Yeah… I actually have another chapter ready. I know, don't die from shock. This one was just screaming to be written… As you can tell by the length.
Disclaimer: I don't own. Obviously. Seeing as I misspelled Chris's name in the last chapter's disclaimer. Thank the wannabe werewoman that I noticed it.
Her body was practically screaming at her. It wasn't her limbs, though they were also complaining even after six months of training with a sword and a bow, though her success with either varied. It was a more familiar pain than that. Groaning, Amy curled up into a ball, trying to ease her suffering.
Amy? The warm, soprano voice that was Jadia in the teenage girl's mind found her with ease. Amy, what's wrong? Why do you hurt like that?
I'm fine… It's a human thing… the Rider told her dragon. Standing up once her body stopped throbbing, though she was still miserable, she found that she was right. There was a very faint stain on her nightgown, while her sheets thankfully remained untouched. Not wasting any time, she hopped into the shower and let it ease the knots that had formed in her lower back, as well as to clean up the blood in between her legs.
Jadia spoke up again in concern, Amy, you're bleeding. How can that be normal?
It's part of our reproduction cycle, love. Amy explained. It wasn't a topic of humans that Jadia had been taught yet, despite that she was now technically a fully mature female dragon. Amy wasn't exactly comfortable teaching it to her, either, but the dragon was stubbornly protective. Human females have their own sort of eggs stored inside. Each month, on average, one egg becomes fertile. If the egg isn't fertilized by the male's sperm, the egg falls out, bringing blood and tissue along with it.
Sounds messy.
It is. And in my case, I'm a little odd. I only have this, what we call a period or a monthly, about every eight months. With it, I get horrible cramps, body aches that are worse in my back, and mood swings.
Mood swings?
I'm even crabbier than normal. Sensing her partner's alarm at the possibility of Amy being even crankier then her usual cantankerous self, the human added, I already had a talk with Arya. She gave me a herbal tea recipe and cloth pads. It will sooth me, somewhat, and keep my clothes clean, so don't worry. Now, I'm going to get dressed and drink that tea.
Jadia asked as her Rider dressed in a cotton chemise, a crisp white shift, stockings, and a wool dress dyed russet red with ribbon edgings that were gold and red around the sleeves, hem, and bodice, Should I tell Eragon we'll be late to both breakfast and your morning training with Kathrina?
As she finished tugging on her boots, Amy began to comb out her hair as she answered, I'll skip breakfast, seeing as I'll only lose it later. This is a bad one, if it is making me nauseous already, so I won't be eating much. And with my body aching this way, I won't be up for a beating by the blonde harpy either.
Why does Kathrina hate you?
The human paused in the middle of braiding her damp hair; it was a question Jadia had never directly asked, only hinted, so Amy had always avoided it. I don't know, Jadia. Partly, I think, because you hatched for me. All of the elves are a little bitter about that. It's worse because I'm a human female. In every way that she sees that matters, I am weak.
The green dragon's snort could be heard even inside, though she was outside. You were the one I was meant for, and I knew that. And if you are weak, what am I? I am so much smaller than Saphira-.
You are growing every day. Amy encouraged her closest friend, interrupting the doubting session that she was about to begin. Through her short life, Jadia had come to idolize the older female dragon to a point her self-esteem was lower than her Rider thought healthy. It wasn't only the age difference that made Jadia smaller than Saphira; Eragon had been stupid enough to point out that by six months, Saphira's back was over his head. The green dragon's back was the same ratio to her Rider, but Amy was about five foot five to Eragon's six even. Also, Jadia subtly was of a more slender, delicate looking build than the other female, a fact that both Oromis and Amy had to assure the youngest dragon was fine. The elf had explained that there were variations between dragons, even among the two genders. Jadia had accepted his explanation only slightly.
Jadia had truly grown in the past six months. She was a lovely dragon, her spikes and claws a silvery white that fit perfectly with her pale green scales. As Eragon had noted, she was of a lighter build than Saphira or the other dragons, but to make up for it she was a faster flier than any of the others, and almost freakishly flexible. Her wings' membranes were almost actually white, though the spines lacing through them matched her scales. Emerald-like eyes gleamed with mischief and happiness usually, though when she was sad or feeling low about herself they were much dimmer. In contrast, Amy had stayed relatively the same. Despite six months in the constant sunshine, her skin was maybe half a shade darker. The thick, curly brown hair had grown several more inches, though she tried to keep it trimmed. Muscles had formed on her arms and legs from her training, but she was still delicate to the eye.
Amy finished braiding her hair and wrapped it in a bun at the base of her neck, her bangs the only strands that were loose. She set a kettle over a steel bracer made for it. There was tinder set at the bottom of the bracer, and her voice was a soft sigh when she whispered, "Brisingr." The sparks that lit the tender was a silvery green, much like the color of her eyes and Jadia's scales. She fed the newborn flame till it would burn long enough to warm the water in the kettle. Her magic had only slightly tired her; while physically she had grown little in strength, skill, or grace, her potential in magic had revealed itself. Her level was already almost even with Eragon, Amy absorbing the ancient language like a sponge and her mental constitution proving to be much stronger than her physical one.
Nimbly, she crushed the herbs and tea leaves in a ceramic cup, now only waiting on the water. Once she had hot water, she poured it over the powder and mixed it thoroughly, creating a slightly frothy tea that reminded Amy of the green tea she knew the Japanese drank. While it cooled to a level she could drink, she went ahead and pulled on a pair of ankle-high brown boots. There were always a couple of inches of snow on the ground lately, with it being just a couple of weeks past Midwinter. Sipping her tea, she heard Jadia leave to hunt, her own stomach pains not spreading to the dragon, thankfully.
"I owe Arya a huge thank you…" the teenage girl mumbled taking another sip. Her cramps were already easing, and the nausea was fading as well. That didn't mean she was about to risk food, though. Instead, she quietly sipped her tea and read out of a book Oromis had given her full of dwarf lore. It was interesting to her, and she had been reading it whenever she had a chance. Two cups of tea later, and the green dragon returned to the ledge that connected to Amy's suite.
Standing, Amy couldn't help the smile that tugged at her lips. This was her favorite, and only winter, dress that she owned. It somehow made her actually look graceful for a change. Arya had noticed her passion for the dress, and had talked to the elf who was responsible for making it. The princess had been pleased that Amy enjoyed dressing like a girl for once, seeing as the human usually dressed in tunics and leggings. However, she had been dubbed the "Lady Rider" by the rumor mills, and now it was expected that when she appeared in any court that she look like an actual noblewoman. Thankfully, Arya was helping her make her wardrobe more acceptable for that kind of expectation and the newest Rider pair weren't expected to debut anywhere outside the elf capital until spring. Oromis had helped by designing a saddle that Amy could sit sidesaddle style on Jadia and still be able to function like a normal Rider. That was the saddle that Amy fastened on to her dragon.
So why the skirt? The dragon asked as her Rider tightened the chest straps accordingly. You like that dress, but you still dislike wearing skirts unless you have to… She watched with bright eyes as her Rider pulled on a brown cape with a hood for warmth, though she left the hood down for now.
It will keep anyone from asking anything too physical of me. Amy explained as she picked up the leather pack that Jadia had once traveled in. She had put her pads for the day as well as an emergency change of clothing in it, hiding everything by putting the book of dwarf tales on top. With that explanation, she hopped up onto the saddle, adjusting so her skirt was flowing correctly once she was sitting. The saddle had been a challenge for Oromis, one that he had enjoyed, though he had to work a good deal with Arya, Jadia, and Amy. Much like a traditional dragon saddle, it had straps for her legs to keep her safe in the saddle. For complex maneuvers, there were also straps in the front for her arms. However, the seat had been curved on the right side so that it could help support her right leg and keep her balance. Her skirt had to be carefully tucked around her so that it wouldn't interfere with the straps keeping her place. However, Amy had practiced, and now she was a pro at getting into the saddle quickly and neatly.
Once her Rider was safely in her saddle, Jadia flapped her wings and took to the air. The two gladly moved and worked together in flight, though Amy would wince occasionally from her body's aching. While not anti-social, the pair did prefer to fly places rather than walk on the ground. Jadia disliked being the center of attention, as was guaranteed with the way the elves treated all the dragons, and Amy was less likely to trip when her feet weren't on the ground. They arrived safely at the clearing where Oromis made his home, and Amy set to work unbuckling her legs as the eldest dragon and Rider looked at the youngest.
"Good morning, Amy," Oromis greeted her warmly, "You are a little early."
"Good morning, Master Oromis, Master Glaedr," she said in return, "And it's nice to be early for a change." The two had quickly taken on a relationship similar to his with Eragon, though without the strain of there being only one Rider and limited time. That, and Amy actually respecting him and enjoying his lessons made their bond stronger than hers with Eragon, who she still treated like an annoying older sibling.
Good morning, Amy. And how are you this morning, Jadia? Glaedr asked the green female, turning his head from Rider to dragon.
Confused. Just when you think you have humans figured out, they do something strange. Jadia told him, though she didn't clarify. The murderous feelings coming from Amy should she be specific were a strong deterrent. Glaedr chuckled in his deep voice, even as Amy hopped down from her saddle and approached Oromis.
"Where is Eragon, anyway? I want to know what we are doing today…" Amy asked curiously.
You should have stayed in your saddle. Glaedr gave her a hint in amusement, watching the teenager's eyes light up.
"Capture the Flag?" she asked Oromis excitedly, her emotion genuine for a change. It was what she had named an activity Oromis had started with her and Eragon once Jadia mastered her wings. They each were given three flags, and they had to hide them, each given a few minutes to do so while the others looked away. The entire forest was the field they had to play this game in. Once the three Riders had hidden their flags, the game started. The point was to find the other Riders' hiding places, steal a flag, and bring it back to the clearing, all the while keeping an eye on their own hiding place to try and keep the other Riders from stealing their flags. The first to have all three colors of flag won. Amy had emerald green flags, Eragon sapphire blue flags, and Oromis gold flags. However, today the only female Rider noticed that there were ruby red flags instead of gold.
Murtagh is either back, or due back today. She told Jadia in amusement. We should hurry, then, to find Eragon's so we can focus on him.
Jadia, of course, has a few questions. Muragh's dragon is a red male, right? Is he larger or smaller than Saphira?
Slightly larger.
So he won't be down in the trees with us, but in the sky with her. Jadia sounded quite confident with her assessment, but Amy warned her that to make an assumption before meeting the other pair could be a fatal mistake. The two conferred and decided on which of their many hiding places to use as they waited for the others to appear and Amy strapped herself back into her saddle. Once they agreed with each other, she pulled out her book and began to read.
First came Eragon and Saphira. The first words out of his mouth were, "What were you thinking, missing morning practice! You will never get better at this rate!"
"Screw you," she countered without looking up from her book. At Oromis's look, she closed her book and gave Eragon a stern look. "I haven't ever missed a practice before now, despite how much I hate them, have I? So if I did, then it had to have been because of a very good reason, right? Now, either you accept that and move on, or you continue to make an ass out of yourself because you think you can boss me around."
Have I mentioned that I love having you around? Saphira asked in amusement as Eragon stared at the still-mounted Rider, ignoring her Rider's slightly annoyed look in response to her comment.
"Now Riders, attention please!" Oromis demanded, though he was obviously trying not to laugh. He knew, after six months of watching the two interact, that there were no harsh feelings between the two Riders, just easy annoyance. "We do actually have lessons here today."
Eragon turned serious and said apologetically, "We are sorry for being late, Master Oromis. Brom was giving Arya trouble this morning." He glared at Amy when she snickered. The dark-haired half-elven little boy was instantly one of Amy's favorite people. As the son of the Rider who saved the world and his elven bride set to become the queen of her race, he had more attention on him then he ever really wanted, not to mention more flattery and affection than a five year-old boy needed. Amy's blunt and dry personality was a welcome change for him, and he had come to her often in the evenings, once both were through with lessons. Her teasing nature had found a kindred spirit in him, much to his parents' somewhat annoyance.
"No need to apologize because of your family," the elf assured him, then handed him the pile of blue flags, Amy's coming to her arms not long after. "Glaedr and I found Thorn and Murtagh yesterday. He should be here in a couple of hours or so, if they continue at their current speed. They aren't exactly rushing home yet. Once they are here, we will pause the exercise to allow him time to hide his flags before continuing them. The game will not end, even if you find the other's flag, until after he arrives, am I clear?"
Eragon nodded even as Amy chirped, "Crystal." The two men shared looks of both bafflement and amusement, used to her odd phrases by now. Seeing as she was already strapped into her saddle, she was the first to hide her flags. It was a good hour before she returned, looking very satisfied with her hiding place. Eragon took just as long to hide his flags. Once the two were set, Oromis reminded them that both him and Glaedr would be keeping an eye on the newest generation of Riders to insure that they all played by the rules. Quickly agreeing, the two Riders took to the sky to begin searching.
Not too far away from where they were training, Murtagh sat astride his greatest friend besides his brother, leaning back and watching the sky overhead rather than paying attention to his surroundings. His mind was closely bonded with Thorn's at the moment, leaving him able to smell and hear more than normal. He was startled as much as his dragon when an unfamiliar sent hit the more sensitive nose of the garnet scaled male.
In his mind, Thorn had categorized everyone, including the other dragons. All held the scent of the fire in their bellies, and of a clean scent, like rainfall. There was also a unique element to each dragon. The first dragon he ever met, Shruikan, had the smell of disease and death to him from the forced bond he was enslaved by. Glaedr held the scent of deep forests of ancient trees and hidden plants, even as the scent of the grasslands' dry heat and strong winds clung to Saphira. He, personally, had the extra scent of the mountains' frozen air and earthy tone, according to the other two dragons.
However, this scent was that of a dragon with a scent of the sea, with its salty spray and warm sands.
Has the other egg finally hatched? Murtagh asked his dragon, leaning forward to pay attention.
I don't know. The dragon's answer was just as confused as his Rider's mind. We should see Oromis. In complete agreement, the two veered and headed towards the familiar clearing.
As soon as they were close enough, Oromis began to explain to Murtagh about the strange girl, Amy, and the surprising new dragon, the green female named Jadia. When the elf master explained the current exercise, the young Rider was eager for the challenge, accepting his flags and hiding them as Oromis paused the game to give him time.
Murtagh! The scarlet Rider was surprised when Eragon approached him, looking annoyed, not long after he had taken to the air after hiding his flags.
Hello, brother. Aren't we suppose to be enemies right now? Murtagh created his younger brother with curiousity.
The scowl on Eragon's face only deepened as he answered. I'm asking for help. I'm not losing this game to Amy again.
Again? How many times have you lost to her?
It was Saphira who answered. Every time we've played. She hasn't beat Oromis yet, but she always finds our flags while we don't have a clue where hers are.
Amused, Murtagh laughed at their predictament and asked. Has she already captured your flag this time? He was surprised when they nodded. Well then, where do we start?
We've searched the south and east part of the field with no luck. Eragon told him eagerly, even as he and Saphira turned to head west. Would you take the north part of the field? Her flags are emerald green, so you are going to have to be thorough.
Shaking his head at his younger brother's serious and determined mindset, Murtagh asked Thorn. Does he seem particularly firm about beating a simple girl?
Let us make sure we actually beat her before we form a conclusion. Was the dragon's cautionary answer.
Yeah… This chapter really got away from me. I don't know why or how, but it did. Aren't you thrilled for another update, though? Remember, review everyone!
