Because just as with the name of the last book, tho cover is also ready.
CP has seen it and confirmed to the fans that the book will have a green dragon as cover.

The title hasn't been decided yet. The whole forum would be exploding if it was.

Christopher has said in interviews that he chose the title of Book 4 prior to writing Book 4. The title has been decided but not released.
http://shurtugal.com/2010/09/02/comic-con-interview-with-christopher-paolini-part-3/

Arya will be the rider all the way. She needs a companion. She is so lonely...

I think ya forgot that dragon eggs are harder then diamonds so the chance of it breaking is very unlikely. (no offense)


Arya!! Then Ersgon and her could get together and have some fluff!

Ooops. I read 2 fast. )

Good.

Obviously Arya is skilled in magic, which makes her training shorter, I think the last egg is green, and Arya's eyes and magic are green. Also, if Arya is a rider, then it makes good sense for Arya to become Eragon's spouse. Also, because Arya Has spent more time with humans, and Eragon is part elf, that would even things out.
That is why I think and want Arya to be the next dragon rider. (she is also my favourite elf/human.)
And I know that the egg might not be green, but take a look at this:

Eragon the book: cover is blue, blue dragon hatches and is on cover
Eldest: cover is red, red dragon hatches and is on cover
Brisingr: cover is gold, gold dragon comes out of hiding and dies and is on cover
Book 4: suspicions the cover is green, therefore the other dragon might be green.

See my last post.

Shall we drop all of this and forget it?

I've stated my reasons why I want Arya to be a rider. It is my opinion. End of story.

(no offense)

CP does. The egg is emerald green.


Because CP has said that there are no more dragons than those we know of. And galby has the last egg.


Because she is the one that actually fits in to what CP has said about the next rider. And no elf needs a dragon to live for ever. What is the point with that. CP does not go around and grant humans an immortal life.
Most of the riders where elves.


That someone can't be it simply because he/she don't have all it needs to reach the requirements that CP has said about the next rider.

Aye. It is time another elf is a dragon rider.

I think Eragon is going to find the wiled dragon or something because he is going to need more than the help of one extera dragon.

I think the Arya will be the next rider. Her magic is green (a riders magic is the same as their dragon) and most of the information points towards her to be the next rider, she has been in all the books as well so it would fit.

It's most likly for Arya to be the next rider but I would quite like to see a dwarf rider, Orik maybe, but he doesn't use magicand when he did ride Saphira along with Eragon he didn't enjoy it.

So I think Arya is the next rider.

So the other hundred or so elves before him don't count for anything now? It's between Roran and Arya. Roran because of following Eragon's steps etc. and Arya because of this color argument.

If it's out of them, which I agree with - has to be one of then two, then it's Arya.

They do, but the number of human Riders currently overshadows that of elven Riders, which is zero after Oromis's death.

I don't see Roran being a Rider, especially just because he is following in Eragon's steps, which is clearly not the case when you look at his superhuman achievements as a human. Roran is characterized as a human that can accomplish subhuman feats. He is looked up to by other humans, which would inevitably change if he were made into a Rider. Furthermore, the only reason Roran fights in battle is because he feels the need to protect Katrina. If he were made a Rider, he would live past Katrina. That would undoubtedly sadden him and decrease any commitment he would have to being a Rider.

Well Arya's most likely to be the next rider anyway, because of what has been said earlier. It would be good to see a dawarf rider, like Orik, but it'll never happen... so else might have a chance of being the next rider? Angela?

No and No. Angela isn't that kind of person, she already has her own thing that she likes

I think Nasuada will be the next dragon rider. This is why. I think Paolini used Eragon's argument of it's safer to love Arya than to leave his heart for the taking by a human woman to invalidate his feelings for her. So in Inheritance, Eragon and Nasauda will fall in love with each other and Paolini will make her a dragon rider so he can circumvent having to have Eragon outliving her at the end of the story. I think it's very silly of Paolini to write it this way, but that's how it's going to go down.

Eragon has said that he never will take a mortal woman! Nasuada is mortal, so that rules her out.
And no! She won't be the next rider. Here is why.

What CP has said
1. CP has said that the rider will be "logic inevitability"
2. CP also mentioned that he hopes it will be a surprise.
At the time, the book we know now as Brisingr was supposed to be the final book of the series. Paolini decided to separate that book in two. Before Brisingr came most people didn’t though that it would be Arya. It was Roran. But after Brisingr was released, people have considered Arya much more likely, not just because of the events that took place in the book itself but Paolini's explanations of some of those certain scenes since then.
3. The rider has to have been in all three books so far.
4. CP has said that there is clues in the books about who the next rider is.
And the only thing that can count as clues for any character is the constant referring Arya with the colour Green. (the colour that the egg has)
5. CP has said that book four continues the adventures of Eragon, Saphira and Arya.
He didn’t just said Eragon and Saphira. He also said Arya. Take it for what you want.

Nasuada fails in being logic inevitability since she is way to weak to help as a rider. All humans would be to weak. Her job is to leading Varden. And then they are also at war. We don't have time for a nother Eldest book to train the new rider. And here comes the good part. CP has said that Arya was special traind by Oromis for many years. She is alredy exelent with boths sword and magic. Even better than Eragon in magic. And she has flying experience.

For the ones who want to ignore the fact that nasuada can't be the next rider here is more.

Eragon only loves Arya and his feelings for her has only developed. As for Arya it is obvious that she has feelings for him above just friendship. Take a look at all this.

Brisingr page 203 [English Version]
"I suppose, but, ah, how can I help it? She is the only woman I wish to be with."


Arya looked at him. Eragon met her gaze, and something lurched within him. He flushed without knowing why, feeling a sudden connection with her, a sense that she understood him better than anyone other than Saphira. His reaction confused him, for no one had affected him in that manner before.

Throughout the rest of the day, all Eragon had to do was think back on that moment to make himself smile and set his insides churning with a mixture of odd sensations he could not identify.
---------------------------
"An ache formed in his chest as he listened to the gentle rise and fall of Arya's breathing. It tormented him to be so close and yet be unable to approach her."
---------------------------
"Well, be that as it may, these are reasons you give me, Eragon, and the heart rarely listens to reason. Do you fancy her or not?"
If he fancied her any more, Saphira said to both Eragon and Roran, I'd be trying to kiss Arya myself.
---------------------------
"With a sigh of impatience, she tapped her bodice. "A dress is somewhat breezier than a pair of leggings, Eragon."
---------------------------
You should tend to that before we set forth." She gave him no time to respond but grasped his paralyzed fingers and said, "Waise heill." An involuntary groan escaped him as his fingers popped back into their sockes, and his abraded tendons and crushed cartilage regained the fullness of their proper shapes, and as the flaps of skin hanging from his knuckles again covered the raw flesh below.
"Thank you," he said. It surprised him that she had taken the initiative when he was perfectly capable of healing his own wounds. Arya seemed embarrassed. Looking away, out over the plains, she said, "I am glad you were by my side today, Eragon."
"And you by mine."
She favored him with a quick, uncertain smile. They lingered on the hillock for another minute, neither of them eager to resume their journey.
---------------------------
She gave him a wan smile. "And then you came, Eragon. You and Saphira. After hope had deserted me and I was about to be taken to Galbatorix in Uru'baen, a Rider appeared to rescue me. A Rider and dragon!"
---------------------------
"Reaching out, Eragon placed his right hand over her left. "The stories about the heroes of old never mention that this is the price you pay when you grapple with the monsters of the dark and the monsters of the mind. Keep thinking about the gardens of Tialdari Hall, and I'm sure you will be fine." Arya permitted the contact between them to endure for almost a minute, a time not of heat or passion for Eragon, but rather of quiet companionship.
---------------------------
He cherished her trust more than anything besides his bond with Saphira and he would sooner march into battle than endanger it."
---------------------------
"Satisfied with what he had wrought, he handed the lily to Arya. "It's not a white rose but..." He smiled and shrugged. "You should not have," she said. "But I am glad you did." She caressed the underside of the blossom and lifted it to smell. The lines on her face eased. For several minutes, she admired the lily."
---------------------------
"She spoke to Arya with the same tone of affection that, until then, she had reserved for Eragon, as if she now considered Arua part of their small family and worthy of the same regard and intimacy as they shared."
---------------------------
"Walking over to Saphira, Arya placed a hand on Eragon's left leg and looked up at him with her slanted green eyes. "Accept this from me, Shur'tugal," she said. And he felt a surge of energy flow into him.
"Eka elrun ono," he murmured to her.
Also in the ancient language, she said, "Be careful, Eragon. I would not want to see you broken by Murtagh. I..." It seemed as if she were going to say more, but she hesitated, then removed her hand from his leg and retreated to stand by Blödhgarm."
---------------------------
"You should not abandon your guards so lightly," Arya murmured in Eragon's left ear. She wrapped her sword arm around his waist and held him tightly as Saphira wheeled above the courtyard."
---------------------------
"Better?" he asked as the spell finished its work.
"Better," Arya whispered, and favored him with a weak smile."
---------------------------
"Arya staggered as if she had been hit. "Ah," she said. She gripped the back of the chair so hard, her knuckles turned white. Tears filled her slanted eyes, then spilled over onto her cheeks and coursed down her face. "Eragon." She reached out and grasped his shoulder, and almost by accident, he found himself holding her in his arms."

And for you who says that it won't happend because Arya rejected him two times in Eldest, let me remind you that Eragon was an imature jerk who only lusted after her back then. In my eyes Arya even was to kind to him. And if you think that Eragon has given up on her:

Brisingr page 146 [English version]
"while Eragon refused to accept that his suit was hopeless, he could not think of how to proceed."


And if that isn't enogh here is CP confirming the AxE!

CP: And one of the nice things about their (Roran and Katrina's) relationship is when the series begins and when we first start seeing scenes from Roran's point of view in Eldest, he's already courted Katrina, he's already won Katrina and we don't need to see them going through that. They already have a relationship. Of course when he rescues her then in this book (Brisingr), it's just sort of a confirmation of what they both already knew. So I get to show a kind of different relationship with them then exists between say, Eragon and Arya, who are just sort of dancing around each other.

Moving on.....

We have seen both Eragon and Nasuada POVs. And neither of them has thought anything at all for the other above friendship. We do know that Eragon loves Arya and that they is closer than ever.
We do know that Nasuada is thinking of marry Orrin but only her courage has faild her so far.

And then there is Saphira. Arys is the ONLY one Saphira has accepted into their family.
Their family is Saphira, Eragon and Arya. Just as CP said.

And CP is puting Arya and Eragon on an even footing for a reason.
CP even created a shade and killed it after 5 pages only so they could have the same title.....
And they alredy share a special connection.

Then there is Angelas Prophecy ^^

An epic romance is in your future, extraordinary, as the moon indicates - for that is the magical symbol - strong enough to outlast empires. I cannot say if this passion will end happily, but your love is of noble birth and heritage. She is powerful, wise, and beautiful beyond compare.
When Eragon maid the fairth of Arya in Eldest he mad alomst an exact copy of the prophecy while describing her.

Nasuada is NOT of noble birth and heritage. She is only the leader of a very large group of rebels.

Since Eragon alredy has said that Arya is the most beautiful woman he ever has seen, Nasuada can't take her place in that matter. How can nasuada be beautiful beyond compare when he thinkst that Arya is more beautifull? Epic fail.
And Eragon said that after he met Nasuada. Eragon knows that Nasuada excist but for him Arya is the most beautiful woman ever.

How would NxE be an epic romance?
He knows nothing about her and he knows nothing about him.
Nasuada lives for the Varden and Eragon loves Arya.

Eragon and Arya alredy has a bound/conection he never can have with any other woman. They compleat eacothers. They know eacother better than Nasuada and Eragon can even hope for. Their is nothing epic with NxE. The only feeling there is there is me feeling sick and a need to vomit.

Moving on...
And besides why would CP transform Eragon into an half elf if he wanted Eragon to end up with a weak human? The difference is to big. Eragon would always be pointed out as different due to his look and life stile. CP could just had taken away the scar and find a nother way to make Eragon stronger. But he didn't. He made Eragon an half elf/hybrid. And that was only one of the many things he has been doing to put Arya and Eragon on an even footing. And there is a reason behind it.

Nasuada and Eragons only time together outside the politics, was something that CP never bother to describe. And Eragon comapred his time with Nasuada with his relationship with aunt Marrian.
Some time huh? [sarcasm]


Does any one understnads how ridiculous this sounds?
Eragon will sudenly stop loved Arya after that CP has spent two books on developing their relationship, made them closer than ever, is puting them on an eveing footing, shown that Arya has feeling above friendship and that they have a special conection only so eragon from no where would fall in love with Nasuada based on noting in the middle of book IV even tho Nasuada is mortal and Eragon clearly said that he NEVER would take a mortal woman.
Becuase that is what it is. The most ridiculous chain reaction in the history of the world.

Summarized.
Eragon and Nasuada will NOT happen.
Arya and Erago will on the other hand.

And please do note that every thing said here is pure fact and that there is no intentions to bash on any one. I juts simply stated the facts we are given and my opinion.

CP said that he hoped that it would be a surprise 3 years ago before Brisingr had came.

The whole "logically inevitable" was added after Brisngr.


The green dragon needs 6 months before he can breath fire. But he can fly and fight and fly with Arya way before that. And that is with a normal speed.


What CP has said.

1. CP has said that the rider will be "logic inevitability"
2. CP also mentioned that he hopes it will be a surprise.
At the time, the book we know now as Brisingr was supposed to be the final book of the series. Paolini decided to separate that book in two. Before Brisingr came most people didn’t though that it would be Arya. It was Roran. But after Brisingr was released, people have considered Arya much more likely, not just because of the events that took place in the book itself but Paolini's explanations of some of those certain scenes since then.
3. The rider has to have been in all three books so far.
4. CP has said that there is clues in the books about who the next rider is.
And the only thing that can count as clues for any character is the constant referring Arya with the colour Green. (the colour that the egg has)
5. CP has said that book four continues the adventures of Eragon, Saphira and Arya.
He didn’t just said Eragon and Saphira. He also said Arya. Take it for what you want.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the matter of logic inevitability.

Roran:
1. Roran has his family to live for. That would ruin his life with his family, causing him to outlive his wife (his entire world) and his child. Then his possible grandchildren, etc. Depressing much?
2. Then he could not be King, which is probably the leading theory under Roran - no immortal Rulers.
3. So far, his characterization has been developing his physical strength and leadership skills. No diplomatic skills or magical skills. If you were to use the stone argument, it could easily be countered with this - his failure at learning/using magic could be there to show his path will not be a magical one.
4. Is human - very strong, but only for a human. Could not compete with Galby or Murt.
5. On the "Rider blood" argument - blood is no real argument. CP has said that dragon does not choose because of families. He don’t even share that what you then should call rider blood. BromEragon MorzanMurtagh. Roran has no conection there.
6. We have no time to train him. How many books did it take Eragon to reach his current strength? We would need to teach Roran the customs of Riders, how to preform magic and control energy as well as the AL itself, etc. Not time.
7. Wields a hammer, not a sword. It’s a diffrent fighting skill.
8. Due to the above, he is not really "logically inevitable," no?

Orik:
1. He is a King. No immortal rulers, no? At least, not of a mortal race. Dwarves = mortal.
2. Yeah, he is also a Dwarf. Dwarves are not in the Pact, and there is not currently enough power to recast it. And honestly, why would it be recast now? In a time of war? Silly.
3. It would cause him to out live his wife/possible children as well.
4. Yes, we all know that he rode Saphira. But he didn't really seem too comfortable with 90% of the time. Yeah.
5. Size rations, anyone? He coulden’t even reach a Urgal from the back of a dragon.
6. Would require magical training.
7. Not "logically inevitable."

Angela:
1. Based on CP's sister as a kind of joke - she was obviously not meant to have an extreme role in the books. Like, I dunno, the Rider who will help save the dragon race and defeat the evil Empire.
2. Can use magic, but is very weak when it come to magic use. So she would still require magical training, which would make her weaker than all other Riders in the IC.
3. Is human - normal strength.
4. Does not fight with a sword. Minor, but still.
5. Is not "logically inevitable."

Nasuada:
1. She currently is leader of the Varden. That is a big enough responsibility in itself, yes?
2. She would require training in magic and as well in how to use a sword.
3. Is human - normal strength.
4. On magic, she loathes the stuff. That would cause a kind of conflict of interests, no?
5. Not "logically inevitable."

Elva:
1. Currently (physically) about 7 years old.
Not to mention that she is literally only about 1 year old.
2. No sympathies - why would she fight for the Varden at all? It would take some doing just to convince her to be on the "good side" (bleh) in the first place.
3. She would require training as well, both magically and with a blade.
4. Again, human. She could not compete physically just by her race, not to mention her age.
5. Unpredictable, to put it mildly.
6. Not "logically inevitable."

But let’s take a look at Arya.
1. The dream in Deathwatch. Two people, a man and woman, boarding a ship while two dragon circle above. Now, most think this is Eragon departing the land with the other Rider, their two dragons flying above. This, if true, indicates the Rider is female.
2. Eragon is in love with Arya, Greenie and Saphie will likely be mates. Fits together.
3. She requires less training, as we don't have time to train a new Rider.
4. She is elven and female. The other Riders are human and male. It evens it out a little bit.
5. As an elf, is of superior mental and physical strength - and with one book to go, this is definite advantage.
6. Green. She has green eyes, green magic, etc. CP has said that there was clues in the books about who the next rider will be.
7. CP is trying to put her and eragon on even footing. They have the same strength magically and physically, or close to it, both are Shadeslayers. So making her a dragon rider would be the last part.
8. She has been in all three books.
9. She IS "logically inevitable.

And for those who say that she will be the next queen, take a look at this:

Arya, page 309 of Eldest.
"If I had died in the course of my duty, then a replacement successor would have been chosen from among our various Houses. Even now I would not be required to become queen if I found the prospect distasteful. We do not choose leaders who are unwilling to devote themselves wholeheartedly to their obligation . . . I had many years to perfect those arguments with my mother"


The obvious thing to do don't always look or feels like the obvious. Especially not when it involves feelings. The Dwarfs can't forgive Murtagh, and Eragon can't go back on his word to them. The elves will have problem to forgive him for Oromis and Glaedr. And since the elves also are immortals they are not the most forgiving race. The fall and Morzans doing still burns in them. It might seem wrong to let Murtagh suffer for that (and it is) but feelings are never easy to control. The Varden sees him as Galbys greats and most fearful tools. They don't knows Murtagh's story. They only know of his doing against them.
He is there enemy. I don't know how the situation is with the Urgals, but he already have the other races against him. And Eragon can't really afford to put his own life at stake trying to save him.

Murtagh has to look up for him self. The poor bloke only have him self and Thorn for the moment =/ And even if he manage to change his true name and would be willing to fight for the Varden I highly doubt that he would be welcome <__<

Believe me Librarian, I want you to be right but I don't trust Paolini.

I think it's Arya without a doubt.

Paolini is obvious and cliche. It has been Arya with Eragon from the begining.
He has more or less already said it. And from what he has said, Arya is truly the only one who can fit as the next rider. There won't be any Eragon with Nasuada. And Nasuada has already inherited her role in the books. The leader of the Varden.

It HAS to be Arya, for all the facts which you've pointed out earlier Librarian.

Apart form Arya there is hardly anyone else who fit's the facts. It can't be Orrin, Orik or Roran... not even Angela.

When I see it, I'll believe it. But I still think Paolini thinks himself a clever chap and will try pulling out a Nasuada and Eragon relationship to prove how complex an author he is.

Even if CP where the greatest author in the world, he still couldn't bring down 3 books of development and feelings between AxE to start NxE in the middle of the last book out of nothing. It would be a disaster. Feelings don't even work that way. Through out 3 books Eragons feeling for Arya has only grown.
They have grown so strong that he A) knows that Arya is the only one he wants. B) That he is not giving up on her.

Such things can't not be changed out of the blue to start something who has nothing. It's plain stupidity.

CP are making Arya and Eragon equals for a reason.

That's not really a question that anyone can answer really, because you're right. It can't be both a surprise and logically inevitable.



This war isn't going to be something that's going to end in even a year if written realistically, much less six months, which is when dragons hit maturity theoretically. If they don't train the green dragon and allow it to grow, they are only hurting themselves. There will probably be plenty of time for the dragon to grow.

I know this won't happen... but it would be good if there was a dwarf rider, Orik.

I wouldn't think Roran would be the next rider. It is more likely Arya.

Good. Then we can all blame you for this ;D ;D ;D


I agree that Roran is the second most likely.




Agreed! =)


That is on the spot ^^ And plus, she has already inherited her position in the books.


I know, I know =/ The other guy brought up NxE and I couldn't keep my mouth shut >_< (well.... Not literally my mouth, but you get what I mean)



Look through here: http://shurtugal.com/book-4/book-4-interview-archive/





He sure is in this matter ;D


Her eyes and magic for two examples.



I want it, so it is everything but tragic for me ;D



Hmm..... If I say that you should take it as I want, will you listen then as well? ;D <__<


Yea! I'm right


It is a good point. And Eragon is not by any means a human any more.

Eragon:
* Looks like an elf
* Immortal like an elf
* Have the powers of an elf
* Lives like an elf
* Values life like an elf
* Have the mind of an elf


* She was not trained because of her being royal. She was trained by a rider to protect the future of the riders. Namely Saphira.

* She is more than 100 times better than Eragon in magic. And alot more.

Mike: When Oromis taught Eragon how to draw energy from the surroundings to make spells, he said that this “was a secret for the Riders”. However, the boat made of grass by Arya draws energy from the surroundings to fly. How did she know a spell reserved for Riders?

CP: Arya is a special case; she was given guardianship over Saphira’s egg for almost twenty years and I think she would have been—I think Oromis would have taught her this to help her protect Saphira’s egg. I mean, there was no playing around here; this was do-or-die with Saphira protecting her egg and everything and that’s something he would have taught her.

Mike: Now can you say how much training she would have received from Oromis?

CP: I think Arya has a level of training far exceeding Eragon’s quite honestly, mainly because she has had far more time to learn and just the fact that she grew up with the ancient language means that she is always going to be more facile and fluent with it than Eragon and more adept at thinking up interesting ways of using the ancient language and thus spells. I would not want to be on her bad side, let’s put it that way.

--> Ninjad!

* Still she has more than twice as much flying experience than Roran. And been airborne during battles as well.



I'm sorry! D: D:
As I said above, some one mentioned NxE and I kind of had to go against it.
*Goes and sits down in a corner feeling ashamed*


Look at previous posts.



"She spoke to Arya with the same tone of affection that, until then, she had reserved for Eragon, as if she now considered Arya a part of their small family and worthy of the same regard and intimacy as they shared."

And ever since Brisngr Arya opened her self up to Eragon. She don't avoid him or any thing like that any more. Heck, she even ran after him without a second thought to the Empire against Nasuadas wishes.


That is not BS! Because that is CP's own words.
And it does mean alot. You just need to understand what even footing means. He is a rider, she is not. Even? Nope.
And I would like to repeat that CP said that he IS putting them on an even footing.


I know it doesn't relate. <__<



I know, but it was also true! ;D ;D



Katrina is his life. It's because of her that Roran isn't a farmer any more.
If she dies hi will lose everything. And she will die sooner or later.

He promised Katrina that he would rebuild his farm by hand to secure his future with her, despite the huge amounts of work it would take. He later commented to Eragon that his determination to her drove him to lengths ordinary men would not follow.

Don't you see? Roran is nothing without Katrina. At least in his own eyes.
Don't underestimate the feeling of love.



I am speaking of the human empires. They don't have immortal rulers (besides galby who took it with force)
And Vrael was only one of many leaders of the riders. Not a king over a country.



You have to choose. King or rider? Because the humans don't have nor do they want immortal rulers.


Murtagh has his own personal stack of Eldunarí to fuel his speed, strength and magically power. Roran don't.
And being a rider don't change you like that. Arya toyed with Eragon when they spared even if he was a rider and had been though by Brom.
It is as Brom said. Even the weakest elf could defeat the strongest human with ease.


Arya has in a way more than Roran. Just like every elf.
The dragons and elves are connected since thousands of years back.



True, but what good would it do to him then? Loosing Katrina and their child for what?


Yes, you can adapt.
And Arya are using one sword and not two. And she will always be better that Roran ;D


I disagree and Roran would never want it. His life is Katrina.



I said indicates ;D


I just said that it fits together ;D


You are proven wrong by CP seeing that Arya is ahead of Eragon. By far.



Dragons like symmetry.
And bedsides most riders used to be elves. The whole rider thing is manly between dragons and elves.


True enough even if the idea of Eragon/Saphira would win against two other ideas alone is a bit frustrating <__<



CP said that there was clues. And it was more for Arya than just the eyes.
Roran for one has nothing....

Roran is second most likely to be the Dragon Rider, but it is unlikely he will be the Dragon Rider as of Kirtrena - don't think I've spelled that right - and Nasuada and the Varden.

Not really. Even after six months of training, Eragon couldn't hold his own against an Elf for long, and Eragon was known to be gifted for a human with six months of training by Brom's standards. Both Murtagh and Galbatorix are individually more powerful than Arya.



Depends on what you make of the Agaeti Blodhren. I don't really understand why people forget about that.



Like I said in my previous post here, this war is probably going to last a while. Dragons hit maturity at six months, and preparing several races for war and taking several cities should definitely exceed that time frame.

I think it was so weird how Eragon couldn't even beat that elf - and he was a dragon rider!

I agree. The Agaeti Blodhren is merely a Deus ex Machina. However, it's unlikely that the next Rider will get another acceleration of his or her powers.

The celebration was there just to hurry along Eragon's skills if you want and it felt like that it should really be in the book. It felt quite rushed...

I think CP was able to explain it in a way that it didnt seem like an upgrade it was more of a gift from the dragons so that Eragon wouldnt blow. Eragon was horribly out matched by basically everybody besides regular human's. If CP hadnt done it Eragon would (A) dead, or (B) in galby's hands.

It rushed it a bit though - it didn't feel part of the book.

Well anyway back on topic.

I understand that the Agaeti Blodhren was somewhat necessary, but it would have made for a much better read if Eragon pushed through the pain spasms and got stronger through his own strength. If the scar was such a problem otherwise, than I don't understand why Paolini implemented it in the first place.

About Galbatorix, Eragon would have gotten destroyed regardless if his scar healed or not (depending on what's in the Vault of Souls, I suppose). I just hope that Eragon isn't granted a motherload of power from the Vault of Souls. I couldn't care less who the next Rider is as long as Paolini writes it decently.

The next Dragon Rider is Arya - definitely.

That's the flaw in Paolini's writing most of the time. He doesn't have very good story architecture so such plot points like the one mentioned above are either too organic or badly outlined.

Back to the topic at hand, I can also see Arya being the next rider because lack of better candidates. Even if Paolini has someone else in mind (ie Nasuada as I've mentioned before), I wouldn't accept it simply because how much more universally Arya is accepted as a potential rider. The poll results here are no different than they have been across the internet. Arya is always and I mean always by far the overwhelming favorite.

CP said that the next rider was logically inevitable. So it is most likely Arya.

As long as the candidate makes sense, I can accept it on that level. That's why as much as I still think Paolini will put Eragon and Nasuada together as dragon riders and lovers, I won't like that he had built them up so terribly IMO. But I can understand why you it is likely that it is Arya. On top of her being such a great warrior and magician, she has history with Eragon. We've seen them spend personal time together, argue, banter, fight together and complement each other, be awkward around one another, save each other's lives, even hold each other in consolation of their mutual grief over Oromis and Glaedr dying. There have been multiple scenes on both sides to suggest that they like each other as more than friends. And if that weren't enough, Saphira is starting to treat Arya better than anyone except for Eragon. So to me it is little wonder why so many think Arya will be the next rider.

Maybe but have a look back a few pages and read @The Librarians posts, which are actually what CP stated.

* Nasuada does not require what CP have said about the next rider.
She can't be the next rider unless you want to go with the argument that CP is lying to us.

* Eragon has made it clear that Arya is the only woman he wants.

Brisingr page 203 [English Version]
"I suppose, but, ah, how can I help it? She is the only woman I wish to be with."


Eragon and Nasuada has no built up at all. Only as friends. Never once has there been anything above friendship.


Obviously. They have through out the books been standing side by side getting more and more equal. The feelings are there as well.

"Arya looked at him. Eragon met her gaze, and something lurched within him. He flushed without knowing why, feeling a sudden connection with her, a sense that she understood him better than anyone other than Saphira. His reaction confused him, for no one had affected him in that manner before.

Throughout the rest of the day, all Eragon had to do was think back on that moment to make himself smile and set his insides churning with a mixture of odd sensations he could not identify."
---------------------------
"An ache formed in his chest as he listened to the gentle rise and fall of Arya's breathing. It tormented him to be so close and yet be unable to approach her."
---------------------------
You should tend to that before we set forth." She gave him no time to respond but grasped his paralyzed fingers and said, "Waise heill." An involuntary groan escaped him as his fingers popped back into their sockes, and his abraded tendons and crushed cartilage regained the fullness of their proper shapes, and as the flaps of skin hanging from his knuckles again covered the raw flesh below.
"Thank you," he said. It surprised him that she had taken the initiative when he was perfectly capable of healing his own wounds. Arya seemed embarrassed. Looking away, out over the plains, she said, "I am glad you were by my side today, Eragon."
"And you by mine."
She favored him with a quick, uncertain smile. They lingered on the hillock for another minute, neither of them eager to resume their journey.
---------------------------
"Reaching out, Eragon placed his right hand over her left. "The stories about the heroes of old never mention that this is the price you pay when you grapple with the monsters of the dark and the monsters of the mind. Keep thinking about the gardens of Tialdari Hall, and I'm sure you will be fine." Arya permitted the contact between them to endure for almost a minute, a time not of heat or passion for Eragon, but rather of quiet companionship.
---------------------------
He cherished her trust more than anything besides his bond with Saphira and he would sooner march into battle than endanger it."
---------------------------
"Satisfied with what he had wrought, he handed the lily to Arya. "It's not a white rose but..." He smiled and shrugged. "You should not have," she said. "But I am glad you did." She caressed the underside of the blossom and lifted it to smell. The lines on her face eased. For several minutes, she admired the lily."
---------------------------
"She spoke to Arya with the same tone of affection that, until then, she had reserved for Eragon, as if she now considered Arua part of their small family and worthy of the same regard and intimacy as they shared."
---------------------------
"Walking over to Saphira, Arya placed a hand on Eragon's left leg and looked up at him with her slanted green eyes. "Accept this from me, Shur'tugal," she said. And he felt a surge of energy flow into him.
"Eka elrun ono," he murmured to her.
Also in the ancient language, she said, "Be careful, Eragon. I would not want to see you broken by Murtagh. I..." It seemed as if she were going to say more, but she hesitated, then removed her hand from his leg and retreated to stand by Blödhgarm."
---------------------------
"You should not abandon your guards so lightly," Arya murmured in Eragon's left ear. She wrapped her sword arm around his waist and held him tightly as Saphira wheeled above the courtyard."
---------------------------
"Better?" he asked as the spell finished its work.
"Better," Arya whispered, and favored him with a weak smile."
---------------------------
"Arya staggered as if she had been hit. "Ah," she said. She gripped the back of the chair so hard, her knuckles turned white. Tears filled her slanted eyes, then spilled over onto her cheeks and coursed down her face. "Eragon." She reached out and grasped his shoulder, and almost by accident, he found himself holding her in his arms."
---------------------------
“So few have ever killed a Shade and lived.
That is because they fought alone, not together, like us.
Not like us.”



Ehh.... Eragon has already made it clear that Arya is the only one for him.


Saphira has already accepted Arya into their family. It is Saphira, Eragon and Arya.


My guess is because she is the only one that fits??

CP wont put Nasuada and Eragon together. Eragons inteligant and Nasuada is too much of... well... to much of Nasuada.

Only because they are related to Eragon. Saphira really don't know nor does she understand Roran and Katrina. To her they are blood relatives to her partner of mind and soul. Accepting Arya was because of her own choice.


I agree. And I would also like to see Eragons reaction to Nasuada's choice of flagging Roran 30 times for doing the right thing. <__<


Agreed.

Like I've said before, I don't trust Paolini.



That was my point. I think Paolini gave it a possible page or two of hint in Brisingr and then will try shoveling it all down our throats all in Inheritance and say "hey, look and see it how clever I am putting that clue in there that you didn't see." It won't be, but I think he will try that.



Again that was my point.



Did I not say that?



I think she fits the best but I'm not going to put it past Paolini to try something else that will make him seem to himself like a clever writer.

If CP's words won't suffice, then there is no point of discussing it.


What is your point? That NxE has nothing? o__O
I'm not sure what you mean here.


Yet you say that you think that CP will go for NxE based on nothing?
You are really making no sense what so ever right now.


I just stated that fact. Because I'm not sure where you are going.


CP is not that kind of a writer. At least he hasn't been it this far with the 3 first books.

Anyway I think Eragon and Nasuada - no way. And Arya next dragon rider.

His words will suffice, in Inheritance but not in a interview. An interview can be misinterpreted, books too but not as much.



Just because I think Eragon and Nasuada will happen (becoming riders and all that) doesn't mean I want it to. I think it has no buildup whatsoever. I just think Paolini will try forcing some anyhow.



I think Paolini gave it a possible page or two of hint in Brisingr and then will try shoveling it all down our throats all in Inheritance and say "hey, look and see it how clever I am putting that clue in there that you didn't see." It won't be, but I think he will try that.



If I'm wrong, I'll be a happy camper, if I'm right, I'll say I told you so.

Many of they interviews was recorded. You can actually hear CP saying it him self.


I'm not disusing what you want. That would be pointless.
I'm disusing why you think that NxE will happen when nothing actually suggest it. By your thinking Eragon could end up with Katrina or Triana as well.


Mark my words here. Nasuada and Eragon has spent one time and one time only together outside politics. And Eragon compared that time with Nasuada with his relationship with his dead aunt Marrian.

Every thing else has ever been friendship and duty. Never any thing else.


There wont be any "I told you so"

We'll see.



Then I'll be a happy camper. But not before.

It has already been seen. It is how it is.


*sigh*
What ever.
If logic and facts means nothing, then I wont bother.

If/When Inheritance proves it, I'll be right there with you but until then I remaining pessimistic.



Like you said, this is off topic and my answer wouldn't go over well here so I'll keep it to myself. For the topic however, I still think it will be Nasuada but I hope it's Arya or someone else.

Eragon likes Arya so how can CP put Eragon and Nasuada together?

Okay.

Next dragon rider...mmm...

It would be cool to see a dwarf rider, that really would. But it'll never happen...

Cool if there was a dwarf as a dragon rider?
Ehh..... A dwarf couldn't even reach an Urgal from the back of the dragon >_<
They are to short. And dragons to big.

Yeah, that is why dwarf riders will not be.

@Librarian, have you changed your avatar, because your other one was cool.

Dwarf riders are nothing but a recipe for disaster =/
Dwarfs and dragons don't even trust each others. They have quite a bad history any way.

@The Imposter: I have a new one yes ^^ It doesn't matter which picture I have as long as it is a picture of Richard ;D

My new theory:

Maybe we have all been trick and Arya is not the next rider and it is some other person. CP my have said the next rider is logicly inevitable, but maybe he's just saying that?

That would be an unwise decision for him to make. He would disappoint many fans who have actually worked hard to make something of his interviews?

Then ask yourself, would he take it that far just to stop being so cliche? I doubt it.

Of course, I don't care who the next Rider is as long as Paolini writes it decently.

My final decision is the the next dragon rider is, *Drum Roll*, ... Arya.

My bet is on Arya as well obviously ;D

*puts three shiny coins in the hat*

*Takes hat* Yeah, I'm sure it's Arya. *Places one golden coin inside, and passes it around*

You are pure evil rox! <__<
And I like it xD It reminds me of Richard ;D ;D

*steals back the hat and continues the bet*

But frankly I don't think that any one would bet on any one else other than Arya xD She is like 100% sure ;D

Arya.

*Put ten gold pieces in the hat*

But it definitely was a positive and an honor to be compared with Richard Saphi ;D ;D I don't know why, but there just are something special with Richards character! His humor, his comments, his personality <333, his evilness. He is my hero in all means xD

But going on topic I actually sees it as impossible for any one else other than Arya to be the next rider. There is no one else who fits.

I agree with Librarian.

*If I'm wrong do I have to give you's ten gold pieces...*

Buying him a gravestone would be better. It's not like that he would probably survive =/

Hmm.... A charity ehh? 0__O
Can I just keep them if I win!? *whines like a little kid*


No problem curf ^^ I only bite when I argue xD I have no problems with opinions ;D ;D

*sigh*
Arya is simply amazing ^^

Amazing fighter, which was surprising for me...

I don't really like her personality, but meh. ^^ She'll most likely be the next Rider.

Is it only Arya that fits all of the things that CP said? Or is there someone else who is more likely to be the next dragon rider?

He does has yellow eyes yes We where many who noticed that when it was realized. But we got to the conclusion that it was of no importance.

It's not CP who drew it. The artist (John Jude Palencar) probably had his reasons and CP was ok with them.