A/N: Some heavy dragon fluff in this chapter. Some fun stuff too. The real start of some Auron x Saphira.
An awkward tension hung over the camp as the night faded into morning. Eragon was still fatigued from his encounter with the Urgals...and from the heavy words from Brom. He had come very close to crossing the uncrossable line when it comes to magic, and Brom was understandably worried and upset. Nevertheless, he had resigned himself to the fact that it was just another stage in Eragon's training. A very tedious lesson, one with the possibility for dire consequences, but a lesson nonetheless.
Auron and Saphira were sharing a similar uncomfortable silence. Both were aware of their evolving relationship, yet neither knew exactly how to proceed. Or even to proceed at all. Barely a handful of words were exchanged between them before Saphira sent out for a morning hunt. She gave Eragon a gentle nuzzle, but for the first time in weeks, showed no affection towards her other friend before setting off. This fact was not lost on either Brom nor Eragon, as both showed signs of surprise at this new development. Eragon's previous thoughts about another quarrel between the two re-entered his mind, and he decided to voice his concerns.
Kneeling next to Auron by the smoldering fire, he favored his companion with a neutral expression and tone. "Is everything alright between you two?" Auron gave no response, merely continuing to stare at the embers. Eragon glanced over at Brom for support, but the old man was similarly focused on a task of his own. He tried again, "Look, if something happened yesterday -"
"Eragon, I don't want to talk about it right now," came a heated reply. Knowing better than to push his luck, Eragon got up and went to ready the horses for the day's travel. As the boy turned his attention elsewhere, Brom took the opportunity and made his own way over to the troubled youth. Taking a seat by him, Brom offered a casual comment.
"You know, talking with her about your issues might solve things better than by avoiding one another." His voice was hushed, so as not to alert Eragon of the discussion, but the tone was unmistakable. This wasn't a condescending or sarcastic tone. The storytellers voice was level and serious. Auron raised his head at this, shot a quick look over to make sure Eragon didn't hear, then turned to Brom in his own hushed tone.
"What are you talking about?"
Brom sighed. "Please, Auron. Anyone with half a mind about dragons could see what is beginning to happen here. It was only a matter of time." Auron's face paled slightly and his eyes widened. He started to voice a protest, but was cut off. "Relax, I'm not going to say anything to either of them, but do not think that avoiding the problem will make it go away."
Auron's shoulder's slumped. "So, you know what's been going on?"
"I've had my suspicions lately, but after the way you two returned from flying yesterday, and the dream you mentioned, I became certain." This caused a deep sigh to escape the youth beside him, as Auron accepted that Brom knew exactly what was transpiring between him and Saphira.
The blond boy rubbed his face, trying to scrub the tension away. "It's not like I don't want to possibly see her that way. It's just...I don't know if it's really me or just some instincts taking over. And I don't want to take a step in either direction until I am sure. I'm just getting used to being a dragon. I am in no way prepared to start thinking on those terms yet." He let his gaze fall to his lap. "I don't think either of us are. Besides, we do have a mountain of other concerns on this trek, most of which probably should take priority."
"Don't be so sure," the old man growled back. "For all we know, you and Saphira could be the only free dragons for a long time. As important as this little venture is, and your desire to keep Eragon safe until he decides where to go and what to do, the choices you two make will have serious repercussions as to the future of yourselves, Eragon, and the entire nation." Brom grabbed the young man's shoulder gently, a sign of support. "I know its not what you want to hear, but you need to discuss this with her. And the sooner the better, for if something like this is left unchecked, one or both of you could end up damaging things between you permanently."
"Believe me, I know," Auron admitted. "I'm just unsure how to do it." His eyes flickered over to his friend, who was having difficulty saddling Cadoc with his right arm in a splint. "And I don't know how Eragon is going to take this."
"As wrong as it may sound, it may be best to leave him out of it for now." The boy's shocked expression spoke volumes, but Brom continued. "As you said, Eragon is a person with much on his plate, and this could prove to be more unwanted stress. Plus, this is something that involves you and Saphira right now, not him. I understand that his connection with Saphira will make him irrevocably involved sooner or later, but for now, this is Saphira's and your issue. No one, not even their Rider, can tell a dragon how she may or may not feel."
Auron cradled his head in his hands, trying to block out his forming headache. "How? How am I supposed to talk to Saphira alone without him getting the sense something is amiss?"
"Leave that to me," the old man grinned. "I know of a few ways to keep someone's attention elsewhere." Auron offered him a weak smile in return. As awkward and confusing as it was discussing personal issues like this with Brom, he knew he was right. He had to talk to her.
"Hey! Are you two going to lounge there all day or are we going to ride?" Eragon tapped his foot impatiently by the readied horses. His two companions quickly stood and readied themselves, their conversation already concealed. Auron climbed aboard Cadoc and helped Eragon into the saddle. Brom mounted Snowfire and the trio set off towards the Toark River.
As they rode away, Eragon had decided to mention his scrying of the woman in his dreams. Brom pondered this, and tugged at his beard. "You say she was imprisoned?"
"Yes."
"Were you able to see her face?" Brom asked intently.
"No, it wasn't very clear. The lighting was bad, but I was able to tell that she was beautiful. And I had no problem seeing her eyes; she looked right at me."
Brom shook his head. "As far as I know, it is impossible for anyone to know if the are being scryed upon."
"Any idea who she might be?" Eragon asked, an odd sense of eagerness in his voice.
"Not really," admitted Brom. I could offer a few guesses, but none would come across as very likely to be true. The dream of yours is peculiar though; somehow you managed to scry in your sleep something that you have never seen before – and without using the ancient language. I have heard of dreams occasionally touching the spirit realm, but not in a manner like this."
Eragon thought for a moment, then grinned. "Maybe to understand it all better, we should search every prison and dungeon until we find her!" This got a laugh out of both his companions, and Auron turned around to face him.
"I'm pretty sure Saphira told us to try and stay out of unnecessary trouble."
Brom's continued training filled nearly every hour as the days slowly blended together. Due to his injury, Eragon was forced to use his left hand when he sparred at night, and soon he could duel just as well as he could with his right. Auron had even suggested Eragon trying wielding two blades like himself, but all he got was a laugh. "Fighting with one is enough for me, thank you." Eragon retorted.
Auron had merely shrugged at this, and now he was blocking his blades in preparation for tonight's sparring session with Brom, the silver spark dancing between his fingers as he caressed the cool metal. He dropped into his ready stance. Brom stood several feet away, his eyes narrowed as he watched for the first signs of movement. Quick as a flash, Auron struck, first with the right sword then with his left as he spun from his first strike. Brom parried both blows, but just barely. A glimmer entered his eyes as he continued to defend against Auron's assault, as if the old man suddenly realized how good the young man was becoming. Auron's face was a stoic mask as he dove into a series of intricate patterns, the rapid sound of the polished surfaces striking each other was like hail upon a metal roof. His feet and hands were a blur as he became a whirling vision of blow and counter blow. Eragon and Saphira's eyes darted back and forth as they tried to follow from their seats near the fire.
Suddenly, something changed. Brom was forced a step back, then another. The old man grit his teeth in frustration, but Auron had his opening. A hard backhand swing from his left arm smashed Brom's sword off guard. He quickly brought it back in front of him and braced to block the next blow. Auron planted his right foot, and propelled himself into the air, his body going into a flat spin parallel to the ground. His silver blades smashed into Brom's sword three times in rapid succession and it was torn from his grasp. The storyteller stumbled back, just as Auron landed and crossed both blades at his neck. Both panted from the exertion, a moment of silent astonishment hanging over the camp. A loud, barking laugh cut through the calm air. Brom's face was ablaze with a wild grin, his eyes wide and bright.
"Ha! Impressive, though I must say a little more showy than one might use on a battlefield, but still!" Auron dropped his swords to his sides, and Brom gave him a clap on the shoulder. "I daresay we might make a Knight out of you yet."
Eragon joined in the praise, and Auron gave a bashful smile. He too surprised by what he had accomplished, a numb feeling of pride washing over him. He sat down next to Eragon and Saphira and put his blades away next to his bedroll. The dragoness turned her head to look at him with one bright eye. Well fought Auron, she said warmly. He simply inclined his head in thanks.
Eragon stood with Zar'roc, ready for his own bought with Brom, but the old man waved hm down as he took his own seat by the fire. "I'm afraid that's all I have for tonight Eragon," he said with a slight pant. "I'm not as young as I used to be, and that took more out of me than I care to admit." He noticed the slight look of disappointment on the boy's face. "But don't worry. Now that Auron has mastered his weapons, I can focus more solely on your instruction. You have yet to best me." Eragon wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not, so he merely grunted in reply.
The group talked for a while more, then deiced to retire for the night. As they began to let sleep take them, Auron noticed Saphira make an unconscious shuffle closer to him. His conversation with Brom days ago played through his mind once more, and he reached a conclusion. Soon they would be at Leona Lake. Dras-Leona was not far from there, and Auron decided to have that talk with Saphira while they could, before something else came up..
At had been two weeks since leaving Teirm, and the travelers had crossed out of the Spine and were now back on the plains. Spring had just started arriving, bringing with it new growth on the trees and fields, the colder weather becoming more mild. They followed the Toark River southeast, along the edge of the Spine. It grew steadily as different tributaries flowed into it from every side. When it had reached over a league wide, Brom pointed out the small silt islands that dotted the water. "We are close to Leona Lake now," he said. "No more than two leagues I would say."
"Do you think we could make it there by nightfall?" Eragon asked, looking towards the fading sky.
"We can try."
"Might be able to see better with another set of eyes up there," Auron offered. Handing the reigns back to Eragon, he hoped off Cadoc, shucked his clothes with a practiced quickness, and shifted into his dragon form. He pumped his wings and rose into the sky, Brom and Eragon looking after him. Eragon thought it strange an offer, as Saphira was overhead as well, but he shrugged it off. Maybe Auron just wanted to be a dragon right now, who knew? Brom, however, could sense the hidden meaning in the boys offer. He made a point to test Eragon tonight about more countless battle situations, as he had been since the Urgals, in order to train his mind as well as body.
That should give them some privacy, the old man mused.
Dusk soon made the trail harder to follow, but the sound of the river, and their two watchful guardians above guided them. When the moon rose, the bright disk provided enough light to see by. Leona Lake was like a thin sheet of sliver laid upon the land. The water was calm and smooth, the moonlight reflecting off the surface the only thing distinguishing it from the surrounding plain. Eragon and Brom caught up to the two dragons resting underneath a small stand of trees not far from the water's edge. They set up camp, and Brom began tutoring Eragon. Saphira had been laying next to Eragon when she felt a mental prod from Auron. She raised her head from her paws to look at the silver dragon, who gave a short motion off towards the shoreline, indicating he wanted to take a walk. Unease crept up in her, as she felt she knew what was coming, but despite it she got up and followed him into the darkness. Eragon looked over to see them go, but was snapped back to attention as Brom grilled him with more questions. Letting it go, Eragon focused back to the task at hand.
Saphira walked next to Auron in silence until they had left the camp a fair distance behind. The moonlight shining off the surface cast a cool glow around them, providing more than enough light for their enhanced vision to see each other. Auron stopped after another moment, then sat down on his haunches. Saphira, I think we need to talk, he began.
Saphira sat facing him, a small space separating them. Yes, it's time we did.
He let out a sigh, and dropped his gaze to his paws. Things have gotten...different between us, haven't they?
Aye, she agreed. That they have.
Auron shifted slightly, trying to find the words. Look, Saphira; I'm not going to try and deny what these feeling and emotions are, but I'm not sure if they're real or just some instinct arising because you're a female.
You're not the only one, she laughed humorlessly. I've been battling with myself ever since that day in Teirm. She cocked her head slightly at him. So...what are we going to do about it?
I don't know, he admitted. There were a lot of things he could say, but he decided now more than ever the truth was probably the best. He knew how he saw Saphira, without these odd emotions clouding things, and hoped she felt the same. He raised his head and looked her squarely in the eyes.
Saphira, I really like you. You are the most amazing and fantastic friend I could have ever have thought possible. I mean, how many guys my age can say one of their best friends is a dragon? He gave a small, fanged smile. Not to mention what happened to me. But...I don't want anything to ruin that friendship.
Saphira looked back at him, and her heart gave an involuntary flip. Auron, I feel the same about you. I have come to see you as I do my Eragon; you are a part of me. Nothing will change that. It was her turn to drop her gaze to the ground. These feelings...I know what they are, what they mean. And ignoring them isn't going to last forever. But...she looked back to his eyes, I just don't know if I'm ready for that.
Nor do I, he said. The two dragons fell silent, contemplating each others words. A light breeze drifted between them, and both gave a small shiver. Auron sent her several warm images of them laying together on the cliff. I don't want to hurt you Saphira, ever. And it's not that I can't see myself thinking of you that way, he paused, feeling a little embarrassed as he admitted that. He steeled himself again, I just...with everything that's going on right now, and what may lie ahead...I think we should just stay close friends for now.
Auron half expected to feel a wave of sadness from her, but was surprised when he felt relief emanate from her instead. I agree, she said happily. Just good friends for now, and in time, maybe see where things go from there. She hummed at him, and he joined in. They sent each other warm feelings of happiness, and even a little familial love, their deep bond of kinship solidifying itself.
Aye, he smiled at her. After all, nobody said we have to decide right away how to pursue things.
True, she chuckled. She stopped, a small knot forming in her stomach. But,...Auron? Saphira asked, hesitating. She didn't want to push things, but she couldn't help herself. Her feelings and emotions for him were to strong to ignore. Do you think that we could still be...close? She shuffled her paws in the soft shore. I mean...if that's okay with you? Saphira lowered her head, as a little wave of heat rose to her cheeks. She didn't know what kind of a response to expect, and gave a small start when she felt him give her cheek a small nuzzle. Her eyes shot up, and locked into those ice-blue irises, his face right next to hers.
I wouldn't have it any other way, he growled softly. Saphira felt herself smile, and gave a soft growl back. They sat there for a few more minutes, exchanging feelings of deep friendship and satisfaction. The urge to get back to camp soon overtook them, and they walked back towards the small fire in the distance, side by side.
Eragon was trying to keep from nodding off, wondering where the two dragons had gotten to. He tried asking Brom if he knew, but the old man merely said that they would be back when they got back. Resigning himself to wait, Eragon tried to think about what they could be doing. Again, the thoughts of them fighting crossed his mind, and maybe they were off making up. He hoped they were getting along; having them avoid each other for the past several days had been uncomfortable, and Eragon had been stuck in the middle.
He was going over these things, when the soft sound of heavy footsteps reached his ears. He looked up and saw them walk into camp together, and extended his mind towards them. He felt nothing but happiness from both and his fears washed away. Whatever was bothering them before had vanished, and Eragon couldn't help but smile back at them. Saphira gave him a small nuzzle as they settle down next to him. It was then Eragon noticed how Saphira laid right next to Auron, their sides touching. She put her head down on her paws, then let it roll softly onto his. Auron merely hummed, and rested his large head next to hers, and they closed their eyes peacefully. Eragon chuckled at this, but then his eyebrows shot up and he looked on in surprise as Auron's wing gently draped over her back. Saphira rubbed her head against his happily, and soon both were snoring deeply.
Eragon continued to stare in wonder at this new development, his brain trying to wrap around the odd scene in front of him. Fortunately, it gave up it's battle due to fatigue and he was soon sleeping just like them. Across the camp, Brom rolled over with an almost imperceptible sigh,
"It's about time..."
At dawn, Eragon eagerly jumped from his bedroll and rushed out to see the lake in the daylight. A white-capped expanse of water rippled with fan shaped patters wherever the wind brushed it. The sheer size of it delighted him. With a whoop, he ran back to camp to rouse the others. The two large dragons hadn't moved since last night, and could feel his excitement as he skidded to a stop next to them. Auron, Saphira! Come one, lets have some fun! Saphira opened her eyes, and met her little Rider with a warm mental embrace, sharing his enthusiasm to take a swim. She stood up and stretched, Auron's wing sliding off her back. Her silver companion merely rolled over onto his side, his eyes remaining closed. Eragon grinned and walked over to tap him on the nose. One eye lazily cracked open, and a tired voice echoed in his head.
You two go ahead. I'm quite comfortable right here, he mumbled. His eye clicked back closed, and Eragon turned to Saphira, exasperated. She gave a playful growl and nudged his belly with her nose.
Rise and shine, Auron, she laughed. Let's go swimming!
All she got was a grumble from his throat, and he gave a small swipe at her nose with his paw. Too early, the sleepy voice argued. Besides, water...cold. Here...warm...
Saphira sat back on her haunches and looked at Eragon, who shrugged. He was about to tell her to let Auron have his rest, but a mischievous thought from his dragoness alerted him to the fact she wasn't giving up so easily. A grin spread across his face as she outlined her plan, and he couldn't help but encourage her. She moved closer to her immobile friend and gave him a swift poke with one of her claws on his soft underbelly. A sharp snort, and he batted her paw away again. She poked him again, this time a little lower. An angry grunt, and he rolled over onto his other side, facing away from them. Saphira walked up to him and placed her front paws on his side. She then began to shake him, all the while growling playfully. He tried to fight back, but his limbs were still half asleep, so all he could go has grunt and growl back.
Uhh...stop...go away...ugh...fine..fine! I'm getting up! he roared, snapping his jaws at the laughing dragoness. He rolled to his feet, then stretched and yawned like a cat, his tongue curling at the tip. Auron sat up and licked his chops tiredly, looking at his two grinning companions. Since when are you two such early risers?
"Good question," grumped Brom as he pulled his own blankets tighter. "Bloody young people..." He rolled over away from them and went back to sleep.
They ignored him and went down to the water's edge. Eragon climbed up on Saphira's back and she launched herself in the air, Auron following behind. They skimmed the white caps with their claws, the cold spray hitting Eragon and causing him to laugh with glee. The two dragons danced around each other playfully, splashing water at the other with their tails. Saphira flapped hard and soared upwards into the morning sun, Eragon throwing his arms into the air.
Suddenly Auron shot up underneath her and startled both her and Eragon by grabbing her paws with his muscular arms and legs. Payback time! he yelled, and she looked at him in shock as he folded his wings and threw his weight backwards, pulling her with him, and threw them all into the lake. Cold ripped at Eragon as they plunged into the deep water, and he fought his way to the surface. Saphira's head broke the surface next to him and she shook the water from her eyes. She growled at Auron, who floated nearby, laughing hysterically.
Now I'm awake! How about you guys?
Not funny! she roared, and jumped out of the water onto him, dragging him under. They wrestled beneath the surface for a few moments, then came back up for air. Eragon rocked in the swells created by the two dragons, and all three laughed happily. He swam over to Auron's neck and grabbed hold, his friend arching his back so he could climb on. For the first time since he had transformed, Eragon wondered what it would be like to ride him instead of Saphira. Auron agreed happily with his request and used his powerful wings to push himself up out of the water.
Saphira slithered away through the water like a serpent and goaded Auron to try and chase her. He glided over the water after her and swatted her back with his tail as he reached her. She exited the water and began to chase him through the sky, snapping at his wings and tail. They rolled and darted back and forth over Leona lake for sometime, until Eragon's damp clothes and the wind whipping past Auron's wings began to chill him, despite his friend's warm scales. Saphira felt this, and flew over Auron's back to breath a puff of her smoke onto her Rider, trying to warm him up. The hot breath gave him a brief respite, but the chilling wind was too quick to return.
Eventually, Eragon dried off enough and he asked Auron to take him back to the camp. Once there, he helped Brom saddle the horses and they set off around Leona Lake in high spirits. The two dragons continued to frolic and play in and out of the water.
Before dinner was ready, Eragon blocked Zar'roc's edge in preparation for his usual sparring with Brom. Neither they, nor Auron (now back in his human form) or Saphira sitting near the fire, moved a muscle. Eragon's eyes surveyed his surroundings for anything that might give him an advantage. He spotted a large stick near the fire, and swooped down, seizing it. He hurled it at Brom, but due to his splint hampering his arm the old man easily sidestepped it.
Brom swung his sword and Eragon ducked under the blow. Instead of striking back, he tackled the storyteller and they pitched to the ground. They wrestled for a moment then jumped to their feet. Twisting as he stood, Eragon guided Zar'roc through the most complex pattern he could think of. Sparks danced off their blades as they met again and again. Brom managed to block each blow, but his forehead was tight with concentration. The relentless hammering continued for several more minutes before it happened again.
Eragon felt the tempo of the battle change. Blow after blow, he started to gain ground as Brom's parries became slower. Veins began to appear on the old man's brow. A sudden wave of confidence washed over Eragon and he swung Zar'roc faster the ever before. A slap with the die of the blade and Brom's sword was knocked to the ground. Before he could react, Eragon flicked the the iridescent point up to his throat. Both panting, they backed away from each other, Eragon dropping his arm and Brom sheathing his sword.
"An so another student surpasses the teacher," he breathed.
"But we just started," protested Eragon.
Brom shook his head. "I can teach neither of you anymore of the sword. Of all the fighters I have met in my travels, few could have bested me such as you two. And not many of them with their left hand," he gestured at Eragon. A rare smile crossed his face. " I can tell the two of you are rare and talented combatants; continue practicing and few souls will be able to match you, save maybe the elves."
"Does this mean we're bot going to train every night?" asked Auron hopefully.
"Oh, you're not getting off that easy," laughed Brom. "But it won't be so important if we miss a night here or there. Just be wary when fighting a creature of magic – elves, Shades or such. They are many times stronger than nature intended. Even the weakest elf, male or female, could easily overpower you."
"Is there anyway to become their equal?" Eragon asked, sitting next to Saphira. She curled her tail comfortably around him.
You fought well, she hummed.
Brom seated himself with a shrug. "There are a few ways, but none available to you at the moment. Magic should help you defeat all but the strongest opponent. For those you will need Saphira's help, and with Auron being part dragon as well, the three of you linking minds could make you a formidable force indeed."
Auron muttered under his breath and a silver flame sparked to life in his palm. He watched it dance around his fingertips for a moment before extinguishing it. "How do you fight with magic? For instance; blocking or nullifying an enemy spell caster's magic?" At this, Brom explained the intricacies of battling with magic. He told them it was more a battle of the minds then actual magic; trying to break your enemies defenses to predict his or her moves before them make them. Brom agreed to teach them the basics of a magic duel, but warned them that until they were properly prepared, avoiding such a battle was in their best interest.
After talking for a bit, the two boys relaxed next to Saphira, and reveled in each others company. Eragon was pleased that the two dragons were still getting along. Whatever was going on between you two, I'm glad you worked it out. Its so much better when you two are friends. Saphira gave him a small lick on the cheek.
Don't worry little one, she said softly. Auron and I have settled what was bothering us, and things can only get better from here. Smiling at this, Auron gave her neck a rub and she hummed in response. They still hadn't told Eragon the truth behind the friction that was between them, or what had caused it; they didn't want to make him feel uncomfortable. After all, they weren't pursuing what their instincts were suggesting, so there was no real cause to involve him yet. But both had agreed that if - if - the time ever came for that, Eragon would be first to know.
They settled against her warm side for the night, and she dropped a wing over each of them, her head rolling off her paws and over towards Auron. A gentle rub on her nose helped lull her to sleep and she sighed contentedly.
A/N: And so it begins...haha. But where does it go from here? Well, tune in for more chapters and find out!
