Before the first rays of the new day's sun began to peek over the horizon, Eragon slowly found himself leaving sleep behind and returning to his body. It took him several seconds of confusion to remember that the body he was returning to wasn't the same one he had possessed for the last sixteen years of his life. Lifting his now much larger head off of his paws, he broke into a wide yawn as he felt the rest of his new body beginning to wake up. The Rider-turned-dragon shuffled his wings and uncurled his tail, stretching like a cat to work out the kinks of restful sleep.

Memories of the past day's events came back to him, and Eragon was surprised to find that, even after a night's sleep, he could still feel the fatigue and drain of having manipulated the unfathomable amount of magic it had required to give him his new body. Still, he knew that whatever discomforts he suffered for the next few days would be well worth it, considering the wave of joy he had felt from Saphira last night. Speaking of Saphira, Eragon looked over to where the sapphire dragoness still dozed, and he felt his jaws part in a dragon smile.

At first, she had been confused and slightly angry with him for taking such a huge risk. But after he had told her how much it meant to him for her to be happy, despite her protests, Saphira had relented, and over their link he had felt her appreciation and warmth for what her Rider had done for her. He was giving her the chance to be with another of her kind, in the flesh, so that the pain of leaving all they had behind wouldn't be so constant. Having another dragon with her to ease her loneliness, and perhaps enjoy their companionship, would ensure that Saphira was happy. Especially considering who the dragon was, and that she already shared a deep friendship with him.

Mulling over these thoughts, Eragon looked outwards towards the east, where the new land they had discovered sprawled before them. Though camped merely by the shore of the great sea they crossed, he could make out the vast plains and rolling hills that awaited them further inland. There were trees as well; some in independent groups scattered here and there, and others that joined together to form forests in the distance. The curious part of Eragon's mind brimmed the anticipation of exploring these yet-unknown lands, and wondered what they may possibly find hidden before them.

The river they had slept by gurgled over the rocks that lined its mouth, before emptying into the sea. Following its winding figure back inland, the dragon that was Eragon could see it disappear around a patch of forest a dozen or so leagues away. From where he currently sat, he could not make out the very distant smudges that could only be mountains, but he knew from Saphira's eyes when she had been flying the day before, that they were indeed there. Unfortunately, just because they could barely make out the shape of them in the distance, did not necessarily mean that they were close. Judging by how faint the shapes were, even to Saphira's keen eyes, it could still take many days to reach them. Of course, that was traveling in a straight line. Seeing as how the river they planned to follow wound its own course through the land, it may end up taking considerably longer.

Despite this, Eragon and the elves had agreed to stick to the river as much as possible. Bringing the Talita along was not only a luxury, but a necessity as well. Many of their supplies and provisions were on board, not to mention materials they had brought in the hopes on one day using to build a settlement. Even though it may end up adding time to their journey, Eragon mused that they weren't really in a hurry. There was no evil Empire chasing them, nor a schedule to meet. He had gone into this venture knowing that it may very well be a significant amount of time before they found what they were looking for.

As the dark blue male gazed towards the land ahead of them, his vision lit up as the morning sun finally began to rise above the distant horizon. Eragon's eyes sparkled as the vibrant hues of the sun's early colors reached him, and he marveled at the differences between his once-human vision, and now. Although still vibrant, the reds and oranges that dominated the sky were subdued, in favor of the blues and greens that a dragon's vision deemed more prominent. Eragon watched in serene awe as the new day unfurled itself before him, lost it the beauty that his dragon eyes showed him, and he found himself humming happily.

Enjoying yourself? came a low rumbling chuckle from behind him. Turning away from the gorgeous sunrise, Eragon saw that Saphira had begun to wake as well. Her angled head was still resting comfortably atop her paws, but her brilliant eyes were open and watching her partner with a sense of amusement.

Yes, actually, Eragon admitted. I've never seen a sunrise quite like this before. It's beautiful.

Saphira snorted softly, and then began to stretch herself, much like her darker companion had. They are pretty, but having seen them many times before, I have become used to it. Finishing her stretch, the dragoness padded the short distance over to Eragon to briefly touch her snout to his cheek and giving him a warm growl. Good morning, little one.

Good morning, Eragon responded, giving her a small growl of his own. Did you sleep well?

Aye, I was quite comfortable, she hummed, and regarded him with a smug expression. You do give off much more heat in this body though.

Was I too close? he asked, unsure if this had been a problem.

Saphira merely let out a rumbling growl of gentle laughter. No, little one, not at all. I simply mean that it felt different that what I am used to when I sleep with you. Fear not, for it was not unpleasant. I rather enjoyed it

Eragon breathed a little sigh of relief. Well, as long as you were comfortable, that's fine by me. He was still uneasy about how things would be between them now, considering their bond, and the fact that he was now a dragon.

The dragoness's gentle laughter became more pronounced. Honestly Eragon, you needn't constantly fuss over my well being. I am not a hatchling anymore. She eased her chuckles and gave him another small nudge on his cheek. It is sweet of you though, little one. I appreciate it.

The two dragons hummed at each other for another moment, sending each other warm feelings of companionship, before Saphira arched her back and stretched out her mighty wings. Hmm...after that good night's sleep, my belly yearns for a hearty meal. Care to join me, Eragon?

At her words, the dark blue male's stomach gave an empty rumble and Eragon felt his cheeks tinge a little with heat. It appears I would have no other choice, he mused. Part of him felt uneasy about hunting down a living creature for his meal, as the revelations he had come to in Ellesmera were still prominent in his memories. Still, he doubted a dragon could live off plants and herbs for very long, and as such, this was one fact he had resigned himself to when making this decision over the past week.

Well then, let's go! Saphira roared happily, jumping into the air and pumping her wings heavily. She rose to a few dozen feet and hovered there, looking back at her partner expectantly. She gave another happy roar, as if calling him to join her.

Feeling himself give another dragon smile, Eragon unfurled his own wings and pushed down hard, lifting his massive body off the ground. After several powerful strokes, he found himself rising up next to Saphira, who greeted her Rider with a satisfied growl. Over their mental link, he could feel her happiness at finally having her 'little one' join her in her – their – domain, and turned herself to the southeast, flapping to gain both distance and altitude. Eragon titled his body and followed her through the early morning sky, watching the sun's rays dance off of her sparkling hide.


It had taken most of the morning in flight for the dragons' sensitive noses to pick up the familiar scent of deer not too far below, and by now, both dragons were indeed hungry. The animals must have sensed the new, predatory creatures present in their land and moved to what they deemed a safer location. Apparently though, they never considered the fact that their new guests could fly, or were determined enough to find them.

Much to Saphira's delight, this new land seemed abundant with life, which meant plenty of prey for her and her new dragon companion. As they flew, Saphira let her mind wander over the revelation of having her Eragon become a dragon. Although she knew that he deeply cared for her - their bond being the most wonderful she'd ever experienced - having him risk his very life in an attempt just to she her smile made her heart warm. She knew she had picked the right person to bond herself to, even before their relationship had started to grow into the wonderful friendship they now shared. Eragon was always thinking of others, her most of all, and though some may view this as a flaw in his character, Saphira knew it was one of the things she loved most about him.

Not to mention he made a very handsome dragon, she mused to herself privately. Although far from thoughts of that nature, she was pleased to see that all the time he had spent around her seemed to be rubbing off, in the fact that had been able to become a prime example of her – their – species.

Despite her protests to Eragon, Saphira really did revel at the chance to spend time with another of her kind. Other than her fleeting relationship with Firnen – whom she was trying hard to forget, less the pain return – the only other dragon she had spent any time with was Glaedr. Unfortunately, not only had he refused the young dragoness' romantic advances, but their relationship has been that of a student and mentor. Saphira had never really gotten the chance to spend time among her own kind for simple want of friendship. After freeing Murtagh and Thorn from Galbatorix, she had secretly hoped to spend time with the ruby dragon, so as to at least have another of her species with whom to spend time with. Unfortunately, they had left to 'find themselves' as Murtagh had put it, and Saphira was admittedly saddened to see Thorn go. They had been enemies during the war, yes, but his deeds were not his own doing, and even though her ancestors may have not been so forgiving, the sapphire dragoness had been willing to give the young male a second chance, in the hopes to at least find a friend.

But now, her partner-of-her-mind had taken it upon himself to give her the companion she once never thought she could have. Even though they now carried with them over two hundred eggs that would someday hatch, and her race would bloom once again, Eragon could not bare to feel his dragon's loneliness a day longer, wishing her to at least find a measure of peace on their newest adventure. Now, Saphira no longer had to wait for the companionship of more of her kind. She would be happy when the eggs they carried began to hatch, absolutely, and more dragons came into the world. But for now, she was content to spend every moment she could with her newest draconic companion, and her closest friend: Eragon.

Looking back at said dark blue male following her, she gave the barest hint of a smile. Eragon's features were alight with joy; the way his eyes sparkled and danced all over the sights they were passing over, and the slight quiver in his wings as he flapped showed he was loving this experience just as much as his first flight with Saphira all those months ago. True, she would miss the feelings of oneness they shared during those times, but now, she had a whole new aspect of their relationship to explore.

Almost forgetting why they were flying this morning, the pair of dragons nearly flew right over a herd of plump deer that were calmly grazing in the grasslands below. Eragon's stomach gave another empty rumble and the once strictly vegetarian Rider was actually looking forward to his meal. Of course, that could also be his new dragon instincts talking, but all the same, it was time for breakfast.

Now, little one, Saphira began with a slight teasing tone, as they came into a hover above the herd. Would you like me to show you how to properly catch yourself a meal? Or do you think you can manage on your own?

Before snorting back a retort of his own, Eragon decided he should try accessing his ancestral memories, to see if he could manage to snag a deer all on his own. The last thing he wanted was Saphira to think him merely an overgrown hatchling...although, in retrospect, she might actually enjoy that. Seeing as how she would be judging his performance anyway, he decided to rise to her jest. Alright then, o Queen of the Skies. Indulge me, he said, a trail of smoke coming from his nostrils as he snorted in amusement.

Her sapphire eyes danced with glee as the dragoness folded her wings and swooped down to claim her meal. Straight as an arrow she dove, not once taking her gaze from her target; a nice sized doe that was grazing at the edge of the herd. Flaring her wings slightly, she came in low and fast, snatching the animal off the ground before it or any of the others knew what happened. A quick bite to the neck, and the deer fell limp in her grasp. Saphira wheeled back into the sky, a pleased expression on her features as she rejoined Eragon above the herd. And that, my dear Eragon, is how you catch yourself a deer.

Rolling his eyes at her juvenile behavior, Eragon focused on the group of tasty looking meals below and began his own descent. Looking quickly back into his memories, he reaffirmed his motions and came in low over the herd. Selecting a fine looking buck near the back of the group, he extended his talons and plucked the animal from the ground, like a hawk would a mouse. He felt the muscles in his neck move all on their own, and before he could think, or the deer emit a cry, he had sunk his fangs into the creature's neck and silenced it for good. Rising back join his sapphire companion, his catch securely in his grasp, Eragon gave his own smug grin at his accomplishment.

That sense of pride in the young male only grew when he saw the slightly disappointed look on Saphira's face when she realized Eragon was able to handle his new body well. Part of her had been hoping he would be unused to it, and that she would be the one to teach him, allowing him look up to her in some fashion. Alas, this would be one lesson she would have to forgo, as her not-so-little one proved to be more adept at his new body than she thought.

Still, she wasn't about to give up on that idea just yet. Yes, very well done, Eragon, she said in a slightly distracted tone. Then she brightened. But, you still have to eat it. Are you sure you don't want some nice plants to go with it? she teased.

Very funny, he retorted. Circling each other in the sky, they remained a few moments more, before Eragon spoke up again. Well, shall we get back and enjoy our meal?

Saphira merely growled in affirmation and turned herself back towards the way they had come. She doubted very much the elves would appreciate the two dragons feasting on their prey in their presence, so instead of heading straight back to the Talita, when they finally neared their previous location after another time consuming flight, she angled for a small patch of ground on the other side of the trees she and Eragon had ventured into last night, when he had made his transformation.

Coming down for a landing, Saphira reached down and took her catch into her mouth, so as not to crush it beneath her paws as she touched down. She flared her wings and caught her weight on first her hind legs, then her forepaws as she rejoined the ground, her paws sinking into the slightly damp grass and dirt. Raising her head back skyward, she watched Eragon swoop down for his own landing. Only then did she notice her Rider's mistake...and a mischievous grin stretched across her features.

Unlike Saphira, Eragon did not transfer his deer to his mouth, and therefore, was going to have a rather hard time landing. Unfortunately for the male, he did not register his mistake until his hind legs were already touching the ground. Only then did he realize he still held the buck in his forepaws, and in his haste, tried to use his left paw to take the weight of his torso, while still holding the buck with his right. The result, was a ungraceful thump as the dark blue dragon's chest and snout impacted the soft, wet ground, and he let out a huff as the wind was driven from his lungs. Not only that, but he had manged to find the only patch of mud around, and his snout was now a ugly brown coloration.

Naturally, Saphira found this all highly amusing, and was now sitting back on her haunches trying to restrain her laughter. Hmm...it seems as if you may have a thing or two to learn yet, little one, she chortled.

Grumbling to himself, Eragon managed to let go of his catch and push himself back onto all fours, settling back into a sitting position. Looking over at Saphira, he intended to give her a glare as if to say stop laughing at me, but her sounds of merriment only increased as she saw the state his snout was in, and the dragoness began to snort uncontrollably in her glee. What? he asked sharply.

Y-your nose, she stammered out, her laughter echoing in his head. When he gave her a puzzled expression, she sent him a mental image of the mud that covered his dark blue snout. Immediately, he flushed in embarrassment and began trying to clean off the brown substance with his tongue, all the while scrunching his nose and crossing his eyes in an attempt to see what he was doing. Eragon, stop! she pleaded, her sides quivering from the force of her snorts. Y-you look ridiculous!

I can't get it, he pouted, giving her a helpless look. Indeed, there was a patch of mud just out of reach of his tongue, and he was frantically licking at his nose to try and get it. Saphira managed to control her fit of laughter and watched him as he struggled with his predicament.

Her glee soon turned to exasperation though, as it became apparent he was unable to reach, and was now merely licking his lips over and over again. He looked back at her with a defeated and helpless expression, a sad whine coming from his throat. Saphira snorted in annoyance and amusement as she moved forward. Silly hatchling, here; I'll get it. Without pausing to think, she leaned in and began to gently lick Eragon's nose clean.

Eragon felt his cheeks burn as Saphira ran her tongue along his snout, and after a moment, the feeling must have transferred over their link, for she too froze, realizing just what it was she was doing. She pulled back quickly and averted her gaze, her own face growing hot. Eragon wisely chose to use his forepaw to rub off the remaining dirt, and to hide the blush that was sure to be forming on his dark scaled face.

Sorry, Saphira said shyly, still avoiding his eyes.

Its fine, Eragon relplied quickly, in an attempt to dismiss the issue. After a few moments of uneasy silence, the dragons were finally able to look at each other again, albeit slowly. Clearing his throat in a cough-like growl, Eragon spoke up. Well, I guess we should probably eat these before they get cold, he said lamely, indicating the two deer that lay forgotten between them.

Giving only a grunt in reply, Saphira laid herself down and began tearing into her catch, her eyes focused downward instead of at Eragon, seemingly already forgetting what had happened. The male also began eating, if only to give himself something to distract from the warm feeling still present on his snout. They ate in silence, the only sound between them was the tearing of the flesh of their prey and the gulping of the hunks of meat down their hungry throats. Despite his earlier fears, Eragon found himself strangely at ease with devouring the deer. But, maybe it was just because he didn't want to focus on what had just happened between them. Plus, he was hungry.

Licking the bones clean of the last traces of meat, the two dragons stretched out and enjoyed the feeling of their bellies being full. The sun was now past its zenith in the sky, working its way down the other side, and its radiant warmth felt wonderful on Eragon's scales. Part of him was content with the idea of a mid-afternoon nap, and the rest of his mind was quickly following suit. Glancing over at Saphira, he saw that she had already curled up and had her eyes closed, although he could still feel with his mind that she was wide awake. Daring to break the silence, he said, So, are we going to nap here or do you have anything else in mind?

Opening her brilliant sapphire eyes, the dragoness merely favored her companion with a skeptical look. That's up to you, little one, she replied. A nap sounds nice, but we could always go flying again, just for fun.

Maybe, Eragon pondered. He had to admit, the idea of a nap did sound wonderful to his dragon mind, as he still felt the fringes of the fatigue from this morning. Then again, they did have a little time before night would begin to fall. And Eragon was eager to get more used to his new body. I suppose we could go flying. If you want to, that is.

Uncurling herself, Saphira rose to her legs. Alright then, lets go. She stretched out her wings and propelled herself into the air, Eragon right behind her. Rising up to a comfortable height, Eragon motioned back towards the shore, and Saphira inclined her head in agreement. The pair of blue dragons flew back towards to smell of the sea and leisurely cruised along the shoreline, taking in the sights of the new land they now resided in. Neither really had any plan as to where to go, they just flew for the enjoyment of it, time passing amicably as the two dragons enjoyed the company of the other.

Rolling underneath Eragon, Saphira gave a happy roar as they glided along the rocky coastline. Eragon merely favored her with a bemused smile and continued on his flight path. Noticing her partner's monotonous flying, the dragoness swooped back in towards him, this time above his back. What are you doing? Eragon asked, watching her with wonder.

You fly so boringly, she snorted. This is supposed to be enjoyable.

But I am enjoying myself...

Come one, little one, she crowed, showing him her belly playfully. Have some fun.

Eragon managed to cock her head at her, and his dragon mind started to register what she was getting at. Are you asking me to...play?

Well, I don't expect to just float around up here, boring as ditch water, she retorted, coming back in underneath him. Besides, it will help you keep your flying skills sharp.

Aren't we a little old to play?

Saphira snorted, a trail of black smoke issuing from her nostrils. Oh please, she muttered. Despite your age as a human, that body is so much similar to mine, so I would guess us to be about the same age. I am barely more than a year old, Eragon, and still very much a young dragon, she said defensively. Dragons much older than us would still fight and play as forms of amusement. It is simply who we are. Now, are you going to play with me or not?

Eragon hesitated, unsure of his answer. Despite looking into his ancestral memories and seeing that Saphira spoke the truth, he was still uncomfortable after what had happened earlier. He knew from their mental connection that her offer was innocent and genuine, without any hidden meanings behind it. She merely wanted to pass the time as a true dragon would with a companion, nothing more. However, Eragon wasn't sure if it was such a good idea, given his state of mind right now. Moreover, he didn't want his awkwardness to transfer over to Saphira, and possibly make her uncomfortable. After all, she was merely trying to be friendly. Uh...maybe another time Saphira. I'm still fatigued from the magic last night, he lied. He hoped she wouldn't sense his deception and take it the wrong way, possibly hurting her feelings.

Fortunately, the dragoness did not push the issue, merely giving an irritated snort. Fine, she said. But tomorrow I would like to do something other than just fly around. I grow restless without something to do.

I promise, Saphira, tomorrow I will...play...with you, Eragon told her, with only a hint of hesitation. Saphira rumbled something unintelligible, before acknowledging his offer with sincerity, and she settled back into a stoic flight alongside him. After mindlessly journeying up and down the shore for a while longer, Eragon suggested they head back to the camp, so the elves did not begin to question their whereabouts.


Reaching the makeshift camp near the Talita, the dragons returned to their spots from the previous night as the sun slowly began its descent towards the horizon. Although they had really done nothing since this morning, Eragon and Saphira had managed to spend the whole day away regardless. Not that he minded, though. Spending the day with Saphira had pleased Eragon immensely, and he felt even more assured that his decision to become a dragon had been the right one. As he settled down near the pit of coals from the previous night, Eragon was aware of Blodhgarm approaching him. The furry elf stopped a respectful distance away from the dark blue dragon and bowed his head slightly, touching his fingers to his lips. Shadeslayer, he murmured.

Master Blodhgarm, Eragon replied, inclining his large head in return. Were you and the others able to procure the provisions you wanted? Taking this opportunity, the elves had set about gathering food and other supplies to replenish those they had consumed on the trip over here. If they were indeed planning to sail upriver, eventually in hope of reaching the distant mountains, they were going to need to do so on a regular basis.

Yes were were, Eragon, the elf responded. We should have enough to last us for several days before we need stop again. I take it you and Saphira Brightscales will have no trouble finding sustenance?

No, there is plenty of wildlife here to sustain us, Eragon chuckled lightly, and the furry elf bowed his head again, taking his leave and returning to his fellow elves near their tents. Turning his head to look at Saphira, he saw the dragoness laying just a few feet away from him cleaning her claws. He watched her for a moment before speaking up. Is it alright if I sleep next to you again tonight?

Of course it is, she snorted, with a slight hint of exasperation in her laugh. You needn't ask me every night, Eragon. If I didn't want you next to me, I would have said so. Besides, what harm is there is sleeping together? You act as if we haven't done so before.

Eragon seemed a little taken aback at her rather direct rebuke. I'm only being polite, he answered defensively. There's no need to get upset.

Saphira turned from her claws and gave him a genuine look of gentle warmth and understanding, her fangs parted in a small smile. I know you are, little one. But still, you don't have to ask. I have always liked you sleeping next to me, regardless of which body you possess. It is as it should be.

Eragon contemplated her look for a moment, before humming with contentment, leaving his unease behind. She was his best friend and partner; of course that wasn't going to change just because his body did. And she was right, it was not as if they had never slept together before. They may have had an awkward moment earlier, but it didn't mean anything. It was just a simple lick after all, and she had done that on many occasions when she wished to show her affection. This time though, she was merely trying to clean his nose, nothing more, and Eragon laughed slightly to himself at his absurd musings earlier. Granted, he had not been a dragon then, but it didn't change the fact that their relationship was the same it had always been, and was unlikely to change over something as simple as a lick. He was merely over-thinking things once again.

Echoing back a happy hum of her own, Saphira laid her head down onto her now glittering paws and settled down for the night, her eyelids drooping down. Feeling the edges of the fatigue still in his body, Eragon followed her lead and made himself comfortable, wrapping his tail around his large belly contentedly. He was just drifting off, when he felt Saphira lean over and gently bump her nose with his as she had the night before. Goodnight, Eragon.

Deciding to return the gesture, he lifted his head slightly and pushed back against her snout. Goodnight Saphira, he chuckled, then added teasingly, You better rest up, if we are going to play tomorrow.

Hmm...we'll just see about that, she growled happily. I may have to teach you a thing or two. Rumbling happily in their throats, the two dragons settled down in their respective spots and welcomed the tender embrace of sleep.


Okay, I know, another "not much happening" chapter. But, I was at a loss for what to do without advancing the story too much this early on. As some of my reviews pointed out, I don't want to rush into anything just yet, and try to make it develop at a natural pace. So, I decided to throw in a little beginning fluff to please the readers, as well as a little atmosphere for things to come.

Rest assured though, I will get things moving within the next two chapters, as the group sets out along the river towards those ominous mountains I keep mentioning, and things start to get a little more interesting. Hopefully, I can keep up my writing groove (as this was written in one evening alone) and get things moving with regards to story and eventual romance...

Yes, it is coming. Just be patient. I still have a lot of kinks to work out.