dragonlady98: This one fic is going to cover all four books in the series.

Disclaimer: Only own Florina, Kuldra and their fates

Enjoy

She sat and watched the fire in the distance. Three days, she had been sitting there, wondering how to cope with all the chaos she had participated in. She and Kuldra had flown over the battlefield once Angela had let her leave. The sight of all the dead shocked her to her core. She had seen death, but it had never been destructive like the battle had been. The deaths she had seen had always been peaceful. Even when her mother had been taken from her, no one had died. This death was new to her. She wasn't sure she would ever recover from it. She tapped her fingers on the hilt of her sword. Ever since she had been allowed to wander freely, she hadn't taken it off. She felt safer with it on her hip. She started when she heard the sound of dragon feet. "You may be quiet in the air, but it seems impossible for you dragons to be quiet on the ground." She joked. Kuldra snorted and they looked to where the sound was coming from and saw Eragon and Saphira rounding the plain. Eragon was bouncing a molar in his palm. She jumped down from Kuldra's back. "How are you doing?" She asked him once he was in range. He shrugged and she and Kuldra fell into step beside them and were silent.

Eragon looked at Florina. He could see the dead look in her eyes, as if she wasn't really with them. "Like her body is just going through the motions."

"Eragon, this is the first time either of you has seen a battle of war. It is the first any of us has. But you are numbed to it because of the brutal way your uncle was killed. You do not have that dead look in your eyes. Think, Eragon. Do you think that she has seen destruction like this before?"

"She has seen death."

"Yes, but not like this." Eragon knew she was right. Florina had more than likely not seen chaotic death such as that that surrounded them. He noticed Kuldra and Florina had stopped and he and Saphira followed their lead. Eragon looked and saw Jörmundur approaching them. He bowed to Eragon and then looked at the both of them.

"I'm glad I found the both of you in time." He panted. "Ajihad is returning and he wants you both to be there when he arrives. The others are already waiting for him by the west gate. We'll have to hurry to get there in time." Florina nodded and climbed onto Kuldra and the pair took flight.

"You have been silent, Brave One."

"What is there to say?"

"You could talk to me."

"But you already know my pain. What else is there to discuss?" Florina sighed. "Look at the ground, Kuldra. How many more battlefields will we have to see before this is ended? How many more lives have to be lost before this land finally has peace?"

"Most of the dead give their lives willingly." Kuldra rounded the great dwarf city and they saw a pool of lantern light and landed before the timber gate. Orik looked at them and nodded. Florina dismounted Kuldra and stood next to Arya.

"How are you feeling, Golden Rider?"

"I'm not sure."

"This is the first battle you have seen and you were forced to be part of it because of the duty you have in your heart. Mourn the lost, Florina. But do not let them drag you away. Eragon cannot be the only Rider able to defy Galbatorix. We need you as well. After this is over, if you wish to hide, you may. But not before."

"I understand."

"Where will Ajihad come from?" They heard Eragon ask. She watched as Orik pointed out a large cluster of lanterns.

"He will be here soon." Half an hour later, they saw activity at the mouth of the tunnel. Worry gnawed at Florina and she climbed onto Kuldra and loosened her sword. Arya sent her a questioning look. Florina kept an eye on the tunnel as Ajihad ordered his men into formation. Kuldra pulled her into her mind so she could better see. Kuldra jumped into the air at the flurry of activity behind Ajihad and his men. Florina returned to her own mind and drew her sword. They heard Eragon call warning behind them and Saphira taking flight.

"Hurry, Kuldra." The Urgals fell upon four men before the rest were able to surround and protect Ajihad. They saw light from one of the Twins then something distorted the air. When it cleared, Florina could only see Murtagh, Ajihad, and the Twins fighting. "NO!" Florina screamed as the Urgals overwhelmed the four. Kuldra landed and grabbed an Urgal the turned around to fight. Kuldra killed him easily while Florina vaulted off her and to Ajihad. She let the tears stream freely and she laid his head in her lap. Moments later, Eragon had joined them.

"Florina," he whispered, "Eragon."

"We are here." Florina answered.

"Listen to me, both of you. I have one last command for you." They leaned closer. "You must promise me, promise me you won't let the…won't let the Varden fall into chaos. They are the only hope for resisting the Empire… they must be kept strong. You must promise me."

"I promise," the Riders said together.

"And Florina, promise me you will find happiness again. Do not let this war kill you on the inside."

"I promise, Uncle." She whispered.

"Then peace be with you, Eragon Shadeslayer and Florina Emilysdaughter, Golden Rider." Ajihad took his last breath, set his face in repose, and died. Florina cried openly. Her wail sent a shiver down Eragon's spine. He had never heard that sound before, not even in grief, from the women of Carvahall. He realized that it had been kept inside since her mother had been taken. Kuldra moved to sit behind her Rider and stood as a statue over the grieving Rider.

"What do you want, Jarsha?" Her voice was barely a whisper, but the boy still heard.

"Jörmundur asked me to find you. He would like you present at the council."

"Very well." She stood from the stone steps and followed the boy inside. He had them wait outside the kitchens and then reemerged with Eragon and Saphira in tow. Florina did not give him any advice. She knew that he was learning the game politicians played. Jarsha pushed open the stone door that led into the room. Florina looked around the table at the council. She knew that among the five of them, Jörmundur was the only one she trusted and who liked her. "The tall man is Umérth. The other is Falberd. The gray haired woman is Elessari and the other woman is called Sabrae." She told Eragon and Saphira as she sat in a chair near him. The dragons sat behind them

"How do you know this?"

"Ajihad introduced me to them."

"Thank you both for coming." Jörmundur began. "Florina, you already know the council," she nodded. "Eragon, these are Umérth, Falberd, Elessair, and Sabrae." He pointed to each of them in turn.

"Were the Twins part of this council?" Eragon asked.

"No," Florina answered before Sabrae could. Sabrae liked to be long winded. They didn't have time for them. "Why are we here, Jörmundur?"

"We need the two of you, Eragon and Florina," Florina brushed off that she was mentioned second even though Jörmundur had known her longer, "to provide the legitimacy required by whoever is to take Ajihad's place."

"The five of us have already decided whom to support." Falberd said. "There is no doubt that it is the right person. But, before we reveal who it is, you must give us your word that nothing we discuss will leave this room." He said, looking at the Riders and forgetting about the dragons.

"What game are they playing at?"

"A game where they think they control the board." Florina answered. "But we do. They are asking us, Eragon, and not Saphira and Kuldra. We will play along for now."

"We swear." The Riders said together.

"Nasuada." Florina smiled and Eragon dropped his gaze. She let him be and turned to Jörmundur.

"Why not you, Jörmundur?" She said sweetly. "Ajihad called you his right hand man. That should mean you take his place now." Eragon watched the council as a current of unease ran through the room. He smirked.

"Done this before have you?"

"I had to sell my wares somehow."

"Because," the wiry man answered her with care, "Ajihad was speaking of military matters, nothing more. Also, I am a member of this council, which only has power because we support one another. It would be foolish and dangerous for one of us to raise himself above the rest."

"Ha!" Saphira exclaimed to the three of them. "He would take power if he could force the other four to back him." Eragon inquired further.

"He must be careful. One wrong word could bind him into something he'll regret, Saphira."

"I know. But he is stalling for time."

"Ajihad's funeral will be held in two days." Umérth's voice broke into their conversation. Directly afterward, we plan to appoint Nasuada as our new leader. We have yet to ask her, but she will surely agree. We want the both of you to be present at the appointing. No one can complain about it then. Also, to swear fealty."

"Give me a moment, Eragon. I have an idea on how to help you. But let me deal with them for my fealty." Eragon nodded slightly and Florina turned to the council and shook her head. "Shame upon you." She barely heard Saphira's and Eragon's conversation. "I told Ajihad and Hrothgar when I arrived here that I fight with the Varden, not for them. I assume Ajihad told at least you, Jörmundur. Swearing fealty places me in a situation I refuse to be in. I will be at the appointing and endorse her. But I will not be swearing fealty."

"We expected nothing less from you, Golden Rider." Sabrae answered. Florina could see the anger in the eyes of the council.

"Have you thought of something for me?"

"They are going to try and guilt you into it. Agree, but do not swear fealty to the Varden, swear fealty to Nasuada."

"But,"

"Just do it! The political powers here are pulling on you more than they are me because you are younger and more easily manipulated to them, even though I know better. But don't say you will swear fealty. Just say that you will attend. I will let you know when to swear to Nasuada."

"As you wish. I shall attend Nasuada's appointment."

The council, especially Jörmundur, looked relieved. Florina nodded absently, a clear signal to Eragon at Elessari's command. He followed her lead and agreed. Minutes later, Nasuada, head held high and eyes steady, and Arya walked into the room. Florina nodded to them and blinked slowly at Nasuada. Nasuada nodded slightly. She knew to be on her guard. Florina extended her consciousness to the young woman as Jörmundur talked.

"Yes?"

"After you accept the office, ask everyone to leave except for Eragon and Saphira. Don't worry, he will explain everything."

"I understand." Nasuada turned to Jörmundur. "I will embrace the office she declared." A moment later, "Is there anything else to discuss? I am weary."

"We will make all the arrangements. I promise you won't be troubled until the funeral." Jörmundur answered her.

"Thank you. Would you leave me now? I need time to consider how to best honor my father and serve the Varden. You have given me much to ponder." Florina said, a clear signal to the rest of the council that they should as well. She was always the last out of a room. The council left and Arya followed. "Eragon please stay?" Florina nodded.

"Swear fealty to Nasuada." She turned to Nasuada and nodded before following Kuldra and Arya out of the room, closing the door behind her.

I know there is a lot of mind talk, but they couldn't exactly plan before hand. Thanks for reading and please review.