Before we begin, a few words.
I've lurked here on and off for a few years now, and, aside from some half thought out dribbles, I've never contributed to the community. I decided to rectify that.
I first picked up this series in middle school. Every week, my reading class had us go to the library and pick up a book to read during a silent reading period. I wandered about for a while until a certain book caught my eye. The entire cover was a deep, regal blue, and the front had an image of a dragon. This was around the time that a certain other middle earth based fantasy epic was immensely popular, so, naturally, it grabbed my attention. I finished it later that day.
For the next 7 years, I have looked forward to the series end, pondering and speculating as to what that end may be, as I'm sure many of you have. 12 hours ago (at the time of this writing), I finished the final words in the Inheritance Cycle. It was a fitting end to the series to be sure, but it also left me wanting more.
I wanted to witness the blossoming love between characters. I wanted to see the redemption of those characters far beyond forgiveness. I wanted to see the downfall of characters we all love. I wanted to live in this new world, to see it as it grows, prospers, declines, and grows again. To CP, his stories have been about many characters, and how they deal with the problems presented to them and grow into their roles. This is wherein I disagree. I have always viewed it as the story of Eragon and Saphira, for they are truly at the heart of this universe.
Don't get me wrong. I love many characters. I enjoy them all. In fact, the argument could be made that the many supporting characters actually have more personality than Eragon and Saphira, for these two always seem to be whatever they need to be.
Even if this may be the case, it does not change the fact that this is a coming of age story starring a dragon and her Rider. It is the life of these two that I wish to explore and expound upon primarily with this writing.
That is not to say that I will only focus upon these two. Nor does it mean that they will be the main focus of these dribbles.
The stories we shall have to discover together, for they are as much a mystery to me now as to you. Whence they take their form on the page, all will be decided.
I sincerely hope you enjoy what you find within. I am writing this for myself, but it is also my goal to give back to the community that I have spent 8 silent years with. With that said, I don't have immediate access to the first three books, so if anyone spots an inconsistency with the canon, please let me know.
May your swords stay sharp.
P.S.
I'm an ExA shipper.