This is my first fanfic! I hope you at least somewhat enjoy it:)

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Chapter 1

"Fortune Has Smiled Upon Us"

Arya stood patiently, silently watching as Nasuada reviewed the scroll she had given her only moments ago. She could tell that the young leader was only scanning through it for the sake of time, though would later read it in much greater detail.

"Thank you, Arya," Nasuada said after a moment. The dark-haired elf gave a small nod in response.

The sudden clamor of voices outside the tent immediately stole their attention. Nasuada glanced worriedly at the tent flap as her hand darted to her side, where a strong dagger was secretly concealed in the folds of her dress. Arya, in a rapid blur of motion, took a readied stance in front of the Varden leader, slender sword drawn.

The noise halted, and then there was silence. "Jeod Longshanks requests a hearing with Lady Nasuada!" The Dwarf guard's voice boomed through the quiet as he slammed his gloved fist against his breastplate three times.

Nasuada's grateful relief was clearly visible, though the only one around to see it was Arya, and she wasn't even looking (though that doesn't mean she couldn't hear it and sense it). These times were definitely hard; perhaps even harder than before. The Varden was constantly prepared for an assault, and because of that a steadfast tension was always in their midst.

Arya calmly sheathed her sword and stepped back to her original place, an impassive expression upon her felid-like face.

Once Nasuada had given her sanction to the guards, Jeod hurried in without delay, forgetting even to bow. In his arms he carried a large and ancient-looking book made of tough brown leather that carried a distinct smell. His hair was an arrant mess, with tufts of long gray hair sticking out in the back, and he looked like he would drop onto the ground within minutes and sleep for days.

Jeod cast a glance toward Arya before looking uncertainly at Nasuada.

"She may remain," Nasuada said, perceiving the look that he gave.

Jeod nodded, reassured, and took a moment to steady his uneven breathing. With a deep breath, he spoke. "My Lady, I have found it; that which I have been searching for." His voice was low and quiet, and needless to say, weary.

A confused look passed over Nasuada's face, but then the austere realization hit her like a herd of stampeding cattle. Her almond-shaped eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped slightly. "Fortune has smiled upon us," She finally gasped out.

Arya was aware of something big going on, but she only had a meager amount of ideas as to what it could be. She looked inquisitively between Jeod and the Varden leader, waiting for an explanation.

"I have found a new passage into Galbatorix's wretched castle, and if this book is accurate enough, it leads very near to the egg room," Jeod continued excitedly.

For a short moment, surprise was fresh on Arya's vivid face, but then it disappeared behind her emotionless masquerade. Hiding emotions were something elves were very skilled, and did it often.

"Jarsha," Nasuada suddenly called.

A small brown-haired boy immediately walked into the pavilion. He bowed and smiled at Nasuada and those in the tent. "My Lady?" He asked.

"Please fetch Eragon Shadeslayer and Saphira Bjartskular. It is urgent," She said. She watched as Jarsha bowed again before hurrying out of the tent.

Please review. I'd like to get at least one before I post the second chapter. Also, when you do review, please be brutally honest. I'd like to know what I can improve on. (To the first reviewer: I'll be your best friend forever!) Thanks!