Do any of you play the Hobbits: KoM game? Cause if not you totes should. It's brilliant.

-A-R-Y-A-

She had to admit, she hadn't had that much fun in. . .well, a seriously long time. As she raced the roads with him at her side, she felt almost indestructible. It was like he had her back no matter what and she could relax and just ignore the world for the moment. He was skilled, that was for sure. His shifting was smooth and precise, done at the right moments that kept him with her at all times. It was impressive. She didn't know why she'd gotten these bikes for this trip in all honesty. It had been in her mind ever since the he'd told her about the things he'd lost from his past, having been impressed when she first went through his belongings and found that he had the Thruxton.

It was a gorgeous bike and, even now, thinking of it's smoking heap of metal after the explosion made her cringe. She'd thought of the idea when they were on the jet back to the Varden; she almost hadn't done it, but every time she spoke with him she'd just felt the desire to do something for him. He just gives so much for everyone and goes out of his way to help others, especially Saphira, and she found herself drawn to him. It scared her, yes, but it was refreshing and confusing as well. The fact that he was so grateful warmed her heart although she had no idea how to deal with his hug.

But he hadn't been trying anything, it was just pure joy that drove him to act. As they had driven off, she'd been smiling without even realizing it. Luckily the mask was down and he wasn't able to see it. When they got to their first real straightaway and she allowed him to go first, she wasn't expecting how skilled he would be. Or the fact that his shirt would basically fly off. It was insanely distracting and she had to make herself ignore it completely. Now, as they were sitting with the four teens and listening to them chatter away, she couldn't help find herself just drawn to him. Everything was so confusing now as she fought her own emotions just to stay passive.

Forcing herself to look away, she found Elva watching her, her head slightly tilted with a small, if sad, smirk on her face. This girl was intriguing to say the least. It was so easy to get sucked into her eyes and just relax and feel at ease. She was so fascinating in a way, so interesting. It was strange. And then she was looking back at Eragon again as he laughed at something Jonathan had said. Her chest squeezed tightly and she cursed herself before standing.

"Be right back. I need to use the restroom."

Everyone nodded somewhat distractedly. Everyone except for Elva. The girl rose as well, smiling in amusement.

"Same here."

Questioning her motives, Arya headed for the left side of the building and entered the woman's bathroom, liking the fact that the air was frigid inside. It allowed her to focus on something else than golden-brown eyes. She also didn't have to go to the restroom but since Elva had come with her, she put up the act. Emerging from her stall a couple minutes later she found Elva waiting for her, that same amused smile on her face. Arya frowned slightly.

"So what's with the smile? Do I have something on my face or something?"

The girl chuckled, her tone merry and inviting.

"Of course not. You just intrigue me."

"And why is that?"

The girl shrugged, leaning casually against the wall.

"Well, I doubt many girls hate themselves for having feelings for Eragon." Arya was startled but she kept her face smooth of emotion. Elva continued. "I mean, he's a sexy guy, right? What are you trying to prove by ignoring your feelings? It's obvious he's already basically in love with you. But I can see that you are much too stubborn to allow it."

She clenched her jaw at the words, shaking her head and still trying to maintain a casual appearance.

"I think you're reading into this wrong. And it's really not any of your business anyway, no offense."

The teen laughed.

"I'm never wrong. And I know it isn't but I can't help myself when I find such riveting people. You are both so skilled at masking your emotions. That, and somehow you got out of a ticket that probably would've gotten us thrown into jail. Who are you?"

Arya's urge was to thrown the kid against the wall and run, but that would be considered assaulting a minor and would look rather poor to everyone involved. Instead she just raised her eyebrows.

"Well enjoy yourself to our emotions because I think you need some practice. But I'm going to head back now."

She walked past her, exiting the bathroom and heading back to the table. Elva was right behind her but she didn't say a word to the group about what they talked about, much to Arya's content and confusion. She'd have to find out more about this girl and see exactly who she was. Nobody her age should be able to study people so well. Arya doubled back. But of course she'd been wrong about her feelings. An hour later they said their goodbyes, waving as they walked over to their bikes.

They'd found out that the group was staying a mile or so away in a friend's house. Eragon had gotten one of the guy's numbers so they could meet up again at some point during the trip. As she straddled her motorcycle, the Jeep passed them and she found Elva watching her from the back seat. Chills raced down her spine before disappearing and she shook her head. That girl was definitely something she needed to look into. They made their way back to their hotel and as they walked inside the man behind the counter smiled.

"Eragon and Arya I presume?" They nodded and he handed them their room keys. "I hope you both have a wonderful trip. Rooms 504 and 506. They are adjoining rooms as requested."

Arya glanced at Eragon to find he was just as surprised as her. Alright so at least he hadn't done it. He headed for the elevator but she cleared her throat.

"It starts now, Eragon. Stairs."

He whimpered but consented, changing directions. When they reached the first step he grinned.

"First to the top double or nothing?"

She quirked an eyebrow.

"How can we double it?"

He thought for a couple seconds.

"Dishes."

She chuckled.

"Fine. You ready?"

He nodded and faced the stairs, getting ready to sprint. Without warning she took off, already at the forth stair before he had taken the first. He yelled behind her.

"Cheating!"

But he continued anyway, sprinting behind her and trying to catch her. They'd just hit the third floor when he grabbed her shirt, yanking her back and behind him. Not one to give up, she wrapped her foot around his ankle and caused him to stumble. Now they were neck and neck, taking the steps two at a time. As they approached their goal, the battle became heated, both parties pulling out their dirtiest tricks. He pushed her backwards with his arm and blocked her off only to have her shove him into the wall and out of her way. Reaching the last steps both had arms out trying to block the other. As they crested the top, they tripped, falling to the ground right next to each other and breathing heavily.

After several moments of silence Eragon started laughing. She couldn't help but join in, although quieter as he gasped in air beside her. And then suddenly the door above them opened, a man around their age coming through. He froze when he saw them sprawled on the ground. While she shot up, Eragon just laid there, smiling like an idiot. The man started to go around, an amused smile on his face and Eragon held out his hand for a high five. The guy chuckled and complied before heading down the steps. She rolled her eyes at him and walked into the hall, leaving him to his own means. He caught up to her a couple seconds later.

"So I think I won."

She scoffed.

"If anything it was a tie."

He frowned.

"Why do we always end up tying?"

She grinned.

"We don't. I kicked your ass on the bikes. Which means I'm still up one and you still have laundry duty."

He groaned as they reached their rooms. She slid her key in and out, the green light flashing that it unlocked. He did the same for his and she could hear him on the other side as he tripped over something. She laughed but that laughter was cut short as she took in her room. Her bed was covered in a pink barbie comforter and everything in the room had been changed out for super girly shit. An exclamation of annoyance from next door alerted her to the fact that he probably had something similar. There was a pounding on their connecting door and she opened it to Eragon's horrified face.

"How could you be so horrible?"

She chuckled, pushing past him and stopping as she took in the Barney blankets. They looked at each other before she just shook her head.

"Angela."

He frowned.

"Ok, I don't know that lady but she seems to have her nose in everything. Seriously, what the hell."

She smirked, walking back into her room and looking in the closet for different covers. There were none. Only a stack of extra pillows.

"She does her own thing and nobody questions her."

He was leaning on the connecting door's frame.

"Why not?"

Arya shrugged and closed the closet, heading for her suitcase.

"Because she's invaluable to us. Her connections, although seemingly impossible, are amazing. We need her. And she adds a bit of kookiness to the Varden that it was lacking."

He snorted, running his hands through his hair.

"I have bad experiences with Barney as a kid. Can please I have the Barbie room?"

She smirked.

"Nope. You can deal with it until we get them to change it up."

He narrowed his eyes at her before leaping onto her bed, spreading his arms and legs to take up all the space.

"Ha. Now it's all mine."

She threw a pillow from the closet at him.

"Get off my bed you idiot."

His voice was muffled in the comforter as he spoke.

"Nope. It's mine. I have claimed it." She threw another pillow, this one smacking into the side of his head. He turned to look at her. "Do you wanna go?"

The direct challenge was met by another pillow to his face. He growled, leaping up and darting for her. She yelped as he grabbed at her, barely dodging around him and escaping into his room. She slammed the door in his face and locked it. He chuckled and she heard him exit her room and slide the key in his door. As he did, she went back into her own room and locked it only to find him standing just inside her room, arms crossed in victory and a smug grin on his face.

"Did you really think you could outwit the Master?"

She raised her eyebrows.

"The Master? Really now?"

He started walked towards her slowly, his hands stuck casually in his pockets. She bit the inside of her cheek, trying to think of a way to get out of the entire situation. His eyes were predatory as he cornered her and suddenly she realized that this could all lead to a very bad situation. She had lost all sense of guardedness with him and now here he was, in her room, and about to do something that would probably involve tackling or throwing her. It was a very bad idea. So as he suddenly lunged for her, she turned it around, catching one of his arms and spinning it behind his back. She pulled it up behind him.

"You are seriously out of practice, Eragon."

He sighed.

"You're right. I totally didn't see that coming."

His voice was understanding if not a little bit let down. She swore at the fact that he understood her so well. Of course he would notice what she was doing. She let him go, walking over to the tv and flipping it on. Instead of pouting or getting upset like she half expected, he sat down on the Barbie comforter and grabbed the remote. He automatically flipped to a channel and she glanced at him after she realized it was Disney. He changed it rapidly but she questioned him.

"How do you know the channels?"

He looked down and she caught a shadow cross his features.

"I don't know. Just clicked random buttons."

She could tell completely that he was lying. She wanted to forgo it and move on but part of her wouldn't let her. She sat beside him.

"No. It was like it was programmed in your head. Have you been here before?"

He sighed.

"I came here when I was with the Granger family. I was fifteen and it was. . . well, it was amazing." She nodded as he continued. "The family had these two little girls that loved Hannah Montana to pieces and they would always want me to watch with them. I'd just been placed with them a month before and I loved it. But of course I screwed it all up. I did that a lot growing up. The family dropped me in fear that I'd be a bad example for their kids. And I couldn't blame them at all because they were right. If they'd stuck with me I wouldn't have rewarded their dedication with straight A's and a good attitude. I probably would've been the one to introduce their son to alcohol or something."

She was intrigued by his past and saddened at it. Of course she knew the facts, but the emotions behind the decisions were drawing her in.

"What happened the time before?"

He groaned, running his hand through his hair.

"That place was a hell on earth." He lifted the hem of his shirt and before she could react he was pointing to a long although thin scar that went down his side. "The mom, surprising considering the dad's temper, chucked a chair at me. One of the nails was sticking out and it raked down my skin just gashing the crap out of it. The funny part was they said it was my fault. They claimed I had fallen when I came in wasted or some such story."

He shook his head and she saw no amusement in his eyes that were remembering such horrible things. Anger welled in her chest and she wanted to comfort him in some way. Instead, she pushed herself further onto the bed and rested against the headboard. He glanced back at her and she allowed herself to give him some condolence.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. Were any of the others that bad?"

He hunched over slightly as if the memories weighed on him.

"None that were stupid enough to leave a mark."

At that her heart clenched painfully. He'd had such a terrible time since he was four. At least she'd grown up safe and loved, even if it was at a distance. She tried to change the subject slightly to a happier topic. But it was risky because his mentor's death might still be too fresh. She went for it.

"When did Garrow find you?"

A warm smile appeared on his face and she let out a quiet breath of relief. Good call. He pushed himself beck and positioned himself the same as her, his head leaning against the wood.

"I'd actually known him since I was ten years old. I went to school with his son for a while when I was with this one family. The Reeds I think. They were probably my second favorite besides the Grangers. Roran invited me over with a few other boys and while we were there, I actually stole this old watch. I don't know why. I just thought it was so intricate and incredible and I had nothing of my own. I'd also been told I was going to be transferring homes. Somehow Garrow just knew who had done it. Instead of calling me out in front of the whole group, he pulled me to the side and asked me for it back.

"I was mortified. But I gave it back to him as I started crying and he questioned why I'd done it at all. I told him that I wanted something of my own to take with me when I changed houses. He smiled at me sadly and bent down, looking me right in the eye and said, 'I want you to take this, Eragon. If you ever need help, you call this number. Got it?'"

She gazed at his slight grin as he recalled the memory and her chest fluttered against her will. Eragon shook his head.

"I don't have a clue why, but I kept that card he'd given me for my entire childhood. I hid it and treasured it the most out of anything I ever received. I think it was because nobody had ever shown any interest in helping me. Nobody had ever been so kind. When I got out of Juvenile for the third and final time after ruining my chance with the Grangers, I ran. For months I lived on the street, scavenging for every ounce of food or comfort I could find. There was this time that I almost died, too. I'd been having a rough period and I barely had any food. I got sick and with no medication I was so weak I couldn't move. I was wearing these clothes that were so run down and dirty that I couldn't even remember what color they were. But, in the back pocket was his card. I pulled it out and could barely see through my bleary eyes.

Over the years the number had faded to almost nothing, but I'd gazed at the card enough that the number was engrained in my skull forever. Still, I wasn't planning on doing anything about it. I had no money and no reason to believe that he would hold true to his promise to me. But, as I lay there, some poor ignorant fool came strutting through my alley with this briefcase. A few guys in same positions as me went at him and started to rough him up, taking any possessions he had. I watched in despair from my little shelter and a glimmer in the air alerted me to the falling of money. I waited and that night I dragged myself to the spot, finding against my own belief just enough change to make a call. It was a sign, I thought. I was supposed to live.

So, mustering literally every last ounce of my strength, I stood and stumbled all the way to the nearest pay phone. This was my last shot and I knew it. Dialing the number, I listened as it rang over and over and every second the fear grew that he wouldn't answer me. On the last ring, his voice cut through so clear and commanding, stating his name. At this point, I just broke down. I was in tears as I talked, telling him who it was and leaning heavily against the phone booth. And do you know what he did? He asked my location. He told me not to move a single inch. I nodded, hanging up and staggering out onto the street. I fell back into the alley and just passed out. By the time I woke again, I was in a hospital bed with all these I.V's in my arm and nurses bustling about."

He glanced at her and smiled.

"Garrow had been three states over and yet he upped and left to find me. Apparently I was out for almost a week in this hospital. I still can't believe how incredibly lucky I got. Nobody does that kind of stuff nowadays. I was just. . . I was so insanely grateful. It was then that I realized that I needed to be able to repay his extreme kindness to him and to others. That's why I decided to join up with the F.B.I. I got a second chance to live." The smile that was on his face disappeared completely, replaced by a darkness that seemed to consume him whole. "And I ended up taking his life as payment."

She took a deep breath.

"Eragon, no."

He pulled his knees to his chest and dropped his head to them looking defeated.

"I did. He saved me and I got him killed. I took away a father. Roran was right. It should've been me. I should've died in his place. It would've equaled everything out."

She shook her head although he wasn't looking.

"You're wrong. It wasn't your fault."

"And how was it not? I left him at that car to find cover."

His voice was shaky now and she took his hand, trying to comfort him.

"I read the report. He told you to go and you went. You were following his wishes."

"No I failed him. I should've stayed until he got out."

She became slightly angry at that comment.

"So you could've died as well? What purpose would that serve?"

His hands were squeezing his head tightly like he was trying to block something out.

"I wouldn't feel this! This terrible guilt and horror at what I've done to him and his family! If I hadn't called him and just died that day on the streets, he'd still be alive."

The thought of him dead sent a chill through her like she'd never felt. It made her sick to her stomach and she quickly forced the image from her brain.

"He would've died in that explosion anyway, Eragon. Even if he had a different partner he would've told them to go first."

Eragon shook his head in his hands.

"Dammit, no. I was the reason we were there! He didn't even want to go but I insisted. I said my contact had information for us. He wouldn't have listened to anyone else."

She could hear in his voice that he was almost on the verge of tears. It was shocking as she'd only ever seen the anger or playfulness and very rare shows of vulnerability. His suddenly fragile state made her forget her own walls and worries for the moment as she wrapped her arm around his shoulders and pulled him into an embrace. He went easily, his head resting in the crook of her neck and his breath hot against her skin. She spoke quietly into his hair.

"You were doing your job, Eragon. Do you realize the chain of events that you have created? I am alive because of you. Saphira is as well. And who knows, maybe you are the one person we needed to save half the world. Don't you see? That day he gave you his card, he saw somebody that needed his help. That is why he was such a good agent and father. It was in his nature to put himself last and support those around him. He lived a powerful and full life that many will remember. He gave you a second chance so you could go on. And now here you are, making differences in people's lives with everything you do. Garrow's death is a tragedy, of that there is no doubt. But, that does not make you responsible for it. It does not mean you should carry the burden of that guilt for your entire life. Roran said what he said because of anger and a terrible pain. He does not blame you, Eragon."

She felt him shift after several minutes of silence and heat flared through her as his lips met her neck. But it was a gentle kiss, a thank you, before he returned his head to it's resting position against her shoulder. His fingers slipped into her own and she squeezed tightly, not letting go under the guise that he needed her comfort. It was in no way because she enjoyed his closeness or because she had such a terrible need to be there for him. No. It was none of those things. It couldn't be.

Elrong Half-Elven-Bjartskular: Dude that sounds epic! I'm so jealous right now! Thanks :)

TheeRoyalJester: Lol that's basically me. I get super freaked out though if people just randomly touch me too. Like, if they put their hand on my leg or something I flip a shit. I just can't deal with that much physical contact lmao. Yeah I don't get how people can be at ease huging everyone. I'm super jealous of them though because if I was like that I would've gotten to hug so many hot guys by now. :D

TheLoneVoyager: Lol true that! Although it wont be just yet, I promise it'll be relatively soon. I actually haven't decided what to do with her yet. I'll come up with it in the next chapter or so hopefully lol.

Flyflyaway: Eh, well I think he'd be pretty cool with them considering how many times he'd dealt with them as a teenager. He was trying to! Haha he wants out of laundry duty. You were relatively right :), but I'm going to make Elva really crafty so she's going to just pop up in places. Thanks!

CorLeonis92: Thank you :D I enjoy writing them like this. It's my fave haha. There will be, well, some. . . ;)

Happy: I'm glad! Yeah he really did. I was always unsettled by the whole Elva thing in the books. He will definitely not do that kind of thing he did in the book. That was cra.

A Dark Noon: I bet it's amazing haha. Oh how dare the bastard (I specifically call him these things so that he'll read them). What were you guys talking about that brought up that VERY true fact? Yeah that was adorbs. They are too cute. I loved when she kissed him when they were talking about her vacation. That was epic. And so was the kiss on the bridge (and in the shop. And the car). Why can't they put more of that in now :P At least before they were together there was that dreadful tension that fueled us watchers haha. Alright, alright lol, I promise Saphira will be ok. She's just gonna be chillin' like a villain' in Virginia for a bit. Thanks! And now that you say that yeah he kind of does. Although Lassiter probably would've arrested them anyway :D I'm deciding on what to do with her as I write this actually, it's proving to be quite interesting.

Rainxoxo: Lol I checked, your story is probs the most viewed in the Inheritance section of FF. I'll have to get started on it :) Although like I said before, I'm a lazy ass so it'll take me a bit. 110 or however many chapters is a ton. Once I get into it though I can finish pretty quickly. Like, Inheritance I read in a single night. I just have to bring myself to start it haha. ExA. . . well, if you really want to know about it, PM me. It would be interesting to discuss with you anyway. It's definitely going to happen though. I wouldn't write a story about them and not have them get together. That'd be just cruel haha. I decided for this one that Firnen wouldn't be a part of the story. I was tired of writing Arya with him as her crutch. Elva is still being decided, but I have a clearer idea now. Awesome! And thanks!

Xylux: I was thinking about it but that would counteract what he told her that he'd do. It would probably make Arya think he wasn't serious. They are without a doubt going to be together though. Soon!

Elemental Dragon Slayer: I know, it's my best quality. Lol I really can't call anyone lazy can I? I'm so bleh all the time. Although I must say, I have become a lot less lazy since I got this job. I actually studied for my last test. Shocker. But I don't see a reason to considering I've never had to before. Or your remarks are much to stupid for anyone but your twisted mind to understand. Nah no Eragon going out with anyone else. And NOOO to Faolin. None of him in this story.

DenarianLordX: Yeya :P

Walter Peterson: No probs, thanks for reminding me :D And thanks!

funnelwebs: It's all in good fun (not really I hate his face! That's right EDS, Yo face is hated by me). Nah you got this. You'll just be like, "out the way you noobs." I'm glad they do, I always try and put in some funny bits. You know, that's totally true. Unless it's taken too far and the person is just immature. Actually nah this was all me. I'm bikes he's cars lol. Yeah although I don't understand why people stop talking. When somebody tells me to stop talking my abusing me I'm just like, "Oh hell no, bitch. I will tell all your secrets!" Jk I'm really good at keeping secrets. Losing what haha?

Morzan's Elvish Daughter: :D I was thinking about making her Angela's protégée but then this other idea hit me and I've been trying to figure it out. I do like that one though.

burning book: :D hehe!

Gazamidori: Eh, well, she will be a different kind of Elva I guess. Writing somebody like that in reality means they're kind of a sociopath. But don't worry, she'll definitely be very, shall we say. . . matured? Like, it'll relate to the books in a way. I don't really play much CoD. It's all fun and stuff but it goes by so quickly. Haha I can't do that! It'd disappoint those following the story or the relationship depending on which I went with. You meant this story right? Like making it one or the other? Or am I understanding wrong. I am a wimp when it comes to horror. I can't really handle scary stuff. I might be able to write it but idk.

HelpI'mLostInCorn: Wow yeah that sounds rough. Math is killer :P It's crazy how many people I talk to on here that are going into Engineering! So many smarty-pants! Perpetual Math would be like my form of hell lol. That or accounting.

Renaissancebooklover108: Woah you're getting a permit to ride a bike on Monday?! I'm so jealous right now! I wont get mine for a while yet.