Sorry about the previous chapter guys, lol I know it was a bit of a shock. More will be explained in later chapters :p In the meantime, hope you enjoy this one! And don't worry, this isn't the end of Eragon and Arya's story- I can't let it end this way hehe

Chapter 6: The Mask of Strength

The whole assembly mumbled and murmured in displeasure. Eragon held up a hand.

"I know this is stepping beyond the boundaries of elven culture, but the dwarves have requested more forges in that area. And, after much deliberation and discussion with Blödhgarm and the other Masters, I have decided it is reasonable. We need these, for the weapons of our future students."

Elder Uwlyn, an elf woman of four centuries, frowned. "But Master Shadeslayer, surely we can have those in a different region?"

"Unfortunately, that is the closest source of moonstone and firesteel. That area has no other space"

"Then transfer the materials using dragons," said Kedvar, a coldness creeping into his voice.

Eragon frowned at the elf's disrespectful tone. He had always disliked Kedvar's arrogance and lack of respect for dragons, but it had not bothered him thus before. The elf was even worse than Vanir had been.

"The dragons are not for ferrying things across the land," he said firmly, fixing the older elf with a stern gaze.

"Carts, then."

He sighed. "It will be more efficient for them to work this way. It takes weeks to mine moonstone and firesteel. Also, do not forget: they are also Riders. They have other duties to attend to, more training to complete. If they spend most of their time transferring materials across Oris-Vel, it will be a great hinderance indeed."

Some of the elves were showing signs of reluctant compliance. He took hope from this.

"It is where we hold the Ceremony of Birth. I would not expect you to understand."

Only reason held him back from trying to hurl a fist at the infuriating elf.

"Then explain to me… Kedvar-vodhr," he said through gritted teeth.

The elf's ice blue eyes flicked from Eragon to Arya, then back. "I am sure the Queen knows of its significance."

Eragon did not miss the insinuation: The Queen knows of it. Why don't you?

Beside him sat the Queen herself, her brows dangerously stern. "You would do well to hold your tongue, Kedvar. Do you mean to undermine Eragon's authority? The one who has brought you the very peace you needed to have this ceremony?"

Eragon opened his mouth to correct her in that it was a group effort. Then he decided against it, he could tell this was a strategy to hold Kedvar back.

But the elf was not backing down. "It is not simply an occasion- the grounds where we carry it out is part of us. A sharing of lifeforce that lasts forever."

"But it is not impossible to forge a connection with the land elsewhere," spoke up an elderly (for her face showed more age than others) elf woman with silver hair bound by jewelled pins. "Though we certainly do not like it, I think Eragon has given reasonable defence."

Kedvar's black hair partly covered his expression as he inclined his head.

False. It is false submission, growled Eragon.

Well, at least Tiana-Elda has sided with you, said Saphira.

The rest of the elves, though clearly uncomfortable, were not disagreeing. Eragon seized the chance.

"Then am I right in saying that you do not refuse this proposal?"

They all nodded slowly, one by one. Except Kedvar.

Eragon looked around, checking. "The majority has voted in favour of the forges. You all stand witness to this agreement."

Ciseron appeared to his left, holding out a piece of parchment.

"Ah, thank you Ciseron," Eragon said, taking it. He held up his seal, in full view of everyone. Then he stamped the paper- the deal was made.

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Later, Eragon walked through the gardens with Arya.

He introduced her to the many flowers that were still in bloom. Though the chill of autumn settled throughout the land, it never failed to provide for the bees and insects. Arya was impressed as always, but it seemed to Eragon that she was somewhat distracted.

Finally, he stopped to ask. His curiosity was bubbling to the brim. "Arya, I have noticed of late that your mind is frequently elsewhere. Is there something that troubles you?"

Arya stayed silent for a while, fingering the necklace Eragon had bought her.

"Eragon… I am leaving soon."

The cold hand of dread passed through Eragon as he heard those awful words. Colour drained from his face.

"When?" he asked, voice coming out barely louder than a whisper.

She continued to avoid his gaze. "I do not know, but I am waiting for the right time."

"Will you not stay?"

She shook her head. "You know I cannot."

"Could you not stay a little longer? Why the haste?"

"I fear that I will never leave if I do."

"Am I causing you discomfort? Is that why?"

A bitter smile crossed her face. "No… No. You have been most kind to me. Considering what I have… and will do to you."

"Then what is it?"

Arya took a deep, shuddering breath. "I must leave Firnen."

This time, he stared at her in utter horror. "What?!"

Many elves and humans in the garden stared at the pair as Eragon shouted. But he did not care. What in Alagaesia was she doing?

"I cannot bring him to Ellesmera again," she continued quietly. "I have spent twenty years with him chained to my side, not knowing the joys of being with his kind. He has become too lonesome. He yearns for Saphira."

"But…" he gripped both her arms, wanting to shake her. "Arya, you don't have to leave him!"

"It is the only way."

He ran a shaking hand through his hair, wanting to tear it out. "There has to be another way for him to see Saphira. Why not just let him come every so often by himself to Oris-Vel?"

"It is better for him to stay," she answered stubbornly.

Eragon could not understand. "You… it will drive you to madness! Arya, I don't understand…"

Her shoulders were tense, her eyes were empty and her usually shining hair seemed lank and poorly.

What is it you are not telling me?

"There's something else isn't there?"

Almost automatically, she shook her head. "There is nothing."

"But there has to be! It doesn't make sense!"

Her eyes flashed dangerously. "What must I say to nail it in your mind? I must leave and Firnen must stay." Then her countenance softened. "I am sorry. I… this pains me as much as it does you. However, my duty is to my people and this decision is for Firnen's happiness."

Eragon shook his head. "He will not be happy without you."

"He will not be happy by my side either. I cannot leave Ellesmera. But I can always scry him."

"That will not be enough- you know the bond between Rider and dragon as well as I."

"It is for me to deal with, not you."

Eragon could only stare at her.

"I don't understand your reasoning, but if that is what you think, then I cannot change it."

Arya gazed off into the distance.

Finally, he lifted her chin with his hand. His eyes searched hers, and it seemed to yield a little. He saw a spark, some life in those dark depths.

"Then let me ask you this. Answer me well and true- do you feel nothing for me?"

She seemed to tremble.

"Answer in the ancient language."

Arya looked away, removing her chin from his hand. "It is not necessary."

"Arya, I have waited twenty years to see your face, to show you Oris-Vel."

She closed her eyes as if in pain.

"Eragon… you have done more for me than anyone else. I have never been so close to anyone except Faolin. In fact… perhaps even closer. But there is too much at risk."

"You said long ago that you did not want to make a mistake with me."

She nodded.

"Arya, what must I do to convince you of my sincerity? My commitment? There is no other woman for me- not now, not ever."

"It is to protect you," she replied softly.

"Twenty years, Arya. Twenty years. I might as well as pass into the void."

At that comment, alarm flashed across her face. "Eragon! Do not value your life so lowly. Promise me you will not. I did not wait so long a time to see you waste away."

Eragon's brow furrowed. "Wait for what?"

"For you to move on, to forget me."

"Is that why you stayed so distant for twenty years?"

"Yes… in part."

"I will never forget you. I can't…" he raised his hands up in the air helplessly. "I wish that I were a common man, if it meant that you would never worry about risks."

"But you are not, and this can never be." She paused. "It made me glad to see you again, Eragon. But now we must part ways. It is better not to start things while we still can."

Eragon's shoulders slumped in defeat. He regarded her face, wanting to see it forever.

She's really going to leave. Again.

For a long time, he stood there before her, wrestling with the thought of letting her go. Again. The world around him seemed meaningless, moving with the flow of time. He did not wish to be part of it. Only the prospect of one day sharing it with Arya had kept him going all these years. And now… she was to leave him. For good.

He straightened up, his gaze empty.

"I cannot stop you from leaving. But I also cannot let you be separated from Firnen."

Without waiting for a reply, he whirled around and strode away. Arya watched him go, the winds of darkness settling on her form. He was the last of them to leave her.

Later, Arya returned to her chamber, closing the door behind her. She locked it and leaned her back on it heavily. The emotions she had been holding back loosed in a tidal wave. Burning tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. She quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, sobbing uncontrollably into it as she slid to the floor. Outside, the sky began to weep its own tears of grief, showering the land with unspoken sorrow.