Reviews and Critics appreciated.

Major editing (I think I edited all the red lines. If not, well, just read it.)

The fight with Galbatorix was over. They had won.

Little one. The soft but powerful voice of Saphira Brightscales rang in Eragon Shadeslayer's mind. They were sitting in a broken and fallen tower. It was a few days after the fight with the black king. Nasuada was arranging the Varden. Roran, Katrina, Horst and the others were preparing to go back to Cavahall. Murtagh and Thorn wanted to leave. But Eragon asked them to stay for just a few days to see the coronation of the new king or queen of Alagaesia. They accepted. And Arya... Arya was grieving for her mother, Eragon knew. However, she did not show that. Arya and Firnen too, were only staying until the new sovereign was announced. Then, they would take some of the dragon eggs from Vrongard, the Vault Of Souls and leave to Ellesmera.

To be new queen. Eragon thought.

And to never return. He could feel Saphira's discomfort at the shared thought.

Eragon... You know it's not that... She has a responsibility. A crown is a heavy one, as you have realized by seeing Nasuada and the Varden. Eragon's mind churned. He should have cut the bonds before thinking.

Does Nasuada dwindle over Murtagh because of her place? He asked angrily. Never mind. He snapped. Dragons don't mate for life. You don't get it. Saphira just hummed in a rather upset tone. Eragon sighed and mounted his dragon.

Let's go. There was something he was meaning to do since their victory. They soared into the sky and circled the air smoothly. Down were the tents of the Varden. They looked less gloomy and less grave, Eragon searched for one certain tent. Nasuada's tent. He found the red tent and quickly landed. Stay here, will you? She was tortured and I don't want to tire her much. The magnificent blue dragon snorted but took off again.

I'd be hunting. Don't take long, though. Eragon smiled.

Of course. He nodded to the Nighthawks standing guard and entered.

'Eragon.' Nasuada greeted him smoothly. She wore a regal purple dress that showed her scars from the trial of knives. He saw it as a good choice. Showing that their leader was strong was a nice way to earn their respect and loyalty.

'My lady.' He bowed slightly.

'Why did you request my audience Rider?' Eragon hesitated. 'Can we talk in private...?' She nodded and flicked her wrist. The Nighthawks stepped out. However, he did not say anything. Nasuada sighed.

'I hope this conversation has a value. Give us some time, Elva.' The violet eyed girl stepped out from the shadows.

'I'd say the same.' She spoke to Eragon with her too mature voice. 'It has to be important to send me away.' The weary looking leader of the Varden frowned ever so slightly.

'Elva, out please.' The girl looked at Eragon with her deep and a bit creepy violet eyes.

'I still feel them, Eragon.' She whispered before ducking out of the tent. Eragon's eyes clouded and he looked so pained. So guilty. Nasuada's usually hard eyes softened at his anguished expression.

'Eragon.' She said softly. 'It's not your fault. It's her choice.' But the blue Rider shook his head. 'It is my fault. It feels like... like I'm making her a shield. Literally.' He sighed deeply. 'However, she is not the reason I came here. He looked at Nasuada in the eye. 'Will you free me from the oaths and bonds since the war is finally over?' Nasuada smiled a bit sadly.

'I was waiting for you to say it. My answer is, yes, I will. I believe that you have the very right to be free after all you've done.' And she quietly spoke in the ancient language.

'From this on, Eragon Bromsson, you are free from the oaths you swore to me and you have no alliance to me or the Varden.' Eragon smiled. His eyes were sparkling slightly.

'It's all over, isn't it?' He said quietly.

It is. Said Gladr and Umaroth in Eragon's head. Nasuada smiled with tears in her eyes.

'I thank you Eragon, and all the Eldunari that have aided us.' The Rider grinned.

'I'll see you before the coronation day.' The Varden's leader nodded.

'Again, thank you Eragon. And tell Saphira my thanks. Goodbye for now.' Eragon turned to depart when he saw Elva entering the tent again.

'She is close to you. You are so happy now... I still feel pain. So much pain in this age. I will not forget any of these things, Rider. And you shouldn't forget either.' And she slipped into the tent. Eragon walked away with a slightly chilled feeling.

Saphira! Eragon mentally called his partner of mind and heart. He quickly stopped thinking about Elva. He didn't want to make her angry and have her hurt Elva. The truth was, he didn't care that much about the creepy girl. But, still, it was his fault that the girl was creepy.

Yes, Eragon? Eragon smiled in his mind, enjoying the feeling of Saphira's mind touching his.

Nasuada freed us. We have no alliance to anyone now. That earned a pleasant hum from her.

Well, that's good. With a slight laugh on his lips, he walked past the pavilions, giving smiles to the soldiers he passed on his way.

I'm going to meet Roran. And maybe... Arya too. Spahira made a rumbling laugh.

As you wish. Do you want me to join you? He considered it for a few seconds.

There's no need. You'll see them in the meeting anyway. By the way, if you are done hunting, why don't you go rest? I'm planning to fly with Murtagh and I can't fly without you right? He could feel her amusement through the link between them.

Hmm... I'm rather sure that you can fly since the Eldunari are helping you now. But still... I wouldn't be happy if you fell in the sea without even confessing your feelings once more to Arya. Eragon blushed deeply.

Whatever you say, my dragon. He replied. And a bit reluctantly, he cut is bonds with her.

'Roran!' Eragon called, entering Roran and Kartina's pavilion. He walked out, embracing Eragon.

'Hello, Eragon.' Katrina said softly.

'Aa?' Ismira, who was in Katrina's arms, smiled up at him.

'Hello to you too, Ismira.' Eragon smiled and touched her lightly on the head.

'I believe that Saphira is not here?' Eragon nodded.

'I told her to rest and get ready to fly with Murtagh.' At his half brother's name, Roran's gaze darkened slightly. Eragon realized that and glared lightly. Roran laughed and patted him apologetically. 'Okay. I'll be a good boy.' They all broke into laughter.

'Will you stay for dinner?' Katrina asked, cuddling Ismira.

'Well, sorry, but no. I've come here to talk to Roran. Speaking of which, will you take a walk with me?' Looking at him curiously, Roran turned to kiss Katrina on her lips lightly and walked towards Eragon. Eragon couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous at their relationship. Thank god Saphira's not here. He thought privately.

'Please return my husband for dinner Eragon!' Katrina called behind. 'Of course.' They walked past the pavilions and the men who had quite happy faces. But between them, Eragon saw a few unhappy or sorrowful faces. Those were the faces of the prisoners and the captured soldiers of the Empire. Seeing those grieving people, Eragon's mind weighed down heavily.

'I killed their brothers and sons, didn't I?' Roran seemed shocked for a second but quickly regained his composure.

'No! You did not!' He just stared far away. 'They say that I am a hero of Alagaesia. But no... I'm not. I led them to battle. I killed innocents. And I...' Roran stopped him.

'You. Did. Not. Kill. Them.' Eragon was ready to snap back. However, he saw the look in his eye and ceased. Plus, it would not help soften the blow that his next words would carry. '...Fine.' Roran let go, beaming.

'Good.' Eragon sighed lightly. 'Roran, will you swear that you will not tell this to anyone until I let you?' Roran looked a little taken aback, but nodded. He took a deep breath.

'I'm leaving Alagaesia.' Roran froze.

'Y... you're kidding right?' Eragon smiled sadly.

'Unfortunately, no. I'm not kidding. We plan to leave tomorrow afternoon, before the storm comes.' He looked at Eragon quietly.

'Let me hear the reason why you are leaving your homeland. For good.' Eragon stared.

'I never said for good! I...' Roran cut him off. 'You're immortal. Immortal, Eragon. If you leave... you won't come back for us.' Eragon's eyes pricked with slight tears.

'Roran... I have to train the Riders and protect the Eldunari. It's my responsibility...' Roran didn't let him finish.

'Eragon...' He hugged his cousin tightly. He knew that Eragon would not stay here once he made his mind. They broke the embrace. 'Now, why don't you go meet the elf woman of yours?' Roran joked, despite the small twinkle in his eye. Laughing, Eragon bid goodbye to Roran and walked towards the tents again.

Arya? Eragon carefully brushed against her mind. The strange music echoed in his mind. Instantly, sharp knives and needle-like-attacks stabbed his mind shield. Quickly dodging the attacks, he tried to show that he meant no harm. It's me! Eragon! Eka ai fricai un Shurtugal! The words he spoke the first time he met Arya. As he shouted in the ancient language, the attack ceased.

Eragon? She asked uncertainly.

Yes. He answered. I wish to visit you, Arya Svit-kona. May I ask where you are? She hesitated but showed him the picture of her place. It was a rather isolated cliff in the edge of the Varden's camp. Is Firnen with you? Her mind was clouded with grief and pain as she answered.

No. He has gone to hunt. Eragon carefully asked her.

...May I visit you? A second of silence.

...Yes. As you wish. Then she pulled up the barriers, pushing Eragon out. He realized that she was sharper and less friendlier than usual. He hoped that didn't cause her to e more withdrawn anymore. He had barely made her open to him and... Lost in his thoughts, Eragon made way to Arya's place.

He walked in a slow pace. Far away, he could see Arya's dark raven hair and pale skin. Her usual leather clothes were not the normal deep brown. They were a glinting black. Still mourning... Eragon thought. 'Atra esterni ono thelduin, Arya.' She didn't turn back. 'Morranr lifa unin hjarta onr, Eragon.' He calmly finished the greeting.

'Un du evarinya ono varda.' Eragon looked at her surprisingly lonely form. 'May I sit down?' She just nodded. He sat down without talking. '...Arya.' She turned and looked at him with her deep but bright green eyes.

'I know you are grieving. However, I have to tell you something. I'm leaving Alageasia.' Her composure didn't change. But Eragon had traveled and fought with her long enough to see the shock in her eyes.

'...Why?' She managed out.

'We need a place to protect the Eldunari. And we'll have to train the Riders. The need of safety that only distance can provide is great.' She said nothing. He turned to leave.

'Wait. Eragon, what will I do?' For a second, he saw the fear, the uncertainty and sorrow for her lost parents in those emerald green eyes. Realizing that she had showed her weaknesses, those feelings vanished after a second.

'Arya... you will go to Ellesmera and be new queen. And you will work together with the new ruler of the Empire and rebuild the elves.' Eragon's answer seemed to unsettle her a bit while calming her down at the same time. 'Arya.' His warm brown eyes focused on her. 'What will become of us?' She recoiled slightly. '...Come find me after the coronation. We shall talk.' Eragon wasn't disappointed. He expected it.

'May stars light your path, Arya.' He left with a lighter heart.

Saphira! Her mind wrapped around his and he could feel her joy. Will you come get me? He sent her an image of his place.

In a second. A few seconds later, he heard a flapping of wings and a strong sense of appreciation from Saphira. He ran and jumped off the one side of the cliff. She flew by and Eragon landed perfectly on his saddle.

To Murtagh? She hummed softly.

Of course. She flew high into the air and through the clouds.

There! Far away, he saw a ruby red figure flying. That's Thorn. They flew closely. Murtagh. Eragon called gently.

Eragon. An answer came.

Straight to the point would be better, for night is coming. Saphira recommended.

Agreed. Now, Saphira and Thorn were flying side by side, communicating softly. Once high up in the air, it was rather quiet, away from the people and away from all the noise.

'Murtagh, I...' Eragon started. Looking into his hard grey eyes, he felt a little chided, for he was a few years younger than him. And he had to take head Rider. '...I'm leaving Alagaesia after the coronation.' His eyes betrayed nothing but he could feel Thorn's shift through his link with Saphira.

'And why is that?' Eragon allowed a small smile.

'Quite obvious. To protect the Eldunari from abusive magicians like Galbatorix and train the new generation of Riders. Arya asked the same, though.' At her mention, he couldn't help but get a little gloomy. Noticing this, Murtagh chuckled slightly. Thorn made a rumbling laugh after his Rider.

'Not so funny.' Eragon grumbled.

Actually, it is. Saphira said to everyone. The brothers and their dragons laughed in the sky. Sobering up, Murtagh told him.

'Good luck.' Eragon smirked.

'Well, good luck with Nasuada too.' His eyes darkened slightly.

'She is not the match for me.' He said tensely. 'Why not?' Eragon asked.

'She is mortal. I'm not.' Eragon understood. 'Murtagh.' He called softly.

'Yes?' Eragon laughed bitterly.

'Keep in touch with the others. Isolation is not good for people. I learnt it.' Murtagh seemed to hesitate for a while.

'...What about you?' The younger Rider froze. 'What about me?' He stared at him.

'You'll be alone.' He tensed.

'I'd have a few elves with me.' He shook his head.

'Do you call them friends yet?' Eragon's eyes drifted away. '...No. Allies maybe. But... no.' The red Rider sighed.

'Thought so.' Eragon looked at his brother. 'Concerned for your younger brother?' Despite the teasing tone, his eye glistened with unshed tears.

'Eragon...' Eragon smiled with sad eyes.

'I'll be fine.' Murtagh nodded, feeling his eyes burn slightly.

'I'll visit as much as I can.' Eragon nodded. '...I can come with you.' Murtagh's words surprised him a bit.

'No. you stay and look after them. Nasuada, Roran, Orik maybe. And Arya...' He trailed off.

'I will.' He promised.

'One day left.' His brother agreed.

'One day until the new king will rise.' The dragons had already landed in front of Eragon's pavillion.

'One day until my departure from this land... forever.' Murtagh jumped off Thorn who was in deep conversation with Saphira.

'...Brother.' He said. Eragon smiled through hidden tears.

'Brother.' And they clasped each other on the arm.

'I'll see you tomorrow.' The younger smiled. 'Tomorrow.' Murtagh looked at him with his deep grey eyes.

'Goodbye.' And he left, swinging himself onto Thorn. Saphira and Eragon looked at the dark figures flying away in the deep black sky, dotted with brilliant stars. They entered the tent together. Sitting on the bed he showed his feelings to his partner.

We're leaving. Saphira's sad voice echoed in his mind.

For real. Eragon answered.

Sleep, little one. We will have to be at the meeting tomorrow. Eragon thought of the tiring meetings between Orrin and Nasuada.

Poor Nasuada. He thought. She will have to talk to Orrin for ages. And even after, she might not get the throne. Saphira hummed lightly.

Maybe. But Orik and the elves will support her too. And so will the war hero, Roran. He sighed heavily.

I hate this. Suddenly, his forced calm facade broke. I can't do this! I... I can't leave Alagaesia! It's... it's my homeland! I've never left! Everyone I care, everyone I love is here. Roran and Katrina. I'll never see their child grow. Nasuada and Orik. Will they be a good leader? Murtagh, I want to be with my brother. We've finally understood each other, after all those years. His my family... And now... Arya. Arya, queen of the elves. And Firnen. They... oh, Saphira, what will I do... how can I leave... how... why... I never chose this! I never chose to be a Rider! I never wanted to do this! He breathed heavily for a second, gripping his blade tightly until his knuckles turned white. I never chose this. He continued after calming down a bit. I never wanted to kill thousands of people. I never wished to do what was thought impossible, a madman's task. Furthermore, I never asked to leave all the people I love and all the people I care for. At the breaking of her Rider, Saphira hummed sorrowfully.

I'm sorry, Eragon. Sorry that we had to bear the weight of this. Sorry that it was us who are the Leader of the Riders. Quiet tears fell from Eragon's sad brown eyes.

Sleep and rest, Saphira. We have long way to go. Her beautiful sapphire blue eyes met his. Tomorrow. She said. Eragon couldn't help it. There is no tomorrow for us. Only loneliness and eternity. Even the blue scales of Saphira seemed to glow sadly. Eragon buried his face in his hands. He was only 19. Young in both Elven and human standards. And already, he had no tomorrow, no future. He went to sleep, waiting for a future, for a tomorrow that did not exist in his life.

'Eragon... Eragon...!'

Eragon was standing in a black cave. Darkness wrapped around him. The wind chilled his arms and somehow, he was missing Saphira. A voice was whispering to him in a deadly voice.

'It's time... time for you to see us... find the truth...' What truth? He wanted to yell back. But his lips were stuck together. None of his body was in control.

'We are here... always here...' What did it mean? Eragon's lips finally moved and he mouthed a spell. It never came out. The ancient language died on his lips.

'When we find you... a hundred years will repeat itself...!' Eragon shook his head. He wasn't even a hundred years old. Suddenly, a swirl of magic, pure, struck him. Purer than the Name of Names. But it was dark. He screamed as it turned and twisted around him. He screamed out until only darkness was left. A man walked out wielding the pure magic.

'Hello...' He whispered. It was him. He was the voice. The hood on his head kept him from seeing the man's face. He walked closer to him and a choking amount of power pushed him down.

'You will see...' He cried out as hundreds and thousands of voices screamed in his mind. Those terrible voices drowned away his own mind. When those deadly chorus of screams were about to take control, someone struck him hard.

'Eragon! Eragon! Wake up, blockhead!' He woke from his dream. He gasped deeply.

'A... Angela? Oh god, what happened?' Angela the herbalist frowned.

'Don't you ever get it, blockhead?'

You were screaming in your sleep. Saphira explained instead. I tried to wake you up. But you just kept screaming. I couldn't get you to wake up, so I got Angela. He nodded and winced as his head hurt.

Headache? Solembum said snidely. He was too tired to even answer.

Are you okay? Saphira asked worriedly.

'Yes, I'm fine.' Angela looked at him quizzically. 'Nightmares?' He nodded carefully. He was still sweating and trembling slightly.

'Hmm. Sorry I can't help you. By the way, aren't you going to the meeting?' He sighed heavily. 'Yes. I am going. Thanks Angela. You too Solembum.' They grinned and walked back to their tents. Angela swept past him and muttered quietly.

'I would be waiting after the meeting.' Eragon smiled slightly. If it was some random person, they'd have thought she was talking to herself, but no. She had told him to visit her after the sovereign was announced. He would gladly talk to the witch. As he turned to wash and wipe the remains of his night terror from his face, Solembum leapt onto the tree beside him. Do not ignore dreams Eragon. Even nightmares have a meaning. He turned in askance, but he was gone. Sighing, he washed and strapped Brisingr on his belt.

'Let's go, Saphira.' He spoke out loud, not trusting himself to be able to speak clearly with the remains of his nightmare and headache. She still looked at him with concern but didn't fret. Instead, she flew high into the air and towards Nasuada's royal red tent.

'Welcome, Shadeslayer.' Nasuadea wore a dark violet dress, matching Elva's eyes. The girl stood behind her. The dragon mark in her forehead gleamed brightly.

'Good to see you. Brother.' Orik was standing on the left of Nasuada. Orrin just nodded on the right of the woman. Arya was in the corner, leaning lightly on the tent. She seemed to have gotten over her mother's death in some part last night. Her eyes had regained some of it's twinkle. She gently brushed his mind and he opened it warily.

Shadeslayer. Firnen is outside. Please tell Saphira to join her. He wishes to hunt with her. Eragon winced as her words caused his head to ache. He wished that Arya haven't caught it. However, she saw that and frowned. The elf stepped out of the shadows and studied him. And she turned abruptly.

'While we wait for Roran Stronghammer, Grimmr Halfpaw and Nar Garzhvog, I have some... things to attend to.' She excused herself and walked out. On her way, she contacted him.

Follow me. He flinched as her voice brought up his nightmare again. She looked at him with guarded eyes and exited the tent. He bowed slightly, making sure he only did it to Nasuada and Orik, and followed Arya out. 'What did you want to talk about?' Eragon asked as they were out. She just studied him with her blank mask. She sighed and dropped her gaze.

'Are you alright?' She asked him casually in the ancient language.

'Of course.' He answered, changing into English and hoping that she didn't notice. She did.

'Say that in the ancient language.' She ordered with narrowed eyes.

'I... am... okay.' He finished carefully. The ancient language did not let him lie. Technically, he was not injured or hurt so 'okay' seemed to be allowed by the ancient language. She looked at him expressionlessly.

'You don't look good. Actually, you look like hell. And, you cringed when I touched your mind. You hardly lost to me in a mental duel to me, Eragon!' She was glaring now. He sighed.

'I have a headache.' Arya looked pointedly at him. Behind her, he could see Roran walk into the tent. 'And why is that?' He shrugged uncomfortably.

'Nothing.' The elf woman stared. He was better at hiding his feelings now but elves were way better at reading them.

'Didn't sleep last night?' He grimaced.

'A lot more than just not sleeping, in fact.' Now, it was her turn to grimace.

'Nightmares.' She said, more of a statement than a question.

'Yes, nightmares.' He admitted. 'Share them with me, will you?' He tensed and shook his head.

'No. They're mine to remember. I won't be comfortable showing you this and paining you.' She glared.

'If you don't, I'll prod your mind until you tell me. Which won't be good for your headache.' She crossed her arms. He took a deep breath. 'You won't like it.' He opened up his mind to hers.

Arya's surroundings changed and she was watching in Eragon's eyes.

'Eragon... Eragon...!'

Eragon was standing in a black cave. Darkness wrapped around him. The wind chilled his arms and somehow, he was missing Saphira. A voice was whispering to him in a deadly voice.

'It's time... time for you to see us... find the truth...' What truth? He wanted to yell back. But his lips were stuck together. None of his body was in control.

'We are here... always here...' What did it mean? Eragon's lips finally moved and he mouthed a spell. It never came out. The ancient language died on his lips.

'When we find you... a hundred years will repeat itself...!' Eragon shook his head. He wasn't even a hundred years old. Suddenly, a swirl of magic, pure, struck him. Purer than the Name of Names. But it was dark. He screamed as it turned and twisted around him. He screamed out until only darkness was left. A man walked out wielding the pure magic.

'Hello...' He whispered. It was him. He was the voice. The hood on his head kept him from seeing the man's face. He walked closer to him and a choking amount of power pushed him down.

'You will see...' He cried out as hundreds and thousands of voices screamed in his mind. Those terrible voices drowned away his own mind. When those deadly chorus of screams were about to take control, someone struck him hard.

The dream ended. Eragon realized that, she was frozen and tense. He sighed.

'Told you you would not like it.' She looked at him with intense green eyes.

'You don't want to leave.' He froze.

'N...' He quickly changed into English again. '...No. It's my choice. I know I have to. As the leader of the Riders.' She opened her mouth to tell him something when they both noticed Nar Garzhvog and Grimmr Halfpaw enter the tent in his human form.

'We better go now.' Eragon hurried in, happy to escape the subject. Arya frowned but followed him into the tent.

'We're all here.' Arya announced as she walked in.

'Shall we start?' Nasuada said. She eyed Eragon. He sighed silently and brushed her mind.

Have something to tell me? She hesitated. Eragon... Are you alright? He stared at her.

Why do you think I'm not? She shrugged mentally.

You have bags under your eyes. And you don't look good. Not at all. You have any problems? He sighed heavily.

Seriously Nasuada, I'm okay. Really! She still eyed him suspiciously, but nodded. Nasuada spoke.

'We are here to choose the new leader of the Empire.' Orrin spoke up.

'This is the matter of humans. Of the Varden and Surda. Not the elves or the dwarves. So, we ask you to not interfere.' Arya and Orik frowned but nodded. Roran murmured 'Aye'. Nar Garzhbog and Grimmr Halfpaw stood back.

'The Urgals have no problem with the new leader as long as he or she isn't like the Black king.' Grimmer Halfpaw purred. Eragon didn't know how he did that in his human form but didn't think about it. Werecats were hard to understand.

'We don't care either, if you keep a small padded cushion near the throne to honor the werecats.' Nasuada and Orrin nodded. The elf who came with Arya, Nari, stood.

'We agree that it is a matter of humans. However, if the humans choose a king we do not think is suited, it may cause us to move.' Orrin narrowed his eyes.

'Does that mean that you will make us put up a king you want?' Nari bristled but Orik quickly stood.

'We will not interfere. But however, we still wish that you will choose a ruler who will not be like the previous one.' Nasuada agreed.

'We shall choose wisely, king Orik.' They all relaxed and Nari carefully spoke again. 'We think that the most obvious and fine choice is the one who actually killed the king. Eragon.' Eragon, who was watching with an impassive expression, raised an eyebrow.

'Excuse me?' Nari explained calmly.

'You killed the king. You have the most support of the people. You will make a good king too.' Eragon stood upright.

'No.' Everyone stared incredulously at him.

'What?' Nari stared.

'No. I will not make a good king. And I have no wish to rule.' He did not plan to tell that he was leaving yet. The elf seemed shocked. But she nodded.

'The next is Roran. The war hero.' Orik spoke.

'No again.' Roran said. 'All I want is to return to my home with my family.' Nasuada smiled slightly.

'As you wish, Roran. I can make you Lord of Cavahall, if you want.' He smiled tightly.

'My pleasure, My lady.' Nasuada turned to face Orrin.

'Speaking of which, I would like to claim for the throne.' He turned red.

'You selfish bitch! The things we've done for the Varden and you! You claim the throne!' Nasuada stayed calm.

'Yes I do. But Orrin, why do you want the throne? You have Surda and all the things you need to recover.' He snorted.

'Yeah, yeah. You'd say that.' She frowned.

'What about this, I give you Feinster and Aroughs. And in return, you will swear fealty to us. Surda will be an independent country.' He made a face.

'Yes, yes. The mighty Nasuada speaks.' While they spoke, Eragon and the others looked at them with amusement and impassiveness, in Eragon or Arya's case.

'Fine.' Orrin spoke after a few minutes of silence. 'But, you give us Belatona.' She shook her head.

'No. Belatona is to big. We already gave you two port cities. Instead, we can give you Melian.' He glared.

'Fine.' Arya stepped up.

'All settled?' Nasuada nodded.

'Yes.' Eragon stood.

'So... long live the queen, queen Nasuada.' Cheers erupted and even Grimmer Halfpaw seemed satisfied. He saw Nasuada as a reasonable person. Between the cheers and calls, Arya motioned to Eragon.

'Let's walk.' They exited the cheering tent nd silently stepped out. Only Nasuada noticed them but said nothing.

'Leaving now is crazy!' She told him with barely repressed anger as soon as they were out of earshot.

'I told you yesterday. I thought you agreed then.' His eyes and posture was impassive. He'd learned to hide his emotions. She blushed slightly.

'I was grieving then. But Nasuada is queen. Alagaesia will prosper. And you can stay.' His gaze was sad.

'Arya...' Arya looked into Eragon's eyes.

'Do you wish to leave?' He stopped dead in his tracks.

'Yes. I do.' She frowned upon him.

'No, you don't. But still...' She could feel Eragons hatred of having to go. Having to leave Nasuada, having to leave Roran and Roran's daughter, Ismira. Having to leave Orik. And leaving Murtagh who he finally understood. There was one more meaning beneath his eye that Arya did not want to admit or acknowledge. '...It's your choice.' She finished sadly. 'Who will accompany you?' He looked away.

'Nari. Vanir. Blodhgarm. Some others.' She looked into his warm brown eyes. 'And who do you call friends among them?' He lowered his eyes, breaking eye contact. '...Not yet. Blodhgarm and Vanir maybe. After some time.' She held his hands.

'You asked me what will become of us.' His still young face held no hope, no doubt. '...I'm sorry. I cannot live for thousands of years, loving someone who will never come back. I'm sorry.' His eyes were soft and understanding. No hurt in it.

'I understand. We leave this evening. We will... expect you. I... have to go see Angela. Excuse myself.' He turned and walked away. His face blank as if calling Saphira. A few seconds later, a flapping of wings and a blue dragon snatched Eragon gently, flying away. Arya watched them, wondering if she made the right choice.

Saphira? Eragon clutched the warm neck of Saphira. Arya's sad eyes and her posture when he told her that he was leaving. Her brilliant green eyes upset but confident. He was not sad. He expected it.

Little one? Her voice tinted with worry filled his mind.

...Nothing. It was not a lie.

Does your head still hurt? She asked him gently.

No. He answered, distracted from the conversation.

Good. Forget about the dream. It's just a dream. He was too into his thoughts to answer. Eragon. Still no answer. Eragon! His thoughts snapped.

Oh, sorry. Ah, we're here! They could see Nasuada's private tent. Will you get Angela? I'd like to talk to both of them. She snorted and flew away. Eragon walked into the tent, glancing at the Nighthawks.

'Eragon. I was expecting you.' Nasuada's voice was heard from the inside.

'My queen.' He knelt. She shook her head. 'Don't do that.' He smiled as he stood up.

'I have asked for Angela. Please wait for her, will you?' He looked around and sighed. 'And please send Elva out.' She made a face. 'Well...' That's when Angela barged in.

'Oh, hi Eragon. You see, I'm not someone you can call and send away with your dragon. And hello to you too, my majesty.' She smiled and motioned Angela to sit. Then, she continued. 'She's not here. She left a few hours ago.' He's face darkened.

'She's not supposed to leave you alone for that long.' She waved it away.

'It's nothing. There are Nighthawks and many others. Also, you'll be nearby.' The second she said that, Eragon's face turned pained. 'Eragon?' She asked carefully.

'I... I'm not staying here Nasuada.' She stopped keeping her calm mask.

'WHAT!' He tensed.

'I'm so sorry, Nasuada. But...' She stopped him.

'I'm sure you have your reasons.' She looked into his eyes reflecting hers.

'Humph.' Angela snorted.

'Yes, Angela?' Eragon turned to look at her.

'I knew that though.' He just grinned.

'Of course.' He didn't have to know why. She just knew. Not wishing to give himself a headache, Eragon didn't try to understand the strange witch. He looked outside. It was getting dark. 'It's time to go.' He said a little sadly. Angela and Nasuada stood up.

'Let us send you off.' They walked out. 'Where are you going?' Nasuada asked.

'I do not know. We will head east. Murtagh and Arya might accompany us a bit. The elves will follow in a ship. They will follow the magical trail we leave behind a day after our leaving.' Her eyes were rimmed with concern.

Saphira! He called mentally. She arrived with a whirlwind. Lady Nightstalker. She acknowledge her.

'Saphira Brightscales.'

We are ready to go, Eragon. Her words made Eragon sigh lightly.

'It's time we go.' He mounted Saphira.

'Wait!' He turned and saw Roran and Katrina running with Ismira in her arms. 'Eragon...' Talk wasn't needed. They hugged each other tightly. Tears were filling Eragons eyes and Roran and Kartina were crying freely. 'Farewell, brother.' Eragon kissed Ismira lightly. 'Farewell.' A bit behind, Nasuada was watching with her eyes crying.

'Oh, Eragon. How can I rule without you?' He embraced her warmly.

'Goodbye, Nasuada. You will always be Nasuada to me.' Angela stepped forward.

'Goodby, Eragon.' She whispered in his ear. 'Don't be surprised to see us wherever you go. Farewell.' He mounted her. Murtagh and Arya were circling above them.

'Please give this to Orik.' He handed a short farewell letter to Nasuada. 'Say goodbye to Elva for me.' He contacted Arya.

Come with me... Her response was automatic. I cannot. I am a queen. I have a duty. As queen of the elves. Eragon continued.

Come with me until we cannot see land. It will not be long. Murtagh will also come with us. She hesitated. For the last time, Arya. She made her mind.

Yes, Eragon. And Saphira flew into the air, joining the other red and green dragon.

They flew in silence for a few hours. Then they reached a small island.

'You can return now.' He said.

Thank you for accompanying us. She hummed. Murtagh seemed to be a little nervous.

'Goodbye... brother.' Eragon's eyes filled up with sad tears.

'Protect Nasuada and look after Roran's family please. And... will you come and train with us? You'll be a good teacher.' Murtagh smiled.

'Of course.' Thorn hummed deeply.

We shall visit, Eragon-elda and Saphira-elda. He was a little taken aback by the honorific word, but smiled warmly.

I will look forward to it. Murtagh and Thorn flew away slowly. He looked back and for a second, hard grey and warm brown met. And Eragon thought that he saw tears in those grey eyes. He wiped his own eyes on his sleeves and looked at Arya.

'Goodbye, queen Arya.' Her eyes filled with sorrow and tears.

'Farewell, Shadeslayer.'

Stay safe, Saphira and Eragon. The deep musical voice of Firenen echoed in Eragon and Saphira's mind.

Thank you, Firnen. And they left. Her eyes looked back. Those beautiful green eyes were sad. Eragon looked away. As they could see them no more, tears finnally fell from Eragon's eyes.

We are alone. He whispered to Saphira.

She stayed for duty. He stayed for love. And we... Eragon felt hollow. We left for the future. Saphira finished.

No. Eragon said slowly.

What do you mean? His eyes dried up and in it's place, an empty feeling stayed.

We didn't leave for our future. She shuffled uneasily.

Little one... He didn't stop.

We left for the other's future. Not ours. Never ours. And without another look at the lands of Alagaesia he had left behind, he rode Saphira and flew away, into the lands nobody knew of.

Edited it. Wait for an update. Coming soon.