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Eragon's eyelids fluttered to the feel of a warm tickle traveling slowly from the blunt of his snout to the top of his forehead. Roused from a peaceful sleep, he slowly opened them, instantly mouthing a warm smile - a deep, contented rumble accompanying it - as his sleepy gaze focused hazily on a pair of sun sparkled, sapphire eyes staring affectionately into his. His eyes narrowed to lovingly regard his mate as he reached up and gently stroked her face - a most welcome sight to wake to, he thought - with an outstretched fore-paw. Saphira instantly closed her eyes, sighing to the rugged feel of his touch as his paw ran tenderly along the side of her face. Eragon lifted his head and followed the caress with a stroke of his tongue, eliciting a smile, and approving rumble, from the satisfied dragoness. His tongue began at the blunt of her snout, traveling slowly up along her forehead. The sound it made as it snaked up was soft and rasp-like, similar to the one his hands had made while rubbing her wings during the select few times she'd allowed him (while human) to assist in grooming her. He chirred softly, smiling wider, the sound of soft rasping along with the taste of her on his tongue making the moment with her all the more a delightful reality.

Holding the smile, he finished and relaxed, laying his head back down while leaving his foreleg draped lazily over her neck. He closed his eyes, slowly sliding his head along the warm, stony surface so that the underside of his lower jaw and neck were exposed. Then he went still and let loose a rush of air through his nostrils, finishing with a terse snort, in preparation to go back to sleep. He wanted to enjoy the feel of his mate lying close to him, and bask in the warmth of the mid-morning sun that shone brightly down on them; if only for a little while longer. Soon both of them would have to rise and take flight. He knew deep down that today marked an end to their period alone together, at least for a time. With his transformation and their mating complete there was no further reason to delay. By now the Talita had sailed half way along the Pree and it would take them at least a day to catch up to it. He estimated that if they left at sunset, and flew through the night, they'd arrive at the elven ship by morning. Neither received word from Glaedr or Umaroth since Saphira had contacted them a few days ago, but Eragon knew they'd be expected soon. They'd already stayed longer than she'd told them they would and he suspected many questions awaited him from the elves, who were likely to be eager for answers. Inwardly he hoped that Glaedr or Umaroth had already answered most of their questions, if not all.

Saphira, on the other hand, was not interested in sleep. Instead she wanted to remain awake, taking in as much of this rare moment between them as she could. Lying comfortably with one of her hind legs draped over his left hindquarter, she fixed her gaze and studied with loving interest the delicate, interlocking mesh of sapphire scales covering the underside of his lower jaw. Her neck arched up, head swiveling to look over the two of them lying together. Their bodies stretched comfortably over the sunlit plateau, contrasting its grey-white surface with a tangled splotch of sparkling amethyst and sapphire. Her gaze paused on Eragon's wing lovingly draped over her body then moved to regard their tails still twined together, finally coming back to his wing to watch its slow rise and fall from his flank moving beneath it as he breathed. As she watched Eragon drew a deep breath, instantly warming the skin beneath her scales from the soft heat of his belly as it rasped lightly against hers. Saphira looked back to his head and, snuggling closer to press her chest and belly against his, gurgled contentedly. Before she knew it she found herself stroking her tongue repeatedly along the underside of his lower jaw, which lay so invitingly within her reach. Although Saphira had always held the deepest affection for him, she'd never before been overly indulgent in expressing it; rarely going beyond an occasional lick across his cheek, or press of her snout against his chest or forehead. She'd been less inclined since his transformation, thinking anything more to be too inane and exorbitant of a dragon; especially a wild one. Knowing this about her, Eragon hadn't really expected another stroke (let alone several more) so soon after the one that'd woken him. His eyes snapped opened in pleasant surprise the moment he felt her tongue come into contact with the sensitive scales covering the underside of his lower jaw; however, drooped again soon after, finally closing as he relaxed into the warm, soothing feel of her raspy tongue slowly trailing down his neck, which twitched in an occasional tingle. The wing he'd draped over her flexed to pull her tighter against him. After which he released a deep, rumbling sigh as Saphira continued to openly express her enamoring affection towards him. While making another pass, Saphira became somewhat self-conscious that she was being just a little too expressive, but found herself resisting the notion that had so rudely encroached upon her. It wasn't customary among dragons to regard another in this way, let alone lie together as intimately as they were. Even between mates. In fact, the concept alone was completely foreign, a behavior found nowhere within the instincts and memories deeply rooted though generations of draconic ancestry. Thus, it was any wonder her efforts to dismiss it as trivial were proving difficult. It was anything but trivial. Neither she nor Fírnen regarded the other in this way, even after their mating. Nor did either expect it from the other. Eragon, on the other hand, seemed to have no problem with giving or receiving affection so openly and excessively. One among several oddities she found perplexing about him. He was a dragon in every sense of the word, possessing the same instincts and ancestral memories as she, including the specifics of draconic customs. He even possessed the same fiery nature one would expect of a wild dragon, a fact he'd proven once and for all when he'd taken her. But the similarities ended there. He'd retained his humanity to such a degree that she'd concluded a fierce inner battle was sure to follow. A battle setting his draconic and human sides at odds with each other until only one remained the victor, the weaker of the two ultimately suppressed to such a point as to be rendered non-existent. In short, she'd expected his feral, draconic side to win over, suppressing his human sensibilities completely. But it didn't happen that way. Instead, a certain harmony had formed between them somehow, leaving him free to think and choose differently than another dragon would. His chosen manner of courtship was among the starkest of differences still fresh in her mind. But the ability to express such freedom would have been considered impossible for any other. It defied their nature, one passed down from generation to generation over eons. A nature by virtue of his transformation he'd inherited in full. And yet here, lying next to her, was a living contradiction to everything her feral nature told her was true, making it all the more a nagging mystery.

Then again, whether he'd intended to or not, his manner of courtship had left a lasting impression on her; another mystery that defied her instincts. The impression was emphasized by a soft growl as Saphira responded to a tingle that flashed over her lower belly; an echo from the memory of his tongue as it trailed sinuously over her body during the giving of his, 'gift'. Aye, as odd as the notion was, it seemed he'd somehow given her the best of both worlds, moving her in a way she would've never thought possible. He'd shown her the subtle pleasures of human intimacy while at the same time maintaining the fiery gruffness of draconic courtship, introducing new and compelling possibilities she'd never before considered. She couldn't help but be changed by it. The way he'd made her feel was unlike anything she'd experienced, or would expect to experience, from another male dragon. Indeed, she would never again doubt the strength of his love for her, nor question his ability to prove it. As a result, she remained compelled to return as much as he'd given her, if not more. The moment she'd woken, earlier that morning, and rolled over to watch him sleep, she'd resolved from then on to adopt his manner and frequency with which to show her affection. And at that, she quelled her self-consciousness, breathing a pleasant sigh as she relaxed and gently nibbled his jawbone, causing Eragon's left hind leg to jerk and spasm in response to the sudden tickle. He then relaxed and let loose an approving rumble, evidence of his clear enjoyment to the warm attention he was receiving from his loving mate.

Saphira chuckled inwardly at the irony of the moment as she moved to make another slow, sinuous pass down his neck. She'd never really known her dam, but knew enough from her name and description that she would have most certainly scoffed at such a display. Like her dam, Saphira was now a wild dragon, and with it came a certain expectation to behave as such. Nay, in this moment Saphira was anything but her dam's daughter. Then again; however, her dam had never known a mate like Eragon. Saphira paused at the thought, as if it were some new and startling revelation. There was - nor would ever be, she suspected - no other like Eragon, making him a rather exclusive member to the draconic race. He was a rare treasure indeed.

_And he's all mine. _

She growled approvingly to herself, before resuming. Smiling at the thought, she confirmed it to herself by sending a shudder through him with a rake of her teeth in another gentle nibble along his lower jaw bone. Her smile widened at the color of his thoughts that stirred moments after, rushing from him to her over their connection. He emphasized them by twining his tail tighter around hers, and wrapping his hind legs around her hindquarters so as to pull their lower bellies closer together. Then he went limp, as if powerless, melting beneath her touch. Aye. He was undeniably and exclusively hers. She continued with several more passes of her tongue, each traveling just a little lower down the underside of his neck, while Eragon remained still and quiet, surrendering himself completely to the feel of his mate pressed so close to his body as she lavished him with loving attention. Eventually she sated her compulsion and laid her head down, next to his, then curled her neck so that her forehead pressed into the underside of his jaw. Eragon rumbled softly at the contact, following with a rub as he pressed his lower jaw into her forehead and wrapped her with his forelegs, pulling her closer against him in a full-bodied embrace. He followed with another long, deep rumble that seemed to shake the very stone beneath them. No words passed between them as they lay quietly together. Only the warm thoughts and feelings of love and affection each held for the other were exchanged as they turned attention to the waning moments of their mating during the night. Both agreed that it'd been beyond anything they could have hoped for. A feeling of oneness surpassing anything either of them had ever experienced since their initial bonding, months ago. It was an impossibility that'd been proven to the contrary: Only now did both truly know the other in every way. Only now did both feel truly complete, truly one. There came a moment when Eragon's smile faded, eyelids clenching tighter as his expression changed from one of utter bliss to that of solemn regard. His heart swelled with a mixture of gratitude, love and humility. Inwardly he marveled that Saphira had chosen him, or that fate had saw fit to show him immense favor by giving him a mate beyond any he would have dared to hope for, or would have considered himself worthy of. By the time his train of thought had finished his smile had returned, albeit much wider, and his expression had relaxed back to one of utter bliss. Aye. He was without a doubt happier than he'd ever been.

Saphira, my mate-

_Mmmm. How I love the sound of that. _

He offered, rubbing his lower jaw against her forehead.

_I love you so much. _

To this he emphasized by pulling her tighter into him, and then added.

If we'd remained I would be the happiest dragon in all of Alagaësia. I've no words to describe the love and gratitude I hold in the knowledge that you're mine at last, or in the knowledge that I am yours. I will love you always, until the end of time.

Saphira said nothing, his words suddenly choking her mental voice. Instead she offered a soft rub of her forehead against his jaw and wrapped him with her fore and hind legs so that both held the other in a full-bodied embrace. A moment later she began to croon softly the song all too familiar to him. He joined in a moment later. Both lay wrapped in each other's embrace, softly crooning, while Eragon simultaneously continued to ponder his immense fortune. In retrospect, he wondered why he ever allowed doubt to take hold of him after leaving Hedarth. Moreover, reserving only the slightest twinge of sorrow for the elven queen, he wondered how he could have ever thought Arya was the one for him. Contrary to what he'd promised, following the sharing of their true names, his feelings for Arya had changed. Or perhaps it was that the feelings he'd held for her were never truly real in the first place. In this moment, holding her so close, he couldn't imagine ever loving anyone but Saphira. He felt as if he'd always loved her in this way. Aye, Ar'Din had been right. Eragon had truly gained the one love his heart desired above all. Accompanying the memory was a new thought, a question, one that left him wondering if his dragon heart, created by Ar'Din, was really the source enabling him to love Saphira as his mate. Ar'Din had told him this was so, but since then it'd never occurred to Eragon that perhaps it wasn't. Perhaps Ar'Din had simply told the stubborn ex-Rider what he'd needed to hear all along; to draw forth the love for her that'd always been within him, eagerly awaiting the chance to emerge. His only lingering regret was that he'd not seen sooner what had, all along, been right in front of him. Still, in the end, it mattered not how he'd come to love her in this way. All that he needed to know was that he loved her, that she was truly his now. The one he would call his mate for all eternity. A fanged grin, warm and loving - matched only by that which swelled in his heart - crept broad across his face as he let the pleasant thought linger. With a soft smack of his chops, he flicked his tongue over the blunt of his snout then pressed into Saphira's forehead, rubbing his lower jaw against it as another deep rumble vibrated his chest. Aye, he couldn't be happier. And he would leave this place with no regrets. Only with the one he loved. In this moment his future with her seemed brighter than ever. He remained still for a time, basking in the feel of her pressed so close to him. Then, sliding his head back, he placed a fore-paw beneath her chin and lifted her head so that he could look at her, pausing to study with loving interest the features of her face, and her captivating eyes, before offering.

_Have I ever told you how beautiful you are, Saphira? _

He asked while gently running his fore-paw across her cheek, down the side of her neck. Saphira didn't rush her reply. Instead she lulled answer to the question, pretending it a strain for her to remember, while she reached up and traced a single claw down his neck, watching it ripple over his sapphire scales. Eragon's hind leg jerked again as he shuddered, leaning into her gentle touch. Saphira's gaze moved back to his face to find his eyes were closed, a pleasant grin adorning it. She gently rapped him on the snout with the same claw she'd trailed down his neck, abruptly pulling him from his blissful stupor.

Mmmm. Perhaps once or twice, she finally began, though it seems so long ago since you last spoke such sweet words to me. Of course -

She paused, swiveling her head away from him, as though affronted by meaningless words, flattery.

You say it now, but when I'm round and weighty with the eggs of our unhatched younglings you'll likely think me homely and burdensome. What then will you say to me?

Eragon's eye's widened, his thoughts frozen momentarily at her words. Slowly he reached up, put his paw on her cheek and gently swiveled her head down so he could look her in the face. He motioned his head to speak, but the tightness that'd formed in his stomach distracted him, choking his mental voice.

_Are ... are you? _

He finally managed, hesitantly, nay louder than a whisper that even the soft breeze swirling about the summits threatened to drown out. Saphira suppressed a chuckle that'd threated in response to the look on his face. Then she pressed into his paw, rubbing her cheek against the sand-papery texture of its rugged pads, following with a quick brush on the blunt of his snout with her tongue. Before offering reply, Saphira noticed her stomach tighten, as though from a sudden, nervous anticipation.

We'll-

She began, but uncertainty caught her words. It was unnerving, to say the least, that she'd stumble over a seemingly simple statement. She gathered herself, releasing a sigh, and tried again.

_We'll know for sure in about a week or so. By that time the eggs should be developed enough to notice. _

She said, looking intently at him, eyes tinged with a kind of desperation, as if eagerly searching his for a specific response. Even a dragoness, fierce and short tempered as she, was susceptible to that certain kind of sensitivity towards their mate that often accompanied expectant dams. If she was it would be her first clutch, making Saphira all the more sensitive to Eragon's reaction. Inwardly she desperately wanted him to be pleased with the prospect, pleased in the knowledge that she his mate would be the one to bare them. Eragon remained silent, his expression solemn, eyes searching hers in return. His stomach flinched tighter. This was really happening, he thought. Here before him was the very real possibility that he was going to be ...

A father?

Aye. And not just any father. Nay. He would be the sire to hail a return of the wild dragons. If she was, theirs would be the first among wild dragons to re-emerge in the world. It seemed fitting, but he found himself filled with a kind of nervous joy, mixed with a good measure of humility. Eragon drew a slow, deep breath, held it for only a moment then released it, just as slow. The tightness in his stomach relaxed, somewhat, as he exhaled; while the broadest of dragon smiles - accompanied by a pair of gleaming, amethyst eyes - slowly adorned his face.

That's easy.

He began, softly.

I'd say the same thing to you, my mate ... every word. You could be as big a round as a castle and I would still think you as beautiful as you are now, the fairest of all dragons. You could be so burdened with eggs, unable to fly, and I would carry you upon my back ... to the ends of the known world, if required of me. You've already made me the happiest dragon in the land. If you've become gravid it will only add to my joy.

Saphira stared back at him, eyes blinking rapidly as if preparing to release, not one, but a flood of tears. Her lower jaw quivered, creating a soft chatter as a short, quick breath drew through her nostrils. With a terse snort, she rolled her head to shake the impending effect of her sudden flare of joy, and relief. It was silly, she thought, that he'd become increasingly adept, of late, at moving her so. It was almost trying. Nay. She was reluctant to let more escape her. It was still a mystery that she'd managed them at all (dragons weren't known to shed tears). Even so, it'd apparently happened once already, and that was enough, she asserted to herself. Still, it pleased her beyond words that he approved. She looked back into his eyes, pausing to warmly regard them before tentatively reaching up with one of her paws, stopping halfway with talons clenched in uncertainty. She sighed softly to reassure herself then followed through, opening them to press the pads of her paw against his face.

And you my mate have just made me the happiest of dragonesses. I love you and know that you will make a fine sire.

Eragon offered no reply. Instead he remained quiet, letting his eyelids droop slightly, as if from a sudden onset of drowsiness, while he stared back, lingering over her words. Then he reached up and placed one of his fore-paws atop hers, gently holding it against his face. He exhaled softly, relishing in the feel of her leathery pads as he tenderly rubbed his cheek back and forth against them; then, letting loose a soft rumble of satisfaction, rotated his head so that the blunt of his snout lay pressed against the center of her fore-paw. Slowly he blinked, opening his eyes only halfway, and then moved his gaze from hers to focus on her paw, studying, with loving detail, its talons covered in tiny sapphire scales and the shiny, slightly curved claws protruding from the tip of each. Seeing them anew through his draconic eyes, he found them quite lovely. Slowly and gently he brushed his snout from side to side, again relishing in the feel as it rasped softly against the underside of her fore-paw. His expression remained placid, while his nostrils quivered in the softest of whiffs as he eagerly sampled the mixture of wild scents imbuing her pads. They smelled of her, along with faint traces of deer flesh, soil, field grasses and stone. It was her enamoring scent; however, that he found intoxicating, and so ignored the rest. Afterwards he slid his head back just enough to flick out his tongue, stroking it tenderly over the pads of her paw several times; then, closing his eyes, brought it back to his scaled cheek and held it there, chirring softly. While watching him, Saphira had cocked her head, eyes glazed, utterly mesmerized by his profound reaction to a seemingly simple gesture. An odd mixture of thought and feeling stirred within her. Apparently he was still proving quite adept at surprising her. It was the tenderest of gestures he'd shown her so far, but again his mannerisms were so uncharacteristic of a feral dragon. It was uncanny, yet poignant. Noticing that she'd been holding her breath, she let loose a rush of air then, fighting back another threat of tears, followed with a roll of her head. Eragon opened his eyes, roused from his blissful stupor by her sudden movement, and looked at her to find that she'd lain her head back down, looking at him with a slightly quizzical expression.

_What? _

He asked, releasing her paw. Saphira shook her head, as if from a lingering disbelief to his uncanny display, and then motioned to offer answer to the innocent query. She paused; averting her gaze as if to reconsider then looked back into his expectant eyes and, forcing a faint smile, sighed.

Never mind, it's nothing.

She said, curling her neck to press her forehead against the underside of his lower jaw. Eragon remained quiet and still, wondering what she'd wanted to say, but decided not to press the matter. Instead he offered her a gentle rub of his lower jaw, wrapping her again with his forelegs as he closed his eyes. They still had the remainder of the day to sleep together and he would relish in that, rather than question her cryptic response. He yawned, snuggled closer to her and fell asleep soon after. Saphira remained awake as he drifted off to sleep, listening to his breathing as it slowed. She smiled thoughtfully at his occasional snores then closed her eyes, snuggled closer to him and fell asleep in his embrace.

---

Saphira stood and stretched, releasing a contended rumble as the stiffness in her muscles relaxed. She yawned then searched the plateau to find Eragon sitting calmly near the edge, eyes distant, overlooking the valley where they'd spent the last few days together, its landscape blanketed in the soft orange light of the sun as it edged closer towards the horizon. He remembered, with a certain fondness, how their brief time together had started, from the moment he'd left the Talita in search of her to now. He'd left alone, in the form of an elf, unsure of whether he'd find her or if he'd be returning at all. And now, after what'd seemed the briefest of periods, he would return a dragon, reunited with the love he'd gone searching for. He looked down and lightly raked the claws of his left fore-paw across the stony surface, marveling over everything that'd happened in such a short time. Under different circumstances they might have called this place home, but nay, home was still ahead of them, across the eastern sea. He knew it was time to continue their journey in search of it. Saphira came up and sat next to him, nudging him from his thoughts with a peck of her tongue on his cheek. He turned his head to look at her then smiled and pulled her close with his wing.

In a way I'm going to miss this place. He began, swiveling his head to look back over the valley. After all, it was here that I found you again-

He paused to turn his head and nuzzle her, growling affectionately.

And made you mine.

Saphira looked over the valley, briefly considering reply to his words then swiveled it back to look at him.

Aye, that's true.

She began, while nibbling on his neck.

But don't forget, it was you who sent me away in the first place. I consider your search for me, and last night, as only part of your recompense. Don't think for second that I'm finished with you.

She teased, emphasizing her point by arching her tail around his haunches to brush its tip lightly across his lower belly. She finished off with a nip along his shoulder, which sent a shudder up it and down along his back. Eragon growled affectionately in reply and arched his tail around her haunches, returning the gesture in like fashion.

_I wouldn't have it any other way. _

He added, finishing off with a playful nip to her shoulder. Saphira leaned into him, resting her head against his, while Eragon wrapped his tail around hers and pulled her tighter against him. Both remained as they were, quietly overlooking the valley until the sun set just above the distant tree tops. Together they slowly stood and, tails still entwined, walked to the edge of the plateau that overlooked the opposite valley which was planked with long, jagged shadows cast by the mountains as the sun dipped lower behind them. Both stood at the edge then looked at the other, nodding in agreement that it was time. Eragon released her tail, allowing Saphira to step away from him as she prepared to turn and leap from the edge. Before she did, Eragon remembered the ring and tear-shaped jewels he'd set aside the night before.

Wait!

He said, wrapping his tail around one of her hind legs.

The ring and jewels. I need to get them before we leave.

Saphira paused to cock her head in question, but then remembered them from the previous night and so nodded her head in acknowledgment. Eragon released her leg then turned and slowly walked towards the spot where he'd left them. Drawing closer, he noticed something was different, it was enough to stop him, left fore-paw dangling mid-step, as he paused to sniff the air (an instinctual response to new or unexpected changes in his surroundings). When he reached them he stopped and stood for a moment, regarding them with a quizzical expression before smiling. He realized what had happened. He'd made the same discovery as he'd done two nights ago. There before him were two rings, one containing two jewels of glowing sapphire, and the other containing a single jewel of glowing amethyst. Rearing on his haunches, he reached down, clasped the sapphire-jeweled ring with his right fore-paw and placed it back on the middle-left talon of his left fore-paw. He paused to look down at the remaining ring with a slight cock of his head, captivated by its soft, amethyst glow; then, glancing between it and the one on his paw, smiled thoughtfully. With a terse nod, affirming the idea that'd come to him, he lowered his head and took the ring gently within his mouth, turned about, and walked slowly back to Saphira, who was waiting expectantly for him. Reaching her, he sat and carefully spat the ring into an open paw and held it up for both to see. Saphira looked down to see what he was holding, cocking her head in question as she drew closer to sniff at it. She then drew her head back with a sudden snort of recognition.

Is that-

She began, before Eragon interrupted her.

_Aye. It is the same ... well, with a slight difference. _

He said, amused by the look of innocent wonder on her face. She looked at him, eyes full of question.

Wasn't it? ... Did you?

Eragon chuckled.

Aye, it was. And no, I didn't.

He turned his gaze aside, thoughtfully considering an explanation then, nodding his head, reared on his haunches and offered.

It's better that I not try to explain. I don't fully understand it myself. For now I think it's sufficient to say that it is, what I believe to be, a gift from a certain onyx dragon.

Looking back to her, Eragon bent down and reached for her left foreleg, gently pulling it to encourage her to rear up and face him in like fashion. Saphira paused to look down at his outstretched fore-paw clasped around her foreleg, hesitant to give in to its pull, but relaxed and soon found herself reared on her haunches to face him. She looked at him, nostrils flaring with soft, shaky breaths, as Eragon slid the ring over the middle-left talon of her left paw. Afterwards, he dipped his head to gently stroke his tongue across the back of her paw then slowly brought it up and looked into her eyes, for the briefest of moments, before averting his gaze in thought of what he should say to her. He found this moment special above all, and as such, wanted his words to be meaningful, above all he'd offered before. But, as he looked at the ring he'd placed on her paw, tenderly rubbing the back of it with an opposable talon, words escaped him. While searching his thoughts a sudden inspiration, like a raging brush fire, swept through him. Nay, it was likened more to a sudden, urgent need, as if something were telling him this moment would be his only chance. His chest suddenly warmed, burning with a soft, pining fire that actually pained him, riddling his face with a grimace as he looked back into her eyes. For reasons unknown to him he needed to tell her the words that'd come to him. She needed to hear them, to know that he would never leave her alone, that he would always love her and protect her from harm ... with his very life if need be. He drew a deep breath, jaw quivering with the intensity of his need, and then exhaled slow and shaky.

Saphira, I-

Eragon blinked, casting his gaze back to her paw while snorting softly in irritation that he'd stumble over his own words, important as he felt them to say. He shook his head then drew another deep breath, exhaling as he looked back into her eyes.

_Saphira. I ... this- _

Eragon sighed in frustration. He paused then, letting loose a shaky rush of air, settled his whirring thoughts and tried again.

_Saphira, this ring symbolizes my unending love for you. It glows as the fire within me burns for you ... now and forever. If we are ever separated you need only look at it and remember that, just as I'd come in search for you in the hollow, I will never again leave you alone or in despair. As long as the fire burns within me, as long as I draw breath, I will always come to you, always love you and always protect you ... with my very life, if required of me. We will always be together ... never apart ... no matter what happens. _

Without need of further inspiration, Eragon's brow furrowed as he looked down at the ring, thinking back to the moment he'd shed the tear-shaped jewel within it.

I can't tell you how it happened, but I can tell you that the tear glowing within this ring was shed because you offered me your love and understanding in a moment when I didn't consider myself worthy of it. I promise you that I will spend the rest of my life proving to you that worthiness-

Eragon paused to look back into her eyes, his brow furrowed, eyes steeled with a certain confidence and humility.

-- the worthiness to be called your mate.

Saphira looked at him, her gaze soft and distant. There it was again, that certain un-canniness about him that both moved and perplexed her, cut with a certain, inexplicable urgency in the way he'd spoken. With a terse snort she shook her head and looked down at her paw lying gently within his, compelled to offer a reply but not knowing what to say. After what seemed the longest of silences she looked back into his expectant eyes, let loose a soft sigh and smiled, managing only a simple reply.

You already have, Eragon.

Eragon was silent, nodding his head while closing his eyes in humble acknowledgment to her reply. Afterwards he dipped his head to gently stroke his tongue across the back of her paw once more before looking back to her. Forcing a smile, he gestured his head towards the distant horizon.

Well then. Shall we go, my mate?

Saphira looked to the horizon, then back to him, and nodded.

Aye. I think it's time we did.

Eragon released his grip, allowing Saphira to step away and flare her wings in readiness. With a sudden smile she turned to face the edge and, crouching slightly, leapt from it and let loose a spirited roar, instantly spiraling higher into the sky before dipping to level off as she banked east. Eragon shook his head, chuckling to himself at the sight of her antics, and then spread his wings in preparation to leap from the edge of the plateau in pursuit of her. He turned his head round to look back at the valley on the opposite side of the mountains one last time, deciding that perhaps they'd visit again one day. Turning back, he prepared to leap from the edge but froze mid-way as a sudden dizziness came over him. His mind clouded over and his face went blank, expressionless. Disoriented, he faltered, stumbling backwards and dropping to his haunches. His wings fell splayed and limp at his sides. His pupils constricted to paper-thin slits as a vision rushed in like a flood, filling him with a mixture of rage, fear, powerlessness and desperation. He felt, thought, heard and experienced everything with vivid detail. He could do nothing to stop the onslaught that seized him, mercilessly invading his mind with a torrent of fractured thought, and the flashes of disturbing scenes that served only to give him bits and pieces of a much larger horror.

_DARK! COLD! TRASHING ... A BATTLE! _

I'M FALLING! CAN'T BREATH ... CAN'T ... BREATH ... CAN'T ... MOVE! WHERE? ... WHERE IS SAPHRIA? WHERE IS ...

SAPHIRA? SAPHIRA, NO!! NOOO!!

Above him the sky appeared strange, shifting and swirling as if it were a blanket of living glass. Below him lay a dark imposing chasm, flecked with what appeared to be a multi-colored collection of dimly lit stars that were fading from his view as the darkness swallowed them. He was falling into the chasm wrong side up, thrashing and flailing in a desperate struggle to right himself. Through the corner of his eye he saw a clip, a flash of sapphire and the fading glint of a tiny amethyst light. He tried to turn towards it, reach for it, call out to it but he could make no sound, nor could he pursue. Both disappeared a moment later into the darkness. A violent ruckus ensued amidst what seemed like slanted planks giving off a faint yet hazy glow, cut with fleeting shadows that amassed around him. He tried to flap his wings in attempt to right himself but they were sluggish, unresponsive, useless. He felt constriction around his limbs, his neck, his belly, his chest ... tightening as if intent to squeeze the very life from him. He was falling faster now. His chest tightened, burned. Again he struggled, but his strength waned. His movements became sluggish and weak. He felt himself drifting farther and farther away, while the burning and pressure in his chest intensified. All about him it grew darker ... darker ... and darker until all went black.

Can't ... breathe ... Can't-

Nearing blackout, Eragon collapsed onto the stony surface. His mind clearing, he became vaguely aware that he was now back atop the plateau and that he'd stopped breathing. With a gasp he exhaled and quickly drew in a breath of air, making a cough-like noise as he did. Afterwards he lay weakened, sprawled and still, eyes closed, head hung low, panting heavily as he fought to recover. The vision had left him as quickly as it'd come, but he knew its effect would remain with him for much longer. He was somehow aware that it'd been a foreshadowing given him through Saphira's gift. And, as with his previous, he feared it was inevitable. But it was far more real, far more vivid than his last. He wasn't even sure which disturbed him more. That he'd seen it or the physical effects he'd suffered because of it. Realizing that he'd not been following her, Saphira turned about and flew back, alighting on the plateau only moments later. She found him with his eyes closed, motionless, save for his heavy panting, clearly shaken by some unknown disturbance. She quickly approached and, reaching him, nuzzled his cheek with her snout and asked.

What happened!? Are you alright!?

Not wanting her to see the horrid images still fresh in his mind, Eragon barred his thoughts then gathered himself, slowly opened his eyes and looked at her, face riddled with concern.

I ... I think a storm is coming.

He managed, unable to offer more than a faint whisper. Saphira paused and cocked her head before turning it to pan the eastern horizon, stretching her gaze as far as it would reach. It was as clear as the twilit sky above them, leaving her to look back to him, shaking her head with a quizzical expression. Eragon drew his forepaws tight against his chest and looked down, letting loose a pining whimper. Though he desperately wished it, he'd not been speaking of unfavorable weather. Gone were the feelings of warmth and affection he'd felt while lying with her, earlier that day. Instead, he was filled with a cold sting of impending dread. He slowly extended his ringed paw before him and watched, with wistful eyes, the jewels within it pulse in a brilliant, sapphire glow as the words of Ar'Din echoed forth from his memory. He knew then that the time to protect her was fast approaching, but faltered at the horrid detail of his vision. He trembled, shivering with the sudden fear that he'd fail her again, at a moment when she would need him most.

---

_Tell me again. How is that I let you convince me to come here? _

Murtagh sighed while trying to warm his hands over a pile of heated, dimly glowing stones set in a shallow, circular pit dug in the sand. His mental voice was strained and barbed from having endured the last several days surrounded by the hot, windswept sands of the Hadarac Desert. Thorn, who was lying on the opposite side of the pit, lifted his head from his paws and, before replying, glanced over the sandstone walls towering on either side of them, accented by the dull, red--orange glow from the stones alit in Murtagh's make-shift fire pit. His heart swelled with a sense of awe as his gaze edged up, beyond the entrance they'd made their camp in, along the narrow canyon wedged between a magnificent cluster of smooth-faced mountains known by his race as Du Fells Nángoröth; their imposing form showing as darkened silhouettes against the star-lit sky. Looking back to his Rider, an expression of pride and satisfaction on his face, he replied.

I have only broken memories of this place. Now that we're free I wanted to see if for myself, to walk and fly among the very mountains my race once called home. I wanted to witness first-hand a piece of my ancestry.

Murtagh rolled back from his squatting position to sit in the sand, next to the warm pit; then, lifting his arms in gesture to the sandstone walls on either side of their encampment, replied with an almost mocking tone.

Well, here you have it my friend. A large rock in the middle of the dessert and-

Reaching down, Murtagh removed one of his boots then inverted it and gestured to the thick stream of sand that spewed from its mouth.

-and nothing but an endless stretch of sand in every direction as far as the eye can see.

Thorn's upper lip curled in a snarl as he swiveled his head to look away from his Rider.

_I wouldn't expect you to think it as important as I do. _

Resting his head back upon his outstretched paws, he added.

Despite its clear discomfort to you I'm still glad we came. Instead of grumbling about it, you could try thanking me. Since coming here we've not had to worry about the risk of being seen, or caught, by any of Nasuada's roving patrols. Unlike our last location ... which I believe you suggested?

Sighing in agreement, Murtagh replied.

Aye. I suppose you have a point there.

Sliding his boot back on, he smiled, thoughtfully.

She is determined, isn't she?

Then he looked back to Thorn, rested his forearms atop his knees and added.

I should have known that she would have commissioned patrols to search the Spine for rouge magicians, or Galbatorix's surviving followers taken to hiding in it.

A long silence followed. During it, Murtagh looked down to the dimly lit stones in front of him and let his thoughts wander over what might have been ... had circumstances been different.

Why didn't you tell her how you feel before we left?

Murtagh's gaze snapped up in irritation only to be met by Thorn's ruby-red eyes, glimmering with a softness that expressed genuine concern for his Rider's emotional well-being. Murtagh's expression instantly softened as he looked back to the glowing stones. Then he shook his head and let loose a soft rush of air through his nose in a plaintive sigh.

_I couldn't. _

He began, following with a shrug of his shoulders.

Humph, not then ... maybe never. There's just too much going on right now. It's going to be quite some time before life has settled into any resemblance of normalcy in Alagaësia. Until then there'd be no chance between us.

Thorn ruffled his wings then turned attention to grooming his paws.

I still think you should have told her, at least she would know. Perhaps she'd wait if she knew.

Eyes still fixed on the glowing stones, Murtagh's lips pressed into a frown as he nodded.

_Mmmm, perhaps. _

Drawing a quick breath, Murtagh shook his head to rid himself of the thought then rose to get Thorn's saddle bags, which he'd set back away from the makeshift pit. While turning to walk off, he gestured to the dimming stones and asked.

Would you mind stoking them?

Thorn focused his gaze on Murtagh while he let his tongue finish trailing down his left fore-paw. Then he offered a curt nod in reply. As Murtagh walked off he heard the thundering rush of fire, and watched the bright flash, from behind him, cast his shadow across the narrow, sand strewn canyon that stretched ahead of him. By the time he returned, saddle bags in hand, the stones were glowing white-hot, giving off a warming heat. Thorn was just curling his head beneath one of his wings and settling down to sleep for the night. Murtagh dropped the saddled bags on the ground, near the warming pit of stones, and lay down to rest the back of his head atop them. He looked up and quietly watched the glimmering stars, thinking it best that they depart in the morning. But where from here would they go?

We could join them, you know.

Thorn interrupted. Murtagh huffed in mild amusement, wriggled his torso to get more comfortable, and then closed his eyes.

Stop prying.

A moment later he felt Thorn brush sleepily across his mind.

It was just a suggestion-

Then he trailed off as sleep took him.

-unless you have a better idea.

Murtagh listened as Thorn's breathing slowed to the gentle rhythm of sleep. Though he didn't necessarily want to admit it, he knew Thorn had made a fair point. After all, what was really left for them in Alagaësia? Perhaps joining Eragon and Saphira on their journey wasn't such a bad idea. Leaving Alagaësia behind could offer them a better chance to escape, once and for all, the ever-present threat of being caught by either Galbatorix's surviving followers, or Nasuada's persistent patrols, giving him and Thorn a real chance to start over.

Maybe.

Murtagh told himself, thinking it best to wait for another time to make any kind of final decision. Afterwards he sighed again then relaxed and let his breathing slow as he drifted off to sleep.

---

Darkness!

Murtagh opened his eyes to find himself standing amidst a pitch-black darkness, surrounded by what seemed to be a thick, acrid smoke - rank with the stench of death and suffering - that burned his eyes and his nose as he breathed. Coughing, eyes squinted, he reached up in effort to feel for anything in front or to the sides of him, but felt nothing. He turned about with a start as the sound of a sharp, anguished roar pitched and then waned into an eerie silence. Taking a tentative step forward, he reached out again, and again found nothing but a dark void around him, save the smoke lingering like a bad omen. His head turned at the sound of another sharp roar off to his right, then another off to his left, both pitching loudly then waning to an eerie yowl that echoed all around him, standing the hairs of his neck on end.

"Who's there? Show yourself?"

He said, taking several more tentative steps forward. Silence was his only reply. Onward he continued, panning his arms to the front and sides as he walked, with slow, tentative steps, through the void. After what seemed an eternity of silence, a sharp, menacing growl echoed from every direction. He stopped, feeling the smoke lingering about him shift and swirl as if suddenly stirred by some invisible force. Without warning Murtagh was cast in a brilliant, sapphire glow that shown from behind him. He instantly spun around to find a pair of large, sapphire eyes staring down at him; their glare menacing amidst the haze of smoke lingering heavy in the air. A brief silence followed, allowing Murtagh a moment to focus his eyes and regard the glowing orbs with an air caution.

Son of Morzan-

boomed the voice of Ar'Din from the darkness surrounding Murtagh; so loud that he flinched in surprise, kneeling while fighting the urge to cover his ears.

The day of reckoning has found you, and I have come to take an account of your misdeeds against the dragon race.

Murtagh paused to gather himself then coughed, looked up and slowly stood, fists clenched at his sides. Squinting, he set his jaw, tilted his head back slightly, so as to raise his chin in a defiant gesture, and replied with a voice reeking indignation at the preposterous claim.

"I've already given many accounts, to some for the deeds I have committed, to others for simply being the accursed son of a traitor. In all I know of none owed to the dragon race."

Murtagh brought the back of a hand to his mouth to stifle another cough, and then challenged.

"Who are you to make such a claim?"

A low growl followed Murtagh's question, and then Ar'Din countered.

I am the bringer of your punishment, Son of Morzan. You stand in judgment as a willing aide to the egg-breaker king in the suffering and exploit of Eldunara and dragon alike, a grave trespass against the dragon race. You have but one opportunity to give an account. But I warn you, choose your words wisely.

Murtagh's posture stiffened. With narrowed eyes he began to pace slowly, all the while his piercing glare maintaining contact with the glowing orbs. He scoffed, his indignation mixed with disbelief.

"Account? Hah! Punishment? A meaningless threat! Again I ask: Who you are to make such a claim?"

_This is your account? - _

Ar'Din growled in question

_-A reckless denial to the grievousness of your trespass? _

"Denial? Of course I deny it!"

Murtagh began, waving an arm out in dismissal as he turned away.

"Bah! I'll not own account to actions committed during my forced servitude to Galbatorix."

Turning back to face the glowing orbs, Murtagh added, his reply crestfallen, yet defiant and contemptible before his accuser.

"I took no pleasure in any of it and I'll not stand here and have one such as you, who hides cloaked in smoke and darkness, tell me of punishment! I had no choice, bound by unbreakable oaths that I didn't even willing enter into! Again, Who-"

_SILENCE! _

Ar'Din interrupted with a deep, menacing growl.

Your excuses are irrelevant, traitorous Rider! Your very existence is an insult to the bond forged between dragon and human. To the dragon race itself! You know not the meaning of the oath you were bound by the moment the ruby-red chose you, an oath greater than any required by humans! You are hardly worthy to bare the title dragon Rider, let alone be chosen by the dragon so named Thorn! I would strip you of your bond and leave Thorn free to choose another, one more fitting to be his Rider.

Murtagh's expression flashed in a momentary look of shock at the uncanny boldness of this mysterious accuser. Then, concluding he must be in the presence of another figment invading his dreams - for surely there is no power in the physical world, save death alone, that could severe the bond with his dragon - he laughed, countering his accuser with a certain, reckless confidence.

"What manner of fool do you take me for? You're undoubtedly another figment accuser come to torment me in my dreams. I've faced the likes of you before. And like the others I will overcome! You have no power over me here! Nor do you have power over my bond with Thorn!"

Gesturing to himself, Murtagh continued.

"Like the others, I need only wake to be rid of your empty accusations and threats!"

The sapphire eyes staring at Murtagh narrowed to slits, while a deep, throaty chuckle echoed all about him.

If you think it that easy to escape me then by all means, make your attempt.

Murtagh stood silent, eyes narrowed in suspicion to the uncanny confidence aired by his figment accuser. Then, with a smirk, he replied.

"As you wish, figment."

Moments later, his smirk turned to a frown, brow furrowing in silent confusion. Unlike the others that'd haunted his dreams, Murtagh suddenly found no easy escape, despite his best efforts to will himself awake. Nay, this time was different. This time something was terribly wrong. Hardening his expression, he challenged again.

"Tell me, who are you and what manner of trick this is?"

Again the throaty chuckle echoed all around him.

This is not a trick, Son of Morzan. Nor will you escape me! It is decided ... behold the wages of your trespass.

The moment Ar'Din fell silent, Murtagh's mouth curled in a snarl at the press of a foreign consciousness attempting to invade his mind. In reflex he instantly threw up iron clad barriers, fashioned through years of resisting attacks such as this, in attempt to resist the unwarranted intrusion. Ar'Din growled at Murtagh's resistance, pausing his attack only long enough to offer a final, woeful message.

Foolish human! Do you really think your mind is a fortress against me? Are you so arrogant to think that I am likened to those who have failed in their attempts to breech the barriers you've fashioned around it? Take stock Son of Morzan. I am like no other you've encountered before. You will give account for your trespass against the dragon race! I shall strip you of your bond and burden you with the suffering and anguish endured by the Eldunarí you willingly exploited. Look upon your fate with fear Son of Morzan. You shall suffer it for all eternity!

At that Ar'Din resumed his attack, breaching the barriers around Murtagh's mind without the slightest effort and filling it with a torrent of rage, fear and anguish; the echo of immense suffering endured by the multitude of Eldunarí that'd been imprisoned by Galbatorix. Murtagh stepped back, his expression strained and contorted as he fought against the onslaught. It was not long after that his mental strength waned, crumbling bit by bit as the torrent of suffering gained intensity. Before long his anger and defiance altogether disappeared, replaced by a growing desperation and panic. Indeed, fear began to fill his heart, an impending sense of dread coming over him that there was nothing he could do to stop it. Kneeling, he grabbed his head between both hands, grunting and panting in a final attempt to rid himself of the torrent mercilessly invading his mind.

---

Murtagh bolted awake, sitting up with eyes widened in madness as he panted through clenched teeth. Gripping his head with both hands he growled.

"Stop ... stop ... STOP IT!"

Ignoring his plea, the torrent ensued, driving him to an ever deepening madness. Bending over, he growled through clenched teeth.

"You ... can't ... MMM ... RRRR ... n ... no ... NO ... STOOOOOP!"

Trembling, he sat up, raising his head to the sky in a woeful cry to his apparent doom.

"NOOOOO! STOOOOOOP!!"