Sorry the first chapter really sucked. i took about three hours to write this one, and this is pretty much the rough draft, so it probably sucks too. but its the first day of summer, so i get to type all day. woo hoo. anyway, just read it.

Where is she? Eragon thought irritably. He had been reading when the old elf Dathedr had knocked on his door and announced that his daughter had been fighting again.

Stop worrying, little one. The mighty sapphire dragon Saphira replied mentally. I'll find her if I have to sleep on the wind with one eye open.

Saphira was out searching for Nuanen, though even her sharp eyes had trouble making out the dark, midnight blue wings of the fifteen year old.

A beautiful elf who appeared to be in her early twenties paced the floor anxiously. She was not at all worried about her daughter's safety. Nuanen could take care of herself. Arya was angry that the young half elf had broken another elf's nose and then ran off.

" Why won't she be respectful, or at least take responsibility of her actions when she isn't respectful?" The elf suddenly burst out.

"I don't know, but soon we'll hear it from her." Eragon replied soothingly. The Dragon Rider was reminded of when the war between the Varden and Galbatorix had raged across Alegaisia, and Arya could be seen pacing her tent at night.

But that war was over, and the battle the couple was fighting with their daughter seemed much less likely of success. The winged girl simply would not listen to them, and the arguments and fights she got into were unending.

This is going to be a long night, Eragon thought wearily

***

Saphira glided silently on a soft breeze that cooled the night air. She had located Bane about half an hour ago, and after sternly reprimanding the hatchling-of-her-partner-of-her-heart, the magnificent sapphire dragon had had a private talk with the girl.

Everyone seemed to be of a different opinion of the heir to the elf queen's throne. Some thought that the wings on her back were shameful, and others thought that they meant something special.

Saphira was of the opinion that Bane, for that was what she called her, was part dragon, though no one agreed with her. The child could not control her magic, but as she probably relied on more than wings to fly, like dragons, she most likely had magic. And she did not just fly like wings were stitched on her back. She was a natural, like Saphira.

Of course, it was Saphira that had given Bane her wings when she was born. That might have had something to do with it.

But now the teenage girl was flying gracefully beside her, reluctantly convinced by Saphira to return that night.

The time flew by, it's rhythm tapped out by the beat of their wings, and soon the odd pair was back on the high cliff overlooking the valley. With a nod from the dragon, Bane landed smoothly and trudged up to the ancient pine tree.

Before the strange child reached the tree, however, her father, looking angry, emerged.

"Where were you?" he demanded. Had there been any onlookers, they would have never guessed that the red-haired teenager was the daughter of the handsome Dragon Rider.

Just then, before the girl could say anything in her defense, Arya came to stand before her.

"Dathedr told us that you were fighting again" she said coldly. Bane could see that she was in store for trouble.

"Did he tell you that Navar was being a brat again?" the yellow-eyed youth replied angrily. She barely managed to keep her temper in check, but she tried not to show it.

"I've told you a thousand times, Nuanen, you must learn to control yourself! Navar is allowed an opinion about whatever he wants, but you cannot break his nose for that."

"So he is allowed to think that I'm a freak, but I'm not allowed to believe that he is a rude, biased pile of dung?"

"Nuanen, you go to far!" Eragon said angrily. "Go to bed; we'll discuss this in the morning." This was more subdued and quiet.

Bane marched angrily to her bedroom. The family had been over the same arguments a thousand times; she would fight, argue, or get in trouble. Then, she would fly off and Saphira would convince her to come back in the middle of the night, and her parents would yell at her. Then, the next day, and awkward silence would settle, and they would all wait for the cycle to repeat itself. The troubled teenager sighed, and slept peacefully within moments.

***

"Eragon, when are we going to tell her? We can't keep her in the dark forever." Arya said worriedly. All of her former anger was gone, replaced by a tremendous sadness.

"I don't know, but we have to tell her soon. Who knows what she will do? And I'm not leaving unless I know that she is safe." The Dragon Rider replied. Worry for his daughter had set his face in a frown.

"We don't have much time; Nasuada said to leave soon. We have to tell her tomorrow." the elf princess decided regrettably. She hated the thought of leaving her daughter.

If we tell her now, we could be gone by morning. The wind is favorable, and we could reach the Varden in two days if we go fast, Saphira offered. The thought hung in the air, and the dragon's logic was, the couple admitted, good. Time was of the essence.

"I can't believe it's come so fast," Eragon murmured. He sank slowly down onto the bed, where the elf joined him. They suddenly felt old, despite the fact that they hadn't physically aged a day in years. Tears slipped slowly, silently, down the female elf's pale face. Eragon's tears fell down to mingle with those on Arya's hands, and they finally agreed on what had conflicted them for days.

They were leaving the forest.

They were leaving their home.

They were leaving their daughter.

sorry i didn't mean to get all touchy feely on you at the end, but i like drama in a story sometimes. thanks to my three reviewers that i know of, and please review!