden tents on the edge of their camp. The guards were shocked but allowed the girl in because of the Varden seal on an opened letter.

Taking her into the camp she said one thing: "I need to talk to Eragon," which she repeated a lot to herself a lot after the first time that she said it to the guards.

They half carried her there after she stumbled on her way to the central tent. Nasuada was pacing the tent and stopped when they informed her that the girl was back. The leader's interest peaked higher as she was told that the girl was obviously shaken. She decided to comply with the jittery girl's request for Eragon to be there; she hoped that he could calm the girl.

Eragon came quickly with the messenger that had been sent to him and burst through the tent.

"Eragon," said Nasuada hurriedly as she pointed over to the distressed girl. He moved to kneel next to her as she curled up in the chair.

"Rachel what is it?" asked Eragon, gently.

She raised her head and he saw her dangerously brimming eyes pooled over and she began to cry. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her to comfort her and rocked her a little to soothe her cries.

"Eragon," she croaked as she choked back the tears.

"Yes," he replied as she lifted her head.

"When you examine my thoughts please don't judge me too harshly," she replied. "Please," she pleaded when he didn't immediately answer.

"Of course," he replied as his eyes locked with the girl's.

She relaxed then slumped back into the chair, unconscious.

He watched as the girl slept in her bead; Eragon had already examined her thoughts. Berating himself for not telling her everything about his story of getting to the Varden he found himself wondering if that would have been better for her. Who would ever know?

Nasuada had been told but had been surprisingly alright with the revelation. He was glad because the girl was blameless and didn't endanger the rebels at all. Actually she had copied the scrolls she'd found and helped the Varden more.

He saw a flicker of her eyelids and put a hand on her shoulder to shake and raise her from her slumber.

She muttered and curled further into the blankets and cot.

"Rachel wake up," he said evenly.

"Do I have to?" she asked as she opened her eyes a little more.

"It'd be better if you do," he answered her, smiling at her resistance.

She turned over onto her back and pushed herself up in the bed but stayed under the covers. She looked at him doubtfully and said, "You've looked haven't you."

"Yes."

"That's it. 'Yes'. I've been worry about your response from the moment I saw that letter and 'Yes' is all you're going to say," she questioned a little peevishly.

"Well what would you like me to elaborate on?" asked Eragon smiling at her annoyance a little.

"Well: One, why am I not being hung and having my guts made for garters?; Two, why are you so calm about what happened?; and three, why do you still act as though you trust me?" she asked.

"Can I answer in a different order?" asked Eragon. She nodded in response. "You're not being hanged because you didn't do anything wrong- however I wouldn't mention what happened to anyone else who doesn't already know in the Varden. I still trust you because you haven't intentionally tried to hurt our cause and haven't done anything to make me distrust you."

He paused and let her take it in. "Alright but why are you so calm about what happened?"

"You mean that you were with Murtagh for the last few weeks," he sighed and began to explain. "Well first of all Murtagh used to be a part of the resistance for a while but he was captured and forced to do Galbatorix's will when his dragon Thorn hatched for him," he said steadily.

"He's a rider. Like you," she said slowly as her memories flooded back and realised that it was how he had his magic.

"He's also the son of Morzan the first and last of Galbatorix's Foresworn Riders. Everyone has hated him since birth," he explained seeing the girl's sorrow deepen for his old friend. "He's my half-brother."

She looked puzzled and then looked up at him when she asked, "How does that make you feel calm about what happened?"

"It's nice to know he's alright and that maybe we can get him back to our side at some point. You could be a great help to us. Will you stay with the Varden?"

"Yes," she said without hesitation.