A/N: Thanks for all the reviews... Hope you guys liked the chapter. This chapter will be in Arya's POV until the two dashes.
I hope its not boring, but there was a lot to write about for the hatchling part.
Enjoy:
Arya absentmindedly stroked the hatchling's snout. One question was stuck in her head: What should I name you? She asked. The green hatchling just snorted and sniffed her hand, hoping to get more food.
Arya smiled, scratching her gedwey ignasia. She was both surprised and amused to find out that it glowed when she used magic.
Becoming a Rider was a neither pleasant nor unpleasant change, just strange. A few days had passed since the dragon hatched for her, yet she was still not used to having another consciousness sharing her thoughts.
Her mind was not her own anymore, for she shared every thought and emotion with her dragon. In some ways, it was comforting to know that she was not alone but she also felt slightly resentful that she could no longer keep her thoughts to herself.
She was aware that her bond with the hatchling was nowhere near as strong as Eragon's and Saphira's, but she could barely force herself to part with her dragon for more than a few minutes. He would perch on her shoulder when she left her tent, which was quite rare.
Eragon and Saphira joined them everyday now. The hatchling enjoyed their presence – especially Saphira's – and Arya was more than happy to spend the day flipping through old books with Eragon for an appropriate name for her dragon. So far, they had come across two names that they all agreed to: Artemis and Eridor.
Artemis was worshipped as the god of hunting for some of the wandering tribes. Saphira had liked the name Arya too felt that it was appropriate for the hatchling. However, it was a name given to females so it was crossed out. Eridor was the name of one of the legendary dragons. His Rider was one of the only beings to have killed a Shade and live – just like Eragon and Arya.
Saphira opposed strongly to it being named after Evandar, Faolin or any other elf or human. Would you name your child after a dragon or a dwarf? She said simply when asked why.
Arya taught the dragon both the Ancient Language and the human tongue. Soon, it was able to construct sentences and joined in most of their conversations. Saphira always laid aside a small portion of her kill for the hatchling. Soon I will able to hunt with you, the two week old hatchling told Saphira, pride evident in his voice.
One day, after a particularly long search for names, Arya wearily announced:"I'm tired of this searching for names. Would you like to be called Eridor?"
The dragon hummed, dipping its head. Eragon sighed in relief. I'm glad that's settled, he thought to himself.
--
Eridor proved to be an excellent hunter. He often accompanied Saphira when she went hunting for his appetite had grown tremendously. He often experienced growth spurts, one day he would be looking exactly as you remembered him, the next day he would have grown a few more inches.
Saphira was proud of the progress he had made. He was now an exceptional flyer, although he had some difficulties staying airborne at first. He had a vast knowledge of the Ancient Language and he could now speak the human tongue with little or no mistakes. His strength and stamina had increased much since he started training with her and he shared Arya's wisdom and logic.
Three whole months had passed since he hatched. Since he could not support Arya's weight for the whole journey from Uru'baen to Ellesmera, Arya would spend some time on his back, and the rest of the time running below them with Eragon. They could not travel at the speed Saphira was used to for Eridor was not fast enough yet.
Queen Islanzadi was very surprised when she found out about Eridor. They had purposely delayed telling her the news till Eridor was old enough to fly to Ellesmera so that Arya could tell her in person.
There were many things Eragon had to teach Arya, although it was not as much as what Brom and Oromis had to tech him for Arya was an excellent swordsman and more experienced at magic than him. He taught her the names of herbs that were good for a dragon, a dragon's fighting techniques, how to make a saddle and all the knowledge neede to care for a dragon.
In that span of three months, the bond between Arya and Eragon strengthened as well as between Saphira and Eridor, who shared their Riders' feelings for each other. They became inseparable over that time. Sometimes, it was as if Arya was Saphira's Rider and Eragon was Eridor's. Such was the nature and strength of their bond.
They lived in Ellesmera for most of the time, sometimes returning to the Varden, which had settled down in Uru'baen. However, they could never forsake their duty as Riders to ensure peace in Alageasia. In those three months, they had hunted down Galbatorix's Black Hand, who remained loyal to him. Those who were willing to join the Varden were spared.
--
"Draumr kopa," muttered Eragon. The water clouded and showed the face of Nasuada. He added a few more words to allow them to hear each other.
"How was it?" he asked. That morning, an election took place to decide the new ruler of Alagaesia. It was only the first bout, where the people of Aladaesia got the chance to nominate those who they thought fit for the post.
"It was uneventful," she shrugged. "There are a total of twenty nominees," she added.
"Who are they?" he asked.
Nasuada recited a list of names and their accomplishments. "… And, uh, me," she concluded, her voice barely more than a whisper.
Eragon's eyes widened. He had expected her to be nominated but the fact still surprised him. "Wow, congratulations," he said, not really knowing what to say.
End of Chapter 8
Wow, can't really believe we're at chapter 8 already!! I didn't think I would be able to write so much in such a short period! I hope this chapter didn't make you fall asleep or anything, I personally think its a bit... boring.
and I really had to bring up the election because Eragon can't leave till everything is settled in Alagaesia. I'm not very experienced in the realm of politics, but I tried my best. Remember to review!
thanks! (:
