Hi, if you go to my profile I have links for pictures of my characters! Enjoy!

The twittering of morning songbirds woke Akira earlier than she would have liked. Light filtered through Unmei's purple wing membranes, bathing the ground in violet light. Based on the bright sunshine at this early hour, Akira knew it was going to be a beautiful day.

Feeling her stirring, Unmei lifted her wing.

Good morning, little one.

Is it? I am afraid. This is not where I belong.

You will belong where you decide to try to. If you fight against the place where you are, you are right you will not fit. But if you resign yourself to the fact that you are here, and try to make it a better place, you will succeed. Remember who you are, and you will shape your world.

I suppose you're right, Akira sighed.

Then let's go, Unmei nudged Akira toward the saddle that lay on the ground under the tree.

Akira picked it up and hoisted it onto Unmei's back, grunting with effort. Damp leather was not light, and her dragon was getting tall. She changed back into the lavender tunic and pants she had been wearing the day before, and put her training uniform back in the saddle pack. The sun was already beginning to shine warmly, and Akira put her cloak in the pack too. They breakfasted on the last of the dried meat, it being just enough for the two of them. Then Akira mounted the saddle. She strapped her legs in and sat tall as Unmei spread her wings. She took a deep breath.

To the dragons, little one!

To the dragons!

A push and they were off, above the trees and flying high. Akira looked out over the forest.

We're looking for a mountain range stretching all the way down to the sea shore, and a bay between to mountains with trees all around, and a big meadow. Akira sent Unmei the images as she mentally spoke the words.

We should fly higher, her dragon responded.

You don't have to ask me, I'm not afraid of heights you know! Akira giggled.

Unmei flapped her wings harder pushing them higher and higher into the sky. When they began to experience difficulty from the thinning of the air, they stopped and leveled off.

There is a haze over there, Unmei said, swinging to the right. It could be mountains.

Lets check it out! Akira exclaimed.

They flew in that direction, and sure enough, over the course of half an hour, the haze resolved itself into a range of fairly small mountains, perhaps an average of eleven thousand feet high. Snow lay on the tops. They angled off toward the shore, and after another four hours, flew out over the azure bay. As they approached, a pale green shape detached itself from the skyline. Unmei shivered in excitement.

Another dragon!

I know! We're finally here! Their excitement surged back and forth across their mental link, driving them giddy. As the shape resolved itself more clearly, they could see a female elf with extremely long braided blonde hair, wearing silver armor that looked like scales, and a green tunic. A musical voice filled their heads.

Welcome, Rider, welcome Dragon! You have reached the home of the Dragons, where you can be safe and free, as the wild ones of old, and where those who are bonded can train, preparing for the task that will some day continue in your hands and claws, the safeguarding and protection of all the races of Alagaesia! Eragon Elda awaits you both.

The larger dragon wheeled back the way it had come, and Unmei followed it. They dove toward the mountain side, and landed in a shower of pebbles. Caves dotted the surrounding cliffs, and several dragons lay draped lazily over boulders, basking in the sun. The older dragon and rider bowed respectfully, then flew away once again. Akira turned.

Sparkling in the sun was a beautiful blue dragoness. Standing with a slightly lined hand on her shoulder, was one like an elf and yet not like one. Akira and Unmei knew whom they stood before.

Welcome, Dragon, welcome, Rider from across the sea, said Eragon.