Roran was sitting on one of Eragon's couches with Katrina at his side while he watched with awe as Eragon armor transformed, allowing him to step out of it, but he still looked nervous. Eragon paced several times behind Saphira before he stopped and braced his hands on either side of her.
"Before I start, there's something you should know. Well you already know Katrina, Samantha here is actually Saphira. I have placed an illusion over her to make her appear human."
Eragon then removed the illusion, but kept the one that hid her privates. Eragon saw that Roran's face hardened, as Katrina's lightened.
"How? Before Saphira, sorry, you were a dragon."
Eragon sighed again as he chose his words.
"I love Saphira; I love her with all my heart. But I knew that our love would only end in angst, Dragons are immortal. I knew that she would have watched me grow old and die, as she would live on. I could do that, but I love her too much. I remembered something she told me before and decided to prey to her ancestors for help. They answered and told me the only way for use to be together forever was to bind our souls."
"Like a dragon rider?"
"No Roran, a dragon and rider have their souls linked, I physically had part of my soul ripped away, and had it replaced with part of hers, and she received mine in return."
Eragon pulled his shirt off to reveal the pulsing blue scar on his chest.
"But from doing this, we also gained abilities. I gained the ability of dragon strength and magic, Saphira gained the ability to change into this form as she wishes."
Eragon released a large sigh as he examined their stunned faces. This was the one thing he dreaded, he had no idea how they would respond. Even with Saphira with him his trepidation was building faster than she could still it.
"Saphira, go put something one."
Was all he said before quickly ran off into the kitchen to find something hard to drink. Eragon was glad Saphira did as he asked for when he felt her round the corner and move up stairs he let out a massive breath of air as he let go of the illusion of her cloths. Eragon hated drowning his fears in alcohol but this was one moment he didn't mind. Eragon had just finished his second mug of mead as Roan walked in. Eragon glanced up at him, but returned to purring his third mug.
"Just say it Roan, I know what you're thinking."
"Do you now, because from the looks of it you have no idea what I'm thinking."
Eragon was about to start drinking again but froze when he said that and slowly lowered his mug.
"Yes all of this took me by surprise, but we both know that we have both seen things much more disturbing, we have killed thousands, you, easily double that, tens of thousands. Eragon you above all else deserve happiness and if you find it with Saphira who are we to stop you. It would be pointless of me to ask you whether or not you love her seeing you already gave her your soul."
Roran paused as Eragon rubbed the scar on his chest before continuing.
"I can imagine it was no easy thing having a part of your soul ripped away and give it to someone else."
Roran flinched slightly as Eragon looked at him with solemn eyes, never had he seen eyes filled with such torment. He was truly terrified that Roran would find all of this truly disturbing, and the fear of what he might do tore at him.
"Eragon, if you want to love Saphira fine, Katrina is up stairs with Saphira now. You should go see her. Katrina and I will not tell anyone of this, you have my word brother."
Eragon heard Roran walk into the living room before calling up to Katrina, not a moment later did Katrina come down the stairs, Eragon stared at the mug of mead confused, he felt alone, more alone than he ever had before. Then he realized why, instantly he creamed and threw the mug against the wall, Eragon then reopened his mind and heart to Saphira who was obviously upset because he blocked her off. Eragon ran upstairs wrapping her mind and heart in his warm embrace, smothering her with love comfort, and apologies. When Eragon reached their room Saphira shot her head up, Eragon was mortified to see she had been crying.
"Forgive me."
Was all he could choke out, before running to her and wrapping her in his warm embrace. Saphira was at a loss for words, Eragon had never been like this before, even from his memories he never acted like this. He truly regretted what he did to her, the regret she felt from him was nothing like she ever felt before, and right now Eragon needed a shoulder to lean on. Saphira wrapped her arms around him and radiated love, comfort, and reassurance.
"There now Eragon, it's alright. You need to calm yourself."
Saphira continued her grip around Eragon as she used all her mental strength to destroy his worry and shrouded him in her love.
"I told you, you need to calm your mind."
"I…I…I…"
Saphira only tightened her grip around his mind and increased the amount of comfort and love she sent him, she made sure that he knew that she didn't regret anything and would like nothing more than to move on.
"I'm so sorry Saphira; I never meant to hurt you."
"I know Eragon, I understand what your feeling. But please let us forget this happened."
"Let us get away Saphira, far away. There have always been legends of lands far to the west, across the sea."
"Eragon, are you sure that's what you want?"
"Only if you agree to it. I have spent the past years of my life doing nothing but killing, and when that was over I still killed. I have had it with everything Saphira."
"Then let use leave Eragon."
Saphira felt gratitude from him before he let her go and conjured a leather pack out of the air, Saphira was slightly surprised by this but knew Eragon used the natural energy in the room, combined with his magic use to do it. Saphira watched as he packed several of his own clothes, before taking the rest and transforming them into women's clothing. Even though Saphira didn't want to, she knew that eventually she would have to wear cloths, and when she did, she will be thank full Eragon packed them. She followed him as he went down stairs and placed a spell on the fire place to make it so that it couldn't be opened until, if he returned. After that Eragon downed his armor and ran outside to his food cellar, as Saphira finished up inside. Eragon took the last leather pack that was hanging up and put an enchantment on it that would allow him to fill it with all his supplies and not weigh him down, Eragon put enchantments on the meats to keep them from spoiling, and enchantments of jars that would keep them from breaking. Eragon then closed his cellar and returned to the front of the house where Saphira was waiting for him with their bag of clothes, and another larger bag that Eragon put the other two into. Before they left Eragon put a spell over his house that would protect it from any damage, no matter how small, finally he carved a note into the door, telling everyone that he has left for some long needed rest, eventually he would be back, but he didn't know when. Eragon took several slow steps back before turning around to Saphira who was holding their bag.
"Let's go"
Was all he said before initiating his thrusters and blasting several feet into the air before coming to a hover to watch Saphira unfurl her wings and fly up to him, it was clear she wasn't used to flying in her human form but she quickly got the hang of it, and in a matter of minutes they were several leagues away, making their way east.
Several days have passed since leaving Alagaisia, several days of continues none stop flying, luckily food wasn't an issue, thanks to Eragon. Whenever they needed to eat they would hover, it was easier for Eragon than it was for Saphira. Eragon didn't really on his own body to fly so he didn't tire, Saphira one the other hand does, and continues flying tends to drain strength faster, thank fully whenever she grew tired and needed to rest Eragon would carry her bridal style as he maintained flying. Every time he's done this there weren't any problems, but one the fourth day of travel Eragon sensed something in Saphira, this time she wasn't waking up. Fearful for her life Eragon came to a hover and did everything he could to wake her, he then franticly shook her, but only got a small moan in response. Cursing to himself for all he knew was that she was weakening and nothing else he instantly shot forwards as fast as he could travel without waving the wind damage Saphira.
"Please Saphira, hang in there, please."
He franticly pleaded to her, he then opened a steady trickle of energy from his to her, it did something, but not enough, but something is better than nothing so as he continued his flow of strength into her he cast his feelings of fear aside and wrapped his mind around hers and radiated his passion to her, giving her the ability to hold on longer. But Eragon knew it would be useless unless they find land, and quick. Eragon wanted nothing more than to fly at full speeds, but he knew the winds at those speeds would hurt Saphira, and any injuries she had to fight now would take away from her chance at survival. But then Eragon remembered hearing about wards, barriers constructed from magic. Eragon then thought about it and constructed one around Saphira, not only to stop the wind from hitting her, but to also dampen the effect of flying at high speeds. When Eragon was finished with the wards he noticed Saphira's cloak no longer blew from the wind, he gently entered her mind as he steadily increased his speed, when he felt no change in her, or the effect of momentum, Eragon cried as he opened up full throttle.
"Hold on Saphira!"
He screamed not only at her but also into her mind as he clenched his teeth. He didn't know how fast he was moving, only that he made a loud bang behind him as his suit increased speed. Even though he designed the suit to handle extreme forces, these where beyond extreme forces and was afraid if he pushed it any faster then it will begin to tear apart. Eragon saw a number in the top corner of his visor, it was over a thousand. He starred at it in wonder before he realized it was his speed, he was travelling over a thousand leagues and hour? That's it, Eragon then thought about land, his sheer desperation to find land, it wasn't long until several circles popped up, and the closest one was a large island. According to his visor he should be seeing it now. Eragon breathed a sigh of relief as he noticed boats bellow, but had to refocus and dramatically slow his speed. Eragon noticed the island had several huts that reminded him of the early huts of Pallancar Valley, when the humans just arrived. Eragon put that thought aside as he stopped flying and dropped all the way to the ground, as he fell he saw very large people converging around where he was going to land, when Eragon was about eighty feet of the ground he slowed himself with his thrusters to a manageable speed before landing with a heavy clang. Eragon ignored the faces of disbelief as he laid Saphira on the ground and removed his helmet and gloves. Eragon franticly put his hand on Saphira's fore head and quickly yanked it back as she was burning up, when he felt this he knew what was ailing her, and cursed himself for not having any, Eragon then loved up the group of Large people, he noticed several creatures, with kids by their sides, but there was one creature that was black and had a mechanical tail, next to him was a boy with a missing foot, Eragon knew there would be time later for introductions, now He needed to get water in Saphira, Now!
"Please, water, do you have any water, she's dehydrated."
Eragon waited several moments before the young boy who was standing next to the black creature ran off, only return a moment later with a water skin, Eragon positioned Saphira so she was leaning on his lap and sitting up slightly. Eragon took the skin from the boy and unstopped it before opening Saphiras mouth and purring the water down her throat, he knew only to give her small mounts at a time, and only gave her enough for her body to absorb.
"Thank you."
Eragon breathed as he stoppered the skin, and handed it back to the boy.
"Who…Who are you?"
"I'm Eragon, This is Saphira. We hail from a land called Alagaisia; we've been flying for several days."
Eragon slowly trailed off as the knowledge Saphira was safe, and the fact he was on solid ground reminded him just how tired he was and hated that he was about to fall sleep. Hiccup watched as this new man, in this amazing flying armor collapsed over this creature he called Saphira.
"Father, what should we do?"
"They're travelers, travelers who are very tired and need rest."
Hiccup backed out of the way as his Father and Gunnar picked up Eragon and Saphira to carry them back to his hut.
"Who do you think they are?"
"I have absolutely no idea Astrid, the thing he called Saphira had scales that resembled Toothless, and the armor the man wore, I wouldn't believe it was possible to fly, let alone in armor until now."
"He was concerned for her."
"She's most likely his friend; you remember how fast he flew in before slowing down."
"He said they've been flying for days, why do you expect they left?"
"It could have been for a large number of things, we'll ask them when they wake up."
"Something I could help but notice was the way Eragon looked, his face, it was scared and slightly wrinkled, but he is also a young adult."
"You think he is a fighter?"
"One that has seen more than his fair share of combat."
"We'll watch him then. Now let's go, show me what you and Stormfly have learned."
Saphira coughed several times as she rolled her head side to side, she could tell Eragon was asleep, but she was lying in something hard, with something soft propping her head up. She wearily opened her eyes to see that she was on a room, with an extremely large man looming over the fire, the man had a wooden leg and she saw glimpses of metal as well.
"Where am I?"
"Ah, you're awake. Your friend Eragon brought you here, you were severely dehydrated."
The man turned around and gave her a water skin that was sitting nearby, Saphira coughed once as the cold liquid made contact with her coarse throat. She took several small sips before stoppering it and handing it back to the man. Who seemed awfully friendly towards her, this was confusing, she would have thought for sure they would be scared by her.
"Where's Eragon?"
"Your friend, he's up stairs sleeping. Poor lad, he was so worried about you he passed out from exhaustion after he got you water."
Saphira smiled to herself, when she was unconscious, there were several times when she heard Eragon, like a whisper in the night, also the strength he gave her helped.
"Is he alright?"
"Yes, only tired is all. Now if you don't mid me asking, what are you?"
"I'm a dragon. Eragon saved my life once, but unfortunately it was not enough. What he did was combine his soul with mine, this is ability."
"He melded his soul with a dragon's?"
"Yes, I'm not sure what you think of dragons but know this. Eragon has done nothing but kill for the last five years of his life, believe me when I say you don't want him as an enemy."
"Easy lass, we used to be at war With the dragons here, but our little Hiccup brought peace with our races."
"Wait, dragons live?"
"Yes, why sound so surprise?"
"Well, you see, where I hail from I am the last of my kind. Our king killed off my race and took their power."
"I'm sorry to hear that, if you want I can bring in Hiccup and toothless?"
"Please, I would much enjoy meeting the man responsible for peace between our races."
Saphira gently eased herself up and braced her back against the back board as the hefty man went to the front door and called their names, a moment latter a small boy, walked in followed by a black creature that resembled her slightly, except her head was more elongated and her neck was also longer.
"So you are responsible for uniting our two races, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you."
"You're welcome, but if I may ask, what breed are you?"
"I am what the elves call the Elder Breed; it is believed that my species are messengers of our ancestors, put on the earth to help correct the balance of good and evil."
"So, were you always like this?"
"This, no, When Eragon wakes, he will explain everything."
Saphira gently rubbed her mind against his, alerting him that she was awake and well. It wasn't long until someone exclaimed.
"Saphira!"
Upstairs, followed by a heavy crash, Saphira sent him her feelings of wellbeing and comfort as the hefty man went upstairs.
"Look like he's awake."
Saphira didn't respond but heard the man returning down the stairs, this time with Eragon. However to Saphiras surprise Eragon ran over to her and picked her up, wrapping his arms around her and spinning her in his embrace.
"I thought I lost you."
He said to her.
"No Eragon, you didn't lose me, but you should put me down, there are people present."
Eragon had forgotten all about the others in the room when he was filled with joy to see Saphira was safe. Eragon gently put her back on the ground and allowed her to lean on him as they looked at the big husky man, the boy, and the back dragon.
"Thank you, all of you for your hospitality."
"You are our guest Eragon, you and Saphira."
"I don't understand, Saphira, she doesn't frighten you?"
"Not really, unusual yes, frightening, no. There are many, breeds of dragon here on Berk, we thought we seen it all, but a dragon who can shift into a human, and who also speaks, that is a new one."
"Wait, you don't communicate with your dragons?"
"They listen to use, but they don't speak like Saphira."
"They shouldn't Hiccup, wild dragons communicate through feelings, emotions, and images. The only reason why I'm able to speak is because Eragon and I bonded when I was younger."
Eragon directed his attention to Toothless, and then spoke in the ancient language.
"I am a friend of the dragon race, if you will allow me the pleasure of communicating with you in the manor of your kind?"
Eragon ignored the others and their faces of surprise not only at his strange language but also the fact that toothless walked towards him and stood on his hind legs to look Eragon directly in the eyes, Eragon knowing this was part of their communication held the dragons gaze. Several moments went by before he felt a mind curiously brush against his, Eragon lowered his barriers and began communicating with Toothless. The dragons mind was still young, probably no older than two years.
"What's he doing?"
"Your people can't extend their minds can they?"
"Do what with our minds?"
"I guess not, well Hiccup, Eragon and Toothless are making introductions."
"Wait, toothless can talk?"
"No, it is a difficult thing to master, a dragon's form of communication. If you're not trained in it then there is a big chance you'll say something you don't mean."
Several moments went by Before Eragon respectfully bowed his head followed by Toothless, Toothless then lowed back on all fours and walked back over to hiccup.
"He asked me to tell you Hiccup. Thank you, thank you for not killing me when you had the chance, but even more so for being my friend."
Hiccup turned to look at Toothless who smiled and purred, the way he does when he's happy.
"Can you teach me how to do that?"
"I am unsure Hiccup, Saphira and I left our land to find peace."
"Eragon, perhaps this is where we will find it, think about it; these people not only befriended the Dragons, but also live among them."
"Alright Saphira, for you, but only if they offer it."
"As I was saying, In my land Dragons have been given a terrible name. Saphira and I left to some place nice to settle down and let our wounds heal."
"Perhaps this is the place, what skills do you have?"
"I am a master mechanic, I have trained with the greatest Blacksmith alive, that's not opinion, its fact, I also have an in-depth understanding of how energy works, and war fare. I spent my child hood, scavenging and hunting, while working on a farm."
"And you made that suit?"
"Yes Hiccup, with some help from my mater Smith."
"If you wish Eragon, you and Saphira may stay here with us, but you will have to do things to help out."
Eragon glanced over to Saphira, she could feel his trepidation, but he was also open to the idea.
"We don't have to live here Eragon, if there comes a time we have to leave then we will."
"Thank you Saphira, alright we'll try it here."
"Very well, is there a place we can build on?"
Hiccup and the large man turned around as the door opened and another large man walked in, he had a dark brown beard and mustache that covered most of his face.
"Gobber, Hiccup, would you give us a moment?"
Eragon watched as hiccup and the other man, who was called Gobber left, after they left this new man, closed the door and walked over to them and took a seat across from them, Eragon and Saphira sat down on the wooden platform that appeared to be a bed.
"I'm sure Gobberr has offered residence to you by now."
"Yes, although we are still somewhat hesitant. For many years I have been people's problem solver, the point of Saphira and I leaving was to get away from all of that."
"I understand Eragon, this is a small island, and this village is the only one here."
"Eragon and I will remain for the time, but if things become like before, then we will move on."
"Great, now there is plenty of land available, you may chose a piece that is not already owned."
"Thank you Stoic."
"Don't mention it Eragon, now, if you wouldn't mind our own dragon riders are more than eager to meet you."
Eragon smiled at Saphira before standing with her and following Stowic to the door. Eragon blinked several times as his eyes adjusted to the bright light. The first thing he noticed were the different breeds of dragons he saw, one was green with two heads, another had only two legs and reminded him of an eagle, there was small one but was quit large, and the last was a massive red dragon with spikes and a long jaw. After that he saw that each one had a teenager standing in front of each one, Eragon turned his head over and watched as Saphira shifted into her dragon form, before following Eragon down the path to the group of kids, who regarded him and Saphira with expressions of awe. Eragon decided off by meeting each of them, he started off with the chubby one.
"Who are you, and what is your dragons name and breed?"
"I'm Fishlegs sir, and this is Meatlug. Is it true, that you are a mighty warrior?"
"Once."
"If you're such a great warrior, then why did you leave?"
Eragon turned his attention to this brutish looking fellow.
"And you are?"
"Snotlout."
"Snotlout, what an appropriate name for such a rude child, let me tell you this Snotlout. I have killed tens of thousands, sabotaged cities, destroyed lives, used my skills in espionage to infiltrate the most well-guarded military out posts imaginable, I am the last person you should irritate, am I clear?"
"Yes sir, sorry sir."
Eragon smiled slightly as the others started laughing at his expression of fear. He then moved on to the girl who stood in front the two legged Dragon. He regarded her for several moments before speaking.
"It is obvious you are the warrior of the group, you are?"
"I'm Astrid, and this is Stormfly. How long did you have to train before you got the way you are?"
"For over a year I spent every moment of free time I had improving myself. At one point I was brought to the elves, they are the masters of combat in my land."
"How long did it take?"
"Too long, later I will show you a few things."
Eragon spent the next several minutes learning each of their names before moving on to the dragons. Eragon could tell that they never thought of the dragons as intelligent being and just thought them to be elegant mounts. After he talked to the dragons, and passed on any information they requested Eragon and Saphira left to find a place to begin building their house, Eragon thought he would be irritated, but found that having the young riders join him wasn't all bad. Eragon and Saphira spent several hours of searching, allowing their companions to suggest different areas to look at until Eragon found a place that he deeply liked.
"Eragon, are you sure about this?"
"Yes Saphira, when it's finished it will be phenomenal."
"But Eragon, it's a cliff."
"Yes Astrid, now watch."
Eragon then used the thrusters in his hands to concentrate the energy to make a beam, Eragon then used this beam to begin carving an opening in the rock, the trio watched in awe as Eragon bore his way into the side of the cliff, then walk into the opening he just created. It was about twelve feet high, eighteen feet wide, and ten feet deep. Eragon then started carving out the house. Eragon found that he was able to control his suit to cut out the rock by imagining what he wanted and willing it to do it. This way Eragon was far less likely to make a mistake. It took Eragon little over an hour to get the interior carved out; thankfully his visor enabled him to see in the dark. Eragon made his way back outside to where Saphira and the others were waiting with their dragons. He noticed every one perk up as he left the house but stopped as he turned around and took a meditative position.
"What's he doing?"
"He is now going to furnish it now Hiccup."
Saphira answered from where she was curled up and basking in the sun.
Hiccup and Astrid exchanged amazed glances as Eragon just sat there. It was well over an hour later before every one saw a massive wooden door materialize over the entrance, Eragon let out an exhausted breath as he tried to stand, but when he got to his feet his mental exhaustion was so great Eragon collapsed over, Saphira sensing this was already by his side to catch him with her side, she would be so as a human but didn't want to expose herself to everyone.
"Saphira, is he alright?"
"Yes Astrid, Eragon is just mentally exhausted and needs his rest. After he is rested he will finish the house."
Saphira didn't wait for their responses as she allowed Eragon to fall on her back and fall sleep, Saphira pushed the door aside and walk in where she pushed a button on the wall. She was awed by what she saw when the entire area was basked in light from glass spheres on the walls, Saphira marveled as she walked down the hall and came into the main chamber. It was amazing; she was on a balcony overlooking a massive circular room. The main floor had rings of, emerald, ruby, and gold all surrounding a massive Sapphire. Hanging from the ceiling was a chandelier about three feet across with hundreds of crystals hanging from it. Saphira walked down one of the circular stair cases and took the hall way to the left where she made her way to their room. Again it was amazing, there was a bowl shaped bed like the one in Ellesmera, albeit a tad smaller, there was also another double bed were they can sleep in human form, she saw two other doors and knew that one was a closet and the other was a wash room. Saphira laid Eragon down on the double before shifting into her human form and laying herself down against his side, resting her head on his shoulder and draping one of her legs over his, Saphira laid her hand over his chest before falling asleep with him.
