Author Note: Please remember to review and point out any ways I could be a better writer, otherwise, enjoy.
Ch. 2
The Journey Begins
Saphira was flying low above the trees now. When they had begun their journey, heading in the direction of the mountains they had seen to the east, it had been early morning, but now the sun was beginning to fade off to the west, sinking below the horizon. They had not stopped once since their flight had begun, so eager were they to taste the freedom of what was likely their last adventure alone together as Dragon and Rider, but now Saphira had started to tire and both of their stomach's felt empty. Saphira began searching the trees for any sign of a clearing where she could land, but the forest seemed to be an almost endless blanket of thick trees below them.
See anything yet Saphira, Eragon asked from his place atop Saphira's saddle.
Well… I see trees, she responded, her voice sounding weary.
Eragon chuckled a little at this as he resumed his search for any place Saphira could land. There, Eragon said, having spotted a small plateau that seemed strangely dissimilar in this nearly flat landscape. He showed Saphira an image of the hill with his mind, it was off to north of their path slightly, but was open enough that Saphira could land with ease. Saphira quickly swerved off their course, surging her head in the direction of the outcropping. Within a few moments they had landed, Saphira's wings sagging from exhaustion. Eragon quickly began unsaddling Saphira. As soon as the saddle was off Saphira collapsed, laying on her side and breathing heavily.
Eragon retrieved some of the bread and cheese from the saddlebags and began to nibble on them. Aren't you hungry too, he asked Saphira.
Yes, but I'm too tired to do anything about, she admitted.
Well I brought a bit of salted meat along with us, want that?
No, I'm not quite hungry enough to be able to eat that… I prefer my meat a bit fresher.
I could go… hunt you something if you want, Eragon said, having to pause in mid-sentence. He still didn't like the idea of killing animals, still even refusing to eat meat himself, but he didn't want Saphira to have to choose between sleep or food.
That sounds good actually, as long as you don't mind little one. I know how you dislike killing when you don't need to, replied Saphira, feeling the hesitation in Eragon through their connection. She had thought about denying his offer, but the prospect of easy food seemed too good to pass up at the moment.
Alright, Eragon said as he stood, placing the remaining bread and cheese back in the saddlebag. I'll be back soon. Actually, I might not even need to get out of speaking range if I get lucky enough, but goodbye anyway. And with that Eragon began a descent down the edge of the plateau, searching around for any visible sign of animal tracks in the slowly fading sunlight. Eragon was wrong, however. Most of the large game animals, having seen a large flying beast land not far from them, had scattered. Eragon had difficulty finding any tracks in the fading light, even with the improved vision he had gained when he had been transformed into his more elven form. Finally he had found a fresh track, but following it had taken him out of range of Saphira's mind.
Saphira was laying upon the top of the plateau, trying to keep herself awake for Eragon's return, but the idea of sleep had been too enticing. She let her eyes slowly shut and within moments found herself dreaming. Most of the dreams had simply been quick and forgettable, but some stayed fresh within her mind even after she awoke. One dream was of her and Eragon's conquests. She dreamt of the cities that they stormed and of their ultimate victory against Galbatorix, which gave her a sense of pride, but then her dreams turned. She dreamed of watching Eragon's futile attempts to court Arya, and felt herself become jealous at watching the scene take place. She watched as Eragon attempted to show his true feelings for Arya, only to be turned away, his heart broken. Eragon suddenly turned and began walking away from where Arya stood, walking toward Saphira. His eyes were on the brink of tears, and she could feel the true depth of his sadness through their link. Saphira suddenly found herself rubbing her snout against Eragon in attempt to comfort him, occasionally licking his cheek. Soon the tears began to clear from Eragon's eyes as he turned and hugged Saphira's snout. She saw the words that his mouth moved more than she heard them, "I love you, Saphira." She suddenly felt elation as the words came from Eragon's mouth. After the brief hug had ended, Saphira settled her head onto Eragon's lap and allowed him to rub the sensitive parts of her neck, feeling a complete satisfaction boil over her as he did. "Saphira," she heard Eragon say, but she didn't respond, she was too happy simply being so close to her Rider.
Saphira, came the voice again, this time she opened her eyes. Saphira realized she had somehow ended up with her head resting upon Eragon's lap.
Oh, hello, she said as she began stretching out her sore muscles.
Were you asleep that whole time, Eragon asked.
Why? What happened? Upon hearing this Eragon let out a burst of laughter. What's so funny, little one, Saphira asked, truly puzzled at this reaction.
You…, he had trouble speaking through his bout of laughter, I was bringing the deer I had caught up here and left it on the ground over there. Then I sat down next to you and started scratching your neck. Before I knew what was happening you had your head in my lap and were rubbing against me really affectionately, he continued to laugh after he had finished.
Saphira turned her head slightly, a little embarrassed. I was just having a nice dream, she said in her defense.
I guess so, he replied, his laughter finally fading. Anyway your food is right there, he gestured with his hand to the deer he had left on the ground.
Saphira smiled a bit of a toothy grin, Thank you, little one. It was very kind of you to get me my meal.
It was the least I could do; I mean you have been flying us around all day.
Still, I know how much you don't care for killing.
At this Eragon looked into her eyes, those swirling jewels of pure sapphire, and said, Saphira, you know I would do anything for you.
At these words Saphira felt the same elation she had felt within her dream, but now it was more tangible and it made her feel a strange warmth within her. She had heard these words from Eragon before, of course, but the love that so encapsulated every syllable of his speech was very prevalent. Without warning, however, Saphira's mind began to turn back to the lustful thoughts that she had had before. She imagined walking up to Eragon and putting her snout directly to his mouth, kissing him the best way she could, and allowing her tongue to slip within his mouth, exploring the warmth and wetness of it. When she released Eragon, his face in shock – though not displeased, from their kiss, she then bit down on the back of shirt and carried him to the center of the plateau. She set him down and then turned herself onto her back, exposing her underbelly as well as her sacred area, the protective flap usually covering that area now open. After a moment of hesitation Eragon began to walk to where she lay, pulling off his clothes as he did. She saw his erect member moving toward her; she almost squeaked in anticipation as he got himself into position.
Saphira?
She shook herself from her daydream as she realized she had sunk all her claws into the ground, her body tensed from anticipation. She looked at Eragon, who was now standing and looking at her with a concerned look in his face, and realized she wanted nothing more than to pounce on him this very instant. Luckily she had not allowed Eragon to view her thoughts. She let her muscles relax as the warmth within her began to fade; the desire to pounce Eragon was passing. What the hell is wrong with me, she thought to herself.
Saphira, he repeated, are you feeling alright?
Sorry, she apologized, I'm fine, I just had a… strange feeling come over me. She refused to go into any more detail even at Eragon's prodding. Seeing that he wasn't going to get her talk, Eragon simply pointed at where the deer carcass lay.
Are you going to eat that, or is it just going to rot?
Oh, right, she said, remembering how hungry she was, but still feeling awkward. Thank you again, little one. Within a few powerful bites Saphira had devoured the entire deer, her mouth now a bit blood covered. She began licking the scales around her mouth clean, making sure they retained their blue shine.
You're such a ferocious creature, aren't you, Eragon said, having witnessed the entire meal that had taken place in a matter of seconds. I feel bad for any creature that becomes your chosen prey, he smiled slightly.
Saphira thought to herself, And it seems you have become my chosen prey, little one. She suddenly realized what she had said and shook her head a little. Why am I thinking like this, she asked herself, I've never… felt like this before. She felt disgusted with herself again. How would something… like that… even work between us, we aren't even the same species, she began discussing in her head. Not to mention it just feels wrong, and Eragon might find me sickening just for thinking these thoughts. Then she remembered how much love had been behind Eragon's words not long ago. No, he could never find me disgusting, but it could still make him feel very awkward to be around me, knowing the feelings that I'm having for him. But what if he somehow finds out on his own, twice already I've found myself in a hypnotic state where all I could think of was him. If he were to simply push into my mind to see what I was feeling he would know everything. It might be better to tell him, though, then to let that happen. Who knows, he may even feel the same way about me, she said, allowing herself to get her hopes up slightly.Before long she had decided that the best thing to do was to simply let Eragon know how she felt. She preferred this greatly to having Eragon suddenly find out on his own, but now she simply needed to know how and when to tell him. Not tonight, she decided. She was too tired to find the right words to express to Eragon how she felt. I'm going to sleep for tonight, she said to Eragon.
Alright then, I guess I'll sleep a little also, he said as he walked to where Saphira was lying. He laid down and put his head on her soft underbelly, using it as a pillow. Saphira felt herself jump a little at this, the heat beginning to rise in her again. She tried to ignore it as best as she could as she folded her wing over Eragon to help keep in the warmth. Goodnight, Saphira.
Goodnight, little one.
Eragon began to let his body drift off into the unnecessary sleep that all elves could induce upon themselves, but woke himself as a strong smell invaded his nostrils. The scent was very pleasing to Eragon, it smelled of a combination of perfumes and flowers, and Eragon found himself excited by the scent.
Saphira, do you smell that?
Saphira brought her snout up and sniffed the air, her tongue flicking out to taste it, but caught no scent. No. What does it smell like, little one, she asked, incredibly curious how Eragon was picking up a smell that she could not.
It smells like an expensive perfume.
Well, I don't think there is anyone out here who would be wearing any perfume.
Eragon continued to sniff the air, trying to work his way to the source of the smell. He found it. It was coming from Saphira's lower body, he realized. I think it's coming from you, he said. Did you fly through some trees that were flowering or something?
No… it's coming from me? She sniffed herself and finally caught the slightest hint of what Eragon was talking about, but the smell seemed dull to her.
It's coming from your lower body it seems.
Saphira lifted her wing, exposing Eragon to the world again, and bent her head to where Eragon had been sniffing. It was much stronger here, but the smell still seemed dull to her, not like an expensive perfume at all.
Do you smell it, Eragon asked.
I do, but it doesn't smell good to me, not like perfume anyway.
Well, I sure like it, Eragon said, inhaling deeply before returning his head to Saphira's underbelly. It's quite pleasant, but I'm still curious as to where you got it from.
I don't know. I surely didn't bring any perfume with me, Saphira said, rumbling a little which was her form of a chuckle.
It doesn't matter much, I guess. Goodnight, Eragon said for the second time that night, shutting his eyes as he allowed his muscles to relax.
Goodnight, little one, Saphira repeated, letting her eyelids slide shut as she drifted off into sleep.
