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Eragon arrived on the main deck, thoughts stretched to their limit as he paced about, searching the night sky as if in hope that Saphira might suddenly appear, safe and sound. Seeing nothing he ran to the aft-most part of the ship and there gripped the railing, looking out upon the Pree to the way they had come. In a desperate attempt to summon her he called out with his mind.

Saphira! Saphira!

His only reply was the silence of night, save for the faint rushing sound made by the Pree. Eragon growled in frustration then drew his thoughts back and began pacing the deck as a sense of panic came over him.

Where is she? He thought.

How can I get to her if I don't know where she is?

Realizing he needed help, Eragon quickly reached out his mind to Glaedr and Umaroth.

Glaedr-elda, Umaroth, please I need your help!

_What is it Eragon? _Umaroth inquired with an air of urgency coloring his thoughts.

Pacing the aft deck, Eragon replied._ _

Saphira is in trouble. I ... I can't find her. I don't know where she is and I don't know how to get to her.

_What? What has happened to her? _Glaedr inquired, his thoughts colored with distress.

Shaking his head, Eragon answered the troubled Eldunari`._ _

I've no time to explain. I need to know where she is so that I can find a way to get to her. I can't extend my mind far enough to reach her. I ... I need you to reach out with your minds and see if you can locate her.

No sooner had Eragon finished speaking than the pair of Eldunari` extended their minds, sweeping in all directions; their thoughts spreading far and wide taking notice of every detail from the surrounding forests to the distant mountains beyond. It was some time before they finally sensed a faint consciousness clouded by a torrent of rage, anguish and confusion the likes of which neither of them had, despite all their years, encountered before. By this time the moon had dipped behind the tips of the tall pines lining the river's northern edge.

The pair silently drew back their thoughts, a sense of dread coloring them, like the black of night. Eragon stopped pacing, a shiver running down his back as the dread felt by Umaroth and Glaedr seeped into his own thoughts, augmenting his panic and frustration with the chill of a lost hope.

What? What is it? Did you find her?

There was a long moment of silence before Umaroth offered, gravely.

_We encountered ... something ... about one or two days travel to the North West. But we're not exactly sure what it is. _

Pausing to consider his next words carefully Umaroth continued.

The mind we touched was draconic, of that we're certain, but ...

Eragon winced and walked back to the railing, gripping it tightly as he looked out up on the river, which was darker from the failing moonlight, save for dim flashes of white created by the churning water.

But ... but what?

We're not sure if it's Saphira's or that of another dragon. The mind we touched is ... is greatly tormented.

Releasing a rush of air Eragon replied.

Well ... who else can it be? There are no other dragons that we know of. Are there?

We don't know Eragon. _Umaroth began. _

Perhaps we should attempt another sweep on the off chance that we are mistaken.

And do you really believe that you're mistaken? Do you think that with another sweep you'll find another dragon out there, one that you are certain is Saphira?

Following a moment's silence Glaedr replied.

We are simply trying to hope for the best Shadeslayer. If the mind we touched is Saphira's it is a dire discovery for she is ... is not herself.

What do you mean not herself?

You must understand Eragon. _Umaroth began. _

Considering who we are speaking of it is ... difficult ... to put into words. Even so, the mind we touched has been overtaken by a madness the likes of which we've never encountered. The closest approximation we can think of is the madness that took the dragons of the forsworn following The Banishing of Names. But even that madness pales in comparison to ... to this. It took weeks for the madness to overtake them; slowly consuming their minds until there was nothing left. But ... the madness coursing through the mind of ... Saphira ... appears far more tenacious, having accomplished in days what took weeks in the others. If it is Saphira it is no longer the one we knew.

Eragon stood silent as Umaroth's word's sunk in. Looking down tears began to flow from his eyes, a sense of hopelessness growing and threatening to overtake him. Then, shaking his head in denial, he set his jaw then spoke as he moved to fetch Boldhgarm.

Then we have to turn the ship around and head back ... back the way we came to find her.

_Wait Eragon! _Umaroth exclaimed.

What! Eragon growled.

We know how much Saphira means to you, she means a great deal to all of us. But even if there was a chance at finding her, by turning around, it would still take days to reach her ... longer even for we don't know how close to the river she is. Part of the journey may require travel on foot which could take longer, assuming she stays in one place long enough to get to her. If there is anything left of her it is fading fast. By the time we reach her there would certainly be nothing left to save.

In frustration Eragon growled louder.

Then what would you have me do, nothing? Would you have me leave her to a fate worse than death? What's happened to her is my fault! In my blindness and foolishness I took for granted the one who has loved me more than I've loved her. In my ... cowardice ... I spurned the love of one who was brave enough to see what was always meant to be! Even when I didn't see it myself!

Tears streaming down his face, Eragon shook his head and continued._ _

No, I won't leave her behind. Not without trying to save her. I love her! She is my partner, my ... my mate.

Umaroth remained silent, stunned by Eragon's outburst. Following several moments it was Glaedr who spoke.

I know this is hard Eragon. I know what it is to lose something so precious to you. Have you forgotten the loss I endured? Even so, what would you have us do? You have no means to fly to her, no means to reach her quickly. Traveling by river or foot would take too much time to reach her.

Turning back to grip the railing Eragon looked into the sky as if in search of an answer. In spite of his frustration and anguish he still retained enough reason to know that what the pair of Eldunari` spoke was the truth. This only spurred his determination for, he thought, there must be another way to get to her; a way that would not take days.

With his brow furrowed Eragon calmed himself enough to think clearly and then an image appeared in his mind: a brilliant flash and then, as the light dimmed, a single sapphire egg. As he considered the image he realized it was likened to that of the flash which preceded the arrival of Saphira's egg in the Spine. Suddenly he heard a faint voice echoing in his mind, the voice of Ar'Din.

Go to her while there is yet time.

At first Eragon regarded the image with confusion as it faded from his mind. He struggled to grasp what it, and Ar'Dins words, could mean. Then a faint smile formed on his face as understanding came to him.

Transport! What about the transport spell? Can I use it to transport myself to her?

There was a long silence before Glaedr uttered a soft growl then answered.

What you ask is risky, Shadeslayer, considering the distance involved.

Eragon turned to lean against the railing then shaking his head replied. Risk? I don't care about the risk involved. Is it possible?

Following another brief silence Glaedr replied. Aye, it is possible. But before you attempt it know this. While we can provide you the energy that will be needed to transport you over such a great distance you will need to ensure you are of a clear enough mind to cast the spell; it will require a good deal of concentration. There have only been a few in the history of magic wielders that we know of who have ever attempted to use this spell to transport themselves over such a great distance. One of them was killed in the process. Moreover we do not know of Saphira's exact location. There is no way to tell how close, or how far, you will end up. Are you willing to take this risk even though you may die in the process?

Eragon pressed his lips in deep thought then, nodding his head, replied. I'd be dead either way Glaedr-elda. I can't live without Saphira, I love her. I think you know this already.

With an air of agreement Glaedr replied. Indeed. In that case, Eragon-Sha ... Eragon-Skulblakahjarta, prepare yourself.

Noting the sudden change of address Eragon forced a faint smile then, following a brief nod, he closed his eyes and calmed his mind. He thought of Saphira and all the special moments he'd spent with her. All the times she had made him laugh and of the great love she'd shown for him on more occasions than he could count. Then he thought of the future, his life to be with her and the family they would raise together. As he held the thoughts in his mind his earlier troubles melted away replaced by a deep peace that came over him. Eragon opened his eyes, moved to situate himself in the center of the aft deck then affirmed. I am ready.

_Then concentrate Eragon-Skulblakahjarta. Concentrate on Saphira's location as best you can while we begin feeding you the energy to cast the spell. When you are ready to cast it speak the words. _Glaedr replied.

With a gentle nod Eragon closed his eyes and thought once again of Saphira and of the distant place she was in. Believing his chances would be improved by imagining himself as close to her as possible he focused his thoughts of how alone she must feel; how lost and confused, frightened even. As he held the thoughts Umaroth, Glaedr and the other Eldunari` fed him the energy needed to cast the spell.

Still holding the thoughts of her in the back of his mind Eragon spoke._ Glaedr-elda, Umaroth before I go I must leave you with something. I don't know if I will make it back or, if I do, how long it will take. Tell Boldhgarm and the other elves where I have gone and why. Tell them if I'm not back by the time you reach the eastern sea to continue on. I can only trust that Ar'Din will contact you and tell you of the location of Ter'Olen, the home that awaits you at the end of this journey._

At this Eragon quickly passed to the minds of the Eldunarieverything he'd learned from his last encounter with Ar'Din. He withheld no detail, divulging the knowledge of Ter'Olen, the origin and history of dragons and the great war, Saphira's royal lineage, even his destine rise as the king of the wild dragons. By the time he'd finished a great stir could be felt within the Eldunari. In spite of this Glaedr simply replied.

You have given us much to think over while you are away Eragon-Skulblakahjarta. But we will do as you ask and pass your message to the elves. Our thoughts go with you, may you bring her back safely.

Eragon acknowledged Glaedr's words as he brought the thoughts of Saphira back to the fore-front of his mind then, accessing the nub in the back of his mind, he breathed in and upon exhaling spoke the words to cast the spell then vanished in a brilliant flash.

---

In a distant region of the forest surrounding the lake the Talita had traversed there was a brilliant flash followed by a loud explosion that echoed throughout and then Eragon appeared. Recoiling he knelt to the ground and screamed, cupping his ears with his hands as the intensity of the blast pierced them resulting in a flash of intense pain.

Trembling from the shock Eragon remained still as the pain in his ears slowly ebbed; a dull ringing sound replacing it. As he gathered himself he stood then stumbled backwards several steps as a wave of dizziness passed over him. He removed his hands from his ears then opened his eyes to behold a darkened patch of ground specked with red-orange embers created by the heat of the spell which brought him there. Lifting his head he took a moment to gauge his surroundings which he assumed, from the appearance, were of a forest of some kind, dimly lit by the approaching dawn. Taking several steps Eragon surmised that he must be in some portion of the great forest that surrounded the lake they'd crossed the day before, but where was another question entirely.Where is Saphira? He thought to himself.

Becoming still Eragon focused his hearing intent to listen for any tell-tale sign that she might be nearby. Save for the dull ringing in his ears and the faint rushing sound of a distant waterfall he heard nothing; all was quiet. Unsettled by the quiet he began to stretch his mind in all directions in search of her. As if in response to his urgent need to find her he turned with a start at the sudden, distant, roar that echoed in the forest causing a flock of birds roosting in a nearby tree to take flight. A chill ran down Eragon's spine as the roar echoed, filling the silence with an air of foreboding. It was unlike any roar he had ever heard before, one tinged with a mixture of intense rage, anguish and confusion. He realized it must be Saphira and at that his heart was pierced leaving him to whisper under his breath as tears began to well in his eyes. "Saphira ... "

Attempting to reach out to her Eragon extended his mind thus coming into contact with one tormented by a raging torrent of madness. He recoiled at the torrent's intensity and immediately withdrew his reach. The mind was foreign to him and yet, somehow, he'd sensed the fading remnants of Saphira; her identity slowly drifting farther and farther away from him.

What have I done! He thought to himself.

There's almost nothing left of her!

Eragon remained still for a moment as he decided his next move. The madness had so taken her that he was certain she would not recognize him, and if not then what? How would he be able to reach her? Bring her back from the depths of madness that she was sinking into. Eragon grimaced as doubt threatened to overtake him.

What if I'm too late? He thought.

Setting his jaw Eragon gained up his determination and so shook the doubt that had begun settling upon him. He knew that it was a risk to confront her in the state she was in for who would ever dare face a crazed dragon? But Saphira was no ordinary dragon; she was his partner, his love, his ... mate. Even so, he would brave any danger for her if it meant the chance that he could save her. Taking in a deep breath he steadied himself then rose and started in the direction he knew her to be. It took some time before he finally reached her for the path he'd followed had not been an easy one. En route to her he encountered dense brush and several raging streams that made his way tough to travel. Every so often he'd heard Saphira's roar which helped to gauge her direction and spur him on until he reached her.

Eragon sprawled on the ground as he made his way up to the ridge of a shallow slope. The dawn had edged closer by the time he reached Saphira's location making it easier for him to see the details of his surroundings. As he reached the ridge he slowly peeped over and beheld a hollow nestled within the outlying foothills and inlaid with a mixture of earthen floor and stone outcroppings of various sizes. Among them he saw her, the agitated form of Saphira pacing frantically about, stopping every so often to claw at her head as if in attempt to free herself of an unwanted parasite. Eragon sunk beneath the ridge as Saphira bellowed again; her anguished cry wrenching his heart. Refusing to give way to sorrow he shook his head as he fought back the tears. Breathing in deeply he stood and slowly made his way down to the hollow's floor.

On his way he stopped several times to check Saphira's location, not wanting to be caught off guard should she discover his presence and dispatch him with a surprise attack. Each time he checked Saphira had seemed not to notice that he was approaching. When he reached the floor he knelt behind a small outcropping and watched for her. She was only a few hundred feet from him now and so gaining his courage he stepped out and slowly approached her.

Too pre-occupied by her inner torment Saphira did not notice Eragon's proximity as he slowly and cautiously advanced. It was not until Eragon stepped on a twig that Saphira froze and turned to face the source of the noise. At this Eragon tensed as Saphira assumed an immediate aggressive posture, her feral eyes locked on him. Eragon stopped uncertain of what to do as he heard a low growl emanate from Saphira. With all the calm he could muster he knelt, assuming a less threatening posture then remained still staring at her as if to gauge her next move. With her growl silenced Saphira sniffed the air then began to slowly circle Eragon, regarding him from a distance as if uncertain what to make of him. Attempting to break the apparent stand-off Eragon slowly rose then took several steps towards her eliciting another growl. Making another attempt to reach her Eragon spoke. "Saphira it's me, Eragon. Don't you remember me?"

Following he took two more steps, edging closer to her. At this Saphira growled again, and then as if frightened by him prepared to take flight. As Eragon watched her a sudden desperation came over him and without thinking he exclaimed, "Wait don't go!", then quickly advanced upon her. Taking the gesture as an attack Saphira countered, immediately pouncing on him, knocking him to the ground. As Eragon made attempt to get up he was suddenly pinned to the ground by a sapphire claw, the sheer weight of it expelling the air from his lungs. Saphira growled fiercely then bared her teeth as she moved to look him in the eyes. Recovering from his daze Eragon squirmed beneath her grip in an attempt to escape; an attempt which only resulted in more pressure being applied. As Saphira stared at him he froze, his eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and fear; never had he seen Saphira in such a state as she was now. Brushing her mind Eragon glimpsed the torrent of madness that still raged within; her mind apparently reduced to nothing more than that of savage instinct and survival driven to dispatching the intruder that had threatened her. Withdrawing from her mind Eragon realized that Saphira must be lost to him. In that moment he decided that rather than live without her he would surrender to what he knew was coming next. He closed his eyes and turned his head away as Saphira parted her maw then raised her head bellowing a triumphant roar before delivering the fatal blow. As her roar silenced tears began to seep from Eragon's closed eyes and he said. "I'm sorry Saphira, I'm so sorry I did this to you. I love you." As Saphira brought her head down a deep calm came over him then a fire in his chest flared accompanied by a release of his scent which rose to Saphira and stopped her just short of his head. As his scent entered her nostrils a faint spark of recognition flared in her mind eliciting a whimper and sudden shake of her head. Sensing this Eragon opened his eyes as Saphira withdrew; conflicted by the new memory.

"Yes it's me Saphira. It's Eragon. Don't you remember? Please fight it, fight to remember me!"

Rising to his feet Eragon watched as she continued to back away. As she did he advanced again attempting to encourage return of her memory. Suddenly a new wave of rage came over her causing her to halt her retreat and begin advancing on him again. Seeing this Eragon began to back away thus encouraging Saphira to quicken her pace until frustration finally drove her to leap at him in a sudden attack. Driven by reflex Eragon instantly reached up his hand and uttered the spell. "Slytha!"

Saphira fell asleep then toppled to the ground. Eragon remained still for a time as the tension and shock passed from him, then he slowly approached her sleeping form. Upon reaching her he collapsed to his knees before her head as a wave of fear and sorrow came over him. He rested his head upon hers as fresh tears flowed from his eyes, accompanied by the spasms of his grief, then he whispered. "Saphira ... please come back to me. I love you, I ... I can't live without you."

Eragon gently kissed her forehead then laid his head back down and closed his eyes. As the spasms from his grief ebbed his breathing calmed and he drifted, not into his waking dreams, but into a deep sleep, softly crooning his reply to the love song she'd sung to him so many times before. As his tears fell upon her forehead they glowed with an amethyst light then soaked beneath her sapphire scales. While Eragon lay sleeping Ar'Din appeared and silently regarded the pair for several moments before whispering. "Well done Eragon-Skulblakahjarta. Well done."

---

Eragon stirred. While he'd slept the fading night had given way to dawn as the sun peaked over the distant summits of the surrounding mountain range, continuing on until it settled at its apex in the sky. The peaks of the tall pines surrounding them swayed in the gentle breeze causing rays of sunlight to peep through, casting flashes upon the forest's earthen floor in random locations. It was this dance of sun light through the trees that woke him. At certain points the flashes peeped through at just the right angle causing the brilliant light to pass over his closed eyelids eliciting a flutter. Breathing in deeply Eragon stretched then slowly opened his eyes, squinting, as another flash of sunlight passed over his face. Becoming more alert he sat up and rubbed his eyes then, panning his gaze around, blinked several times to focus them. At first he noticed the surroundings appeared with an unusual haze then gradually became clearer as his vision focused. He then noticed that objects of lighter color, such as the stone outcroppings that surrounded them, appeared with a faint amethyst tint. He looked up and noticed the white clouds appeared with the same tint and the sky with a deeper, richer, azure color. The pines nearby even took on a deeper, more vibrant, shade of green than he'd ever remembered seeing. Catching himself Eragon brought his hand up as a sudden yawn escaped him. Bringing it down he paused and thought.

A yawn? I haven't yawned in ... in months. In fact, I feel as if I've woken from a deep sleep. Since when do I sleep?

Before he could think on the question further he was startled as Saphira stirred next to him. She was still asleep. As Eragon regarded her he forced a smile at the picture of innocence before him; quite the contrast from the maddened dragon he'd confronted only hours earlier. Reaching his hand out he stroked her forehead then bent down to kiss it gently, a gesture which elicited a soft, involuntary, rumble from the sleeping dragoness.

Rising to his feet Eragon brushed off his pants and shirt then moved to scratch his chin as a he slowly paced in front of her. Saphira appeared harmless enough as she slept but, as he considered it, he was unsure he should risk waking her. Her earlier attack could have resulted in his injury or death had he not uttered the spell to put her to sleep. And now he did not know whether or not she would return to a state of savage aggressiveness thus leaving him at risk of injury or death again if she decided on another attack. He also knew he couldn't leave her in a state of sleep indefinitely. This, of course, left him at an impasse; one to which he had no immediate answer.

The forest was quiet save for the rustling sound of the trees - which swayed in the wind - and the faint echoing of a rumbling brook some distance off. It was the sound of the brook that brought Eragon out of deep thought. Recognizing its tell-tale sound he realized that he was thirsty and so decided to break for a drink. Following the sound Eragon crossed over a low ridge where he discovered the brook. Reaching it he kneeled then cupped his hands, dipping them into the cool water then bringing them to his mouth to drink. The water tasted cool and sweet quenching his parched throat. Again he dipped his hands then took another drink after which bringing them up to splash the remaining water over his face and neck. Satisfied he rose to return to Saphira.

As he approached the ridge Saphira came into view; awake and crouched with her head raised looking around the forest as if disoriented. At this Eragon released an involuntary gasp and with elven speed and stealth sprawled to the ground just behind the tip of the ridge, out of sight.

"Brazul!" he whispered under his breath.

How can she be awake? I never cast the spell to wake her!

Readying himself for another possible confrontation, Eragon clenched his teeth as his heart and breathing quickened. Uncertain of what to do he lay in wait for a time. When he heard nothing stir he gained up his courage and quietly edged up the slope; just enough to peak over the ridge and see what Saphira was up to. To his surprise she had not moved from her spot. Instead she was still looking around as if trying to remember how she got there and what had happened. As Eragon watched he noted that she appeared calmer than before and so, readying himself, he decided to risk exposure and slowly rose then began to approach her.

His movement apparently startled Saphira for she quickly snapped her head to look at Eragon causing him to freeze as he locked her gaze; the forest grew deathly quiet. Both remained still for what seemed like hours. Eventually, biting his lip, Eragon extended his mind in a tentative gesture to reach her.

S ... Saphira?

Saphira remained silent for several moments, blinking her eyes, before responding in an equally tentative manner. Er ... Eragon? Pausing a moment to look around she continued.

Wh ... Where are we? What happened?

A smile suddenly formed on Eragon's face as tears began to well in his eyes, his earlier tension replaced with that of great relief. Slowly he began to walk towards her gradually quickening his pace until coming to an all-out run. When he reached her he hugged her neck tightly, laughing with immense joy, and wrapped her mind in a loving embrace more intense than he'd ever remembered. Saphira was naturally taken aback releasing a startled growl at the sudden gesture of affection before surrendering herself to the passionate embrace. Following a long while Eragon released his grip then stepped back to regard her with a broad smile, tears of joy flowing down his face. Now humming Saphira cocked her head and asked softly.

Eragon, why are you crying? Did something happen?

Eragon shook his head taking a moment to gather himself. Following he released a sudden rush of air -- relief - then wiped the tears from his face.

Aye! Something has happened ... something wonderful!

Her head still cocked Saphira inquired._ What? What sort of thing?_

Well, Eragon began, what's the last thing you remember?

Hmmm, my last memory is of the river bank where we spent the morning together; the one where you experienced the flush of attraction. I remember falling asleep and dreaming about a pair of dragons; one a sapphire, like me, and the other an amethyst. I don't remember how many days ago. After that it seems ... cloudy. I've no idea where we are or how I got here. Why what happened?

Well, first off it's been three days since we parted. Quite a bit has happened since then. First, my Gedway Ignasia vanished. Then I encountered the shadowed dragon, twice in fact, his name is Ar'Din, he's the one who delivered your prophecy. I don't know much about him except to say that he seems to be a friend. Anyway it was he who explained why my Gedway Ignasia vanished and the reason behind my feelings for you. The sites he showed me, what I've discovered since then ...

Eragon paused as tears began to well in his eyes again. He reached up and stroked Saphira's snout then turned away from her.

You were right Saphira. We were always meant to be together. Despite my feelings for you I still didn't want to believe it, found it hard to accept and in my foolishness I almost lost you to a madness that was taking everything you were away from me.

Turning back to her Eragon continued. You don't remember anything because the madness had almost taken you. I'd almost lost you and it wasn't until then that I realized just how much I love you. How much I couldn't bear to be separated from you.

Looking down in shame Eragon continued as his tears fell, like droplets of rain, to the earthen floor.

In my indecision and ... selfishness ... I hurt you. I caused you pain when all you wanted to do was love me as your mate. I ... I'm so sorry for what I did to you. So sorry I put you through such pain. Can ... can you forgive me ... even though I don't deserve it?

Saphira lay before Eragon staring at him in wonder; her eyes blinking every so often. Something had indeed happened to him, she thought, for never before had he expressed such tenderness to her, approached her with such remorse for any action he'd ever done to her. Saphira did not care what he did. Eragon was her mate, her destine love. All she cared about, at that moment, was being close to him again and so she began to hum then reached out with one of her claws and pulled him close to her chest while sending him warm thoughts, wrapping him in a loving physical and mental embrace.

My Eragon, my mate, how could I not forgive you? I know you needed time, quite a bit has been placed upon your shoulders. I understand that you needed time to think it over. It could not have been an easy decision for you to consider. I wish I could have been there to comfort and reassure you. The important thing is that we're back together again, that's all that matters to me now. I ... of course I forgive you.

As her words filled his mind Eragon released another wave of tears - tears of joy - and his heart warmed with an immense love for her. It was then that a draconic air rose from him flowing into Saphira's nostrils, catching her off guard. With a start she released him.

Eragon, what is this? You ... you smell like a ... a dragon!

Standing before her Eragon rubbed his neck and, with a sheepish grin, replied. Oh yes ... well that ... that's another discovery I've made since parting from you. It seems that I'm to be a dragon. I can't explain how it's possible but I already possess the heart, soul and ancestral memories of one.

With a shrug he added. Now I'm just waiting for the physical changes, although I'm not sure how long it will take or how it will occur exactly. I suppose you could say my new scent is among the first of these changes.

Eragon smiled with amusement at the look of awe and wonder on Saphira's face. She was tensed as if waiting to hear more; Eragon happily obliged her._ I even know what I'm going to look like when the transformation is complete. Would you like to see?_

With the wonder of a child Saphira silently, yet hesitantly, nodded. At this Eragon sent her the image of the amethyst dragon that had appeared before him following cast of the spell that revealed his true form. When the image appeared in her mind Saphira released a rush of air from her nostrils in what could only be described as the draconic version of a gasp. In silence she regarded the image and thought the dragon to be the most beautiful creature she'd ever seen. She soon realized that it bore remarkable resemblance to the one she'd seen in the image containing the pair of dragons, and then it hit her ... it was!

Excitement began to well in her for there it had been all the while, fate's answer; a reward for her decision to trust in their destiny, trust that a way would be made to bring them together. She concluded that the image containing the pair must have been of her and Eragon at some future time in, perhaps, some distant land. A time and place where she was together with her mate, her Eragon; the one she'd always wanted, and they were happy, and in love. Eragon's smile grew wider as he felt her budding joy and excitement flow over their connection. He then added with all the calm he could summon.

Oh yes ... and there's one more thing. It seems that I've always known you were to be mine. The prophecy Angela read for me hadn't spoke of Arya ... it spoke of you. I never told you about that afternoon in Teirm when I thought about the prophecy; it was always you. It was your name that came to me as I sat thinking about my love-to-be; but I was too distracted, blinded even, to see what it meant. Now I know, without a doubt, we were always meant to be together.

Still smiling Eragon added with a hint of mischievousness in his thoughts._ That is if you'll still have me in spite of my foolishness._

A rumbling began deep within Saphira's chest as a smile formed on her face - her white teeth glimmering in the daylight. Unable to contain her joy she leapt at Eragon snatching him into a loving embrace then, unfurling her wings, leapt into the air and bugled a roar of pure joy. Holding him tight against her chest Saphira flapped her wings carrying them, in spirals, higher into the sky where she twirled and somersaulted as if in a dance to celebrate the joyous moment; a joy she could scarcely contain and desperately needed to release. The aerobatics continued for some time as Saphira dipped and raised twirling and somersaulting every so often. It was indeed a sight to see. Her release spent Saphira leveled off then flew them back to the hollow from which they came. Upon landing she gently released Eragon who was so taken by the flight that he fell to his hands and knees in an attempt to steady himself from a dizziness that overcame him. Panting and laughing Eragon crawled to a nearby boulder where he turned then leaned against it to face Saphira who was just folding her wings to her sides.

Saphira sat upon her haunches and stared at Eragon as her joy and excitement ebbed, leaving a peaceful afterglow. Suddenly her thoughts assumed a more mischievous tone. These words you've said to me, my mate, are flattering. But you've not told me of your decision. You've not said whether or not you accept me as your mate.

Raising his eye brows in surprise Eragon countered. Have I not proven that to you by my actions Saphira?

_Maybe, but then again maybe not, I still want to hear you say it. _She added slyly.

Eragon looked down, taking a moment to consider his reply; then, remembering the appropriate response revealed to him in his memories, slowly began to croon the love song in reply, matching hers in pitch and tone as before.

Saphira's eyes widened as she snorted in surprise. You ... you understand what that ... that means?

Eragon stopped; then, bringing his gaze back to meet hers, answered with a tenderness he'd never before shown.

Of course I do Saphira, and long overdue I might add. But, if you prefer, I can put it to you this way ... I love you Saphira. I always have and I know, without a doubt, that I always will. My heart is, and forever shall be, yours. I love you ... my mate.

Saphira thrummed at his words as a sense of completeness washed over her. At last he accepted her as his mate. For the first time in her life she felt truly complete. Moved by his reply, and his new scent, she thought on his earlier confession, concerning his impending transformation into a dragon. She grinned a toothy grin as a gleam formed in her sapphire eyes; then she began to slowly saunter over to him. So my mate, does this mean I have permission to continue ... courting you?

Eragon considered her question; then, after a few moments, replied. Well I suppose so, but ...

Before he could finish his answer Saphira quickened her advance, stopping just short of him. Grabbing his feet with one of her claws she gently dragged him so that he was lying flat on his back, legs resting just beneath her chest. Then she rested on her haunches and, before he could utter protest, brought her head down to meet his gaze; her sapphire eyes leaving him suddenly captivated. While staring she noticed that his gleamed with a faint amethyst hue, the pupils having assumed a more draconic likeness.

It seems, my mate, your scent is not the only change that's come over you. Your eyes are changing too. They're very becoming, I might add.

Before he could give comment she flicked her tongue, gently brushing it against his lips. Following she breathed in deeply, slowly moving her head down along his neck and torso, all the while letting his scent fill her nostrils. She hummed, a rather distinct sound that Eragon recalled hearing only twice before, her chest vibrating against his lower body as he lay virtually pinned beneath her.

His mind began to swim with new thoughts, hand coming up to stroke over her forehead as his body reacted to her sudden and quite deliberate affections. He swallowed and uttered a shaky whisper.

"Uh, S-Saphira"

Saphira hummed louder, moving her head up to breathe in again. Stopping just beneath his chin, she flicked her tongue in a lecherous lick across his neck. This, of course, elicited an immediate reaction from Eragon causing him to release an involuntary gasp, eyes closing as he tensed, hands dropping to his sides, fingers clenching the earthen floor. His new draconic scent increased and his heart quickened. Saphira continued licking his neck for a few moments more, then, as if in response to his increased scent, growled softly and began to ever-so-gently nibble him in various places: His neck, chin, ears, chest, arms, fingers and legs before lingering over his groin, the brunt of her snout brushing it repeatedly as she scented him.

Eragon lay beneath her at a loss for words, too taken by the moment as the sensations from Saphira's overtures continued wash over him. Following another lick across his neck Eragon drew in a quick breath through his nose as a new wave of pleasure coursed through him, flushing his skin with a warming tingle. As he did he caught his own scent intermixed with a new one coming from Saphira; one that he found strangely appealing, intensifying the thoughts and sensations she was evoking in him. Curious, Eragon forced a comment, speaking with no more than a whisper. "Saphira ... you smell ... different--"

"Oh, oh gods," he paused, whispering as Saphira's tongue slowly trailed along the crook of his neck, sending a shiver down his back.

"Whew. Uh, you smell different all of a sudden. It's quite ... intoxicating. Wh--"

Panting slightly, Eragon licked his lips, swallowed and managed, Wh ... what is it?"

Moving her head back to look at him Saphira replied.

Well, my mate, you smell of a male dragon. Coupled with the knowledge that you are to become one I'm naturally ... engaged ... towards the object of my desire; which, of course, is you.

Eragon took pause then, suddenly coming to his senses - if only for a moment - inquired with a hint of incredulity coloring his thoughts.

Saphira ... what exactly ... are we doing?

With a smile Saphira brought her head back down and, following another lecherous lick across his neck, replied.

_I believe you call it ... foreplay? Of course, while you are still in this form I must be more restrained. If you were already in the form of a dragon I'd be expressing my desire in a more draconic fashion. _

Nibbling his neck she added._ In any case I think you already know what usually follows._

Eragon felt a sudden tightness in his throat as the realization of her intent swept over him. He gulped then with trembling hands cupped her chin and gently moved her head to meet his gaze.

Uh ... S ... Saphira? This isn't exactly what I had in mind when I gave you permission to continue courting me. _Following a pause he added, _At least not so soon. I ... I think it would be best to wait until I've completed the transformation.

Saphira released a soft growl then pulled her head away from his hands and resumed nibbling his neck.

Hmmm, perhaps, my mate; however, your reaction to my affections speak differently. This, of course, begs the question: Would you attempt to stop me if I decided otherwise? After all, I've waited a long time for you.

Eragon's breathing quickened. He lay in silence unable, or unwilling, to give answer to her question. After several moments Saphira hummed louder and then continued. I thought not. I can read your every reaction. You've no doubt developed draconic instincts in addition to your other changes. Do you not desire me as much I desire you?

Eragon remained silent, taking the question as rhetorical as his body continued to react.

Having paused to consider his earlier comment Saphira added with a gentle nod._ Still ... perhaps you're right. It's probably best to wait until your transformation is complete._

Bringing her head back up to look him in the eyes Saphira continued. I've waited this long for you, my mate. I suppose I can wait a little longer. _With a quick wink she added. _

_But make no mistake. I know you in every way save one and I will have you. _

Eragon gulped again while averting her gaze. And with her final thought Saphira flicked her tongue again gently brushing the tips across his lips then turned about and slowly moved off while deliberately and seductively stroking his chest, down across his belly and over his groin with the tip of her tail. Eragon lay on the ground looking into the afternoon sky, dazed by the sudden shower of attention from Saphira. Following several moments he propped himself up and moved to lean back against the boulder. As he watched Saphira settle down and begin cleaning her claws he breathed a sigh, calming in mixture of desire and relief. Shaking his head he smiled and thought.

What have I gotten myself into?