Thanks for all the reviews and special thanks to Eragon Bromsson who reviewed so much.

Disclaimer; Christopher Paolini owns all the characters, etc…

Chapter Fourteen

Eragon ignored her question and with Murtagh over his shoulder he trod out of Tialdari Hall. He climbed on Saphira rather slowly as he had extra weight to carry.

Where are we going?

Saphira asked, once they were in the air.

I don't know yet. Fly lower and I'll tell you where to stop.

Eragon said, he held tightly onto Murtagh. Saphira did not fly long for Eragon found a clearing not far from Ellesmera.

I know Murtagh wasn't an elf but this isn't exactly in Ellesmera so I think it would be fine.

I agree.

Saphira said.

Eragon laid Murtagh in an abandoned cave. Saphira then blew ice over the cave to preserve it. Eragon said his final goodbyes and then climbed onto Saphira once more. Eragon tried to distract himself by conversing with Saphira.

Queen Islanzadi gave me a map of Allea, today.

Eragon told Saphira.

I see. But Era-

I know, Saphira. You shall not leave Beroan nor do I expect you to. True love comes ever so rarely and once you have it you need to hold to it.

Eragon and Saphira returned to Ellesmera quickly. Saphira and Eragon decided to spend the day together. Saphira apologized for leaving Eragon ever so often to be with Beroan. Eragon said he didn't mind and that he understood. They flew around Ellesmera and explored and enjoyed their freedom. Night fell and Eragon started to study the map of Allea. From what he could gather it was quite a distance from Alagaesia. It seemed impossible to get to on dragon back. Eragon pondered more over this when he heard a knock at his door.

"Enter." he said, still examining the map.

He looked up just in time to see Arya enter. He was vaguely surprised to see her, but he thought she had come to relay a message from the Queen.

"Arya, has the queen sent me a message?" Eragon asked.

"No. I came to see how you were doing." Arya said.

"I am well enough," Eragon said, "Thank you for coming anyway."

"What are you looking over so ardently?" Arya asked as she came closer to see the map.

Eragon felt his heart lurch and his hands grew tense for Arya's face was inches away from his.

This is not a good idea.

Eragon thought as he abruptly stood up and went to stand away from the table.

"Is something wrong?" Arya asked, looking from the map to Eragon.

"Um…no." Eragon stuttered.

Why does she always have this affect on me?

"I just need to get some air." Eragon said and went to the balcony.

Arya came to Eragon's side.

"I can see when something is bothering you, Eragon." Arya murmured.

She was so close; too close, Eragon thought to himself. Her emerald eyes bore into Eragon's. Her gaze held him in place.

"Arya, I don't think-"

She gave him no time to respond. Her lips came to his; gently before she pulled back.

"What-" Eragon couldn't get the words out, he stared at her; dazed.

"I have been meaning to tell you for a while," Arya said, "Whenever I tried, though, something always came up."

Eragon recalled a few times when Arya had been about to tell him but never got the chance to finish.

"Do you really love me or are you feeling this strongly because of Beroan's feelings for Saphira." Eragon asked, he wished he could believe her.

"I understand your concern but I do love you, Eragon. My feelings for you run deeper than simple friendship."

"What about-"

She placed a finger on his lip and said softly;

"Cast aside your worries this night." was what she said.

He was about to protest again but her lips silenced him. This time their kiss lasted longer; deeper and much more passionate. They didn't hold back and they both pulled at the same time to breath. He felt as though he drifted into a dream; a pleasant dream and was afraid he was going to wake up.

"What is wrong?" Arya asked, "You do not look pleased."

Eragon changed his frown into a smile, "It's just not believable."

"What's not?"

"This. Happening right here and now," Eragon said, "It feels like a dream; one that I do not want to wake up from."

"It's not. Forget your concerns this night and rest well." Arya said.

Eragon watched her leave and afterwards he gazed at the stars in the sky. This had indeed been a magical night, Eragon thought to himself. Eragon lay on his cot as soon as the wind started to send a chill through his body. That night Eragon could not get through to Saphira thus he decided he would tell her the news tomorrow that was if she didn't already know. Lying on the cot Eragon thought of Arya; she was like his lullaby that night as he fell asleep still thinking of her. Even in his dreams she appeared…

Eragon's POV

The next morning Eragon arose late in the afternoon. He remained on the cot under the bedcovers, he thought of the previous night.

Do I even need to ask what happened last night?

Saphira said.

I assume Beroan told you?

Eragon said.

Yes, he did. He didn't want to though, but I forced him to. We were worried about you.

How long was I asleep?

Eragon wanted to know.

Hours. We weren't sure if we should wake you and you have a visitor.

I do? Who?

He's on his way up right now.

Eragon scrambled out from under the bedcovers and pulled a tunic over his neck. At this exact moment Roran entered.

"Eragon," he said and gave Eragon a hug.

"Roran, what are you doing here?"

"So much for formal greetings. I've come for a visit that was long overdue. The elves said you were sleeping like the dead. They were worried."

"I slept well; actually better than I have ever before. You should stay for a few days, I'm sure the elves won't mind."

"I don't know, Eragon. I hate leaving Katrina and Garrow alone."

"They're safe with the Varden." Eragon said, in an assuring voice.

"I suppose so. I heard the festivities are tonight so I might be able to stay." Roran said.

"Would you like me to show you more of Ellesmera?" Eragon offered.

"Certainly. As long as we don't get lost." Roran said.

Eragon wasn't sure if he was serious or joking. Eragon gave Roran a quick tour of Ellesmera and showed him hidden places Arya had once shown him.

"How goes things with Arya?" Roran asked when Eragon mentioned her name.

"She is well." Eragon said.

"You know what I meant. Have you made any progress?"

Eragon decided it was best to tell Roran the truth which he partly enjoyed doing as he was eager to share the news with somebody.

"I knew she'd come through; eventually." Roran said, "So what's next?"

"What do you mean?"

"For you and Arya?" Roran asked, impatiently.

"We haven't really discussed it. I do feel that I want to leave Alagaesia."

Roran and Eragon had stopped outside Eragon's quarters.

"Why?" Roran wanted to know.

"Well, before I killed Galbotorix, his last words were a curse. I feel as though as long as I stay in Alagaesia I shall be cursed. I mean look at what happened with me. I got poisoned and when I wake up I find out the elf I thought I loved it. Not to mention Murtagh whom I had to kill."

Roran frowned.

"I will miss you, sorely, cousin. If this is the last time I see you I want to fill it with as many jolly memories as I can."

Eragon grinned.

"What does Arya's mother say of your love for each other?" Roran asked.

The grin disappeared immediately.

"She does not know," Eragon said, growing tense, "At I don't think she knows. As I said before, Arya and I didn't discuss much."

"Well, I think it is important that you do. That is if you are really serious about each other. Go and talk to her. Do it now." Roran instructed.

He had truly grown into a great leader, Eragon thought. Eragon did as Roran had advised and went to Tialdari Hall to find Arya. She was busy reading a piece of parchment when he entered her room.

"Eragon, this is a surprise." she said.

Not a good sign.

Eragon thought, gloomily. He started to think maybe last night had been a dream or worse he had imagined it all.

"I thought we might discuss matters." Eragon said, trying to sound calm and collected.

"I thought as much."

"Arya," he said, "Look if you think last night was a mistake then just say it. I won't hold any grudges."

Arya looked at him with a bemused expression.

"Eragon," she said, walking towards him, "What are you talking about? The night before was one of the best I've had in a long time. I only thought you would spend the day with your cousin."

Relief rushed through Eragon. It hadn't been a dream after all, he thought.

"I have shown Roran most of Ellesmera. I wanted to know if your mother knew about, us?" Eragon said.

Arya walked to her windowsill, she looked morose now.

"She found out. Megiltura told her."

"I take it she doesn't approve." Eragon guessed.

"She's ready to disown me." Arya said, still staring out the window.

"This can't happen then. You can't give up everything, for me." Eragon said, cursing the queen in his mind.

Arya turned away from the window.

"I have no desire to rule. I refuse." Arya said, determinedly.

"But what would you do. We would be exiled. I have always desired to go to Allea…"

"Then let's go then," Arya suggested, "Beroan and Saphira will go with as long as they're together, which they will be."

Eragon wanted this as badly as Arya but he still felt guilty.

"Arya," he said, joining her by the windowsill, "I would never be able to forgive myself if you and your mother parted on such bad terms."

"It is my decision, but if you insist I shall talk to her about it tonight. When do we leave?"

"Any time would be fine. Nothing holds me to Alagaesia any more."

"What about, tonight?"

Eragon frowned.

"So soon."

"It's the perfect time. Your cousin is here to wish you well on your travels."

"How shall we even get to Allea? We cannot get there by dragon back." Eragon said.

"My mother has a boat that can travel by magical means. We cannot go alone though. The ancient elves that have once travelled there before will have to guide us. Going off course and getting lost would be a fatal mistake."

"Then shall you speak to your mother now. And tell me what she says at the feast for it is nearly time for the feast to begin in any case."

Eragon kissed Arya tenderly before he left; he had to remind himself this was really happening. Eragon relayed the news of Allea first to Saphira then to Roran.

"Want to get away from me as soon as possible, eh?" Roran joked, although Eragon picked up the sadness in his eyes.

That night Eragon waited patiently under the Menoa tree for Arya. She came; she wore a flowing green dress of Elvin make.

"What did she say?" Eragon asked.

"She's wasn't very pleased but she too does not want to part on bad terms. She's agreed to let us use the boat and has even allowed the elder elves to come with."

Eragon could not have asked for better news. The feast was kept for a few more hours until Queen Islanzadi dismissed the elves except the elder elves. Eragon was pleased when Roran told him he would be accompanying them half-way. While this took place Queen Islanzadi was talking to Arya. Eragon watched the Queen embrace her daughter. He couldn't help the guilt that entered his chest as he saw this happen. The Queen gave Eragon and Arya cowls so as nobody could recognize them. She wasn't sure how the elves would react yet.

The Queen is resolute, she will be fine.

Saphira said, in a comforting tone.

Eragon stroked Saphira head, carefully. She hummed in contentment. Queen Islanzadi left and the elder elves had left as well to get their horses. Eragon took this time to converse with Saphira.

You do think we're doing the right thing, don't you?

Eragon asked her.

I do believe so, yes. Do not fret so much, Eragon. You said yourself Alagaesia has nothing left for us any more.

Eragon agreed with Saphira. Then he spoke to Roran and asked about the Varden. Nasuada's head wound that she had acquired when Murtagh had let her fall to the ground had healed up quite well according to Roran.

"She had head pain for a few days but it stopped eventually." Roran said.

"That's good," Eragon said, "What ever happened to Elva?"

"One can only guess," Roran said, "She was an odd girl. I think she's grown up for she had matured quickly, physically. She lives alone in a small village; I do not know which one though."

The elves returned on horses. Unfortunately they had forgotten about Roran thus he had to share a horse with one of the elders. The elder elves had silver hair and wore green shaded garments. They didn't speak much and their expressions were blank. This reminded of Arya, before. She had changed so much; this brought a small smile to Eragon's mouth. They followed the elves, Eragon and Arya easily kept pace with the horses; for they were younger and more agile. Eragon didn't know how long they were travelling; his only focus was getting to his destination. Saphira and Beroan were flying together, they didn't fly too fast for they didn't know where they were flying to. Eventually the elders brought up the reins of their Elvin horses to make them stop. Eragon realized they were at some sort of harbour. He gasped in realization.

Saphira, I've seen this before.

Eragon said.

How?

In a dream. I've dreamt about it twice. I didn't know it would happen.

Eragon's heart sank as he thought about the dream. Roran was the one out.

"This is where you stop." one of the elder elves said to Roran.

Eragon gave Roran a final embrace.

"Good luck." Roran said, softly so only Eragon could hear.

Eragon felt overcome with emotion as he walked away. The elders were further ahead already. Arya hooked her arm in with Eragon's. At this precise moment Eragon knew that as long as he had Arya he could handle anything. They had both lost so much, but they had survived. They had fought together and know they realized that they fitted together. Eragon thought it was like completing a puzzle. He felt like he had found all the pieces to complete his life. It was with these positive thoughts that Eragon boarded the awaiting ship. They faced the shore and Eragon saw Roran cry out. Though it pained him he knew he couldn't go back now. He had chosen this path; he had fulfilled his destiny. The ship glided through the river, no oars or wind was needed. Eragon looked up at the darkened night sky; the bright moon provided the only source of light and saw Beroan and Saphira flying together; they were happy. Eragon's hand was still intertwined with Arya's. She looked at him and smile; he returned her smile for he too was filled with elation.

That's it for Empire hope you enjoyed the story. I have no idea what I'll write next but it was fun writing this story. Don't forget to review.