Eragon sat twiddling his claws, waiting for Saphira to return, when he saw that he blade was turning back to silver. He watched it for a time, and then picked it up in his claws so that it instantly turned blue again. To his surprise a tiny presence touched his mind, and with it came a voice.

Erm…hello? The sword said.

Who are you?

My name is Serendas, though everyone calls me Sverdar.

You are the founder of this village?

Co-founder, along with Arclis the Scaled Swordsman. Ah, I remember the armies we slew together, we had a good run, him and I, but now I am in your possession, so I guess I'm just a decoration on the mantelpiece for a few decades, eh? Eragon shook his head in surprise.

Well, if you want I can find someone who will actually use you…or you can stay in a sheath instead of the mantel, but I hope to never have to fight again.

That's what they all say, but they all end up fighting one way or another. The blade hummed, a form of sighing. There are actually many like me, though only a handful are actually intelligent. Arclis has another blade that can speak, it is called Memory.

Why were you stuck in a cliff face?

I was…erm…yeah, that's a long story…

I have a long time… Sverdar sighed again.

Alright. He mentally cleared his throat. I was wielded long ago by a half-dragon named Artanis Fireblood, a rider like yourself, and he was a true warrior, brave and valiant on and off the battlefield. Alas, he was slain one day by the human he had served, one called Galbatorix. I was lost in the sea, when another rider, one called Morzan, found me. I was used by him while he searched for his old blade, Zar'oc, and we became close friends. Then he too was slain and I was taken by the rider called Brom, and he gave me to his son, Arclis, along with the blade called Memory.

We fought a long time in the battle for control of Alagaesia, but we lost, and Arclis was hunted to this place. We slew our attackers and decided to settle here, founding the village of Hirath. We were on a mission of peace to Alagaesia when we were attacked, and I was lost in the falls of poison. So, there you found me, and I hope we see some action together.

Eragon laughed. That wasn't very long.

Yeah, I know, but I don't like telling the story so I say it's long. So, can you just put me down and let me rest? Eragon shrugged and set the blade on the ground, where it turned silver.

Saphira came swooping in, dropping two dead deer on the ground in front of him. You have no earthly idea how hard it was to find these two. I think the hybrids eat them all… She growled and nudged Eragon towards one. Go ahead and try eating. If you can't, I will override your instincts with my own. Eragon gulped, bending his head down to the young doe. He sniffed, and suddenly he found himself tearing into the hide, blood leaking into his mouth and making him salivate. He continued eating mindlessly as he yelled.

Saphira, I can't control myself! He paused to take another bloody chunk. I haven't had meat in so long…

Saphira laughed. Well, you need it, and the energy from it. You are far too thin to keep up that diet, Eragon, it is making you weak. The deer was gone almost within moments, and Eragon cracked the bones and ate the marrow. He gasped in surprise when Saphira reached behind him with her tail and tapped him between his legs.

Saphira! She stepped away quickly, crouching down and lowering her wings in fear. Please, control yourself. And for dignity's sake, stand up straight. She did, hanging her head.

I…I thought you were going to attack me. She stepped closer, almost unnoticeably, and Eragon sighed and smiled.

You only act your age when you're in heat, don't you?

I do not act my age! Saphira said angrily, shoving him to the side. He chuckled and shoved back. Eragon, stop. She said, trying not to laugh. Eragon growled when she leaned against his side, but covered her head with his wing. He regretted doing it, for apparently it gave her a nose full of his scent, and she growled and nipped him on the chin.

Saphira, please. I know you really want me, but this has to wait.

Does it have to? She asked, nuzzling him. This was the only time she had ever acted like this, and Eragon hated to admit that he enjoyed it. He growled loudly when she tried to rub his neck and she stopped and tucked her head around to lay on his back.

Saphira, you really want to mate now? Before I even know how to use this body properly? Saphira growled.

Right here, right now.

Not when Sverdar is here.

Who?

The sword. Saphira looked down at the silver blade.

Then let's go somewhere more…private. Eragon snarled.

I don't think we should right now.

Why not? Eragon stopped. Why not? There was nothing to lose, and they were both ready, so why not now?

I think this will all end in tears… Saphira chuckled.

Tears of joy, maybe. Eragon sighed, wondering what in the world he was doing as Saphira padded into the woods. He followed her silently as they went deep into the wilderness, and he thought that it may be too early for this.

Saphira turned on him suddenly, growling and nipping at his neck. In the air?

I can't fly, Saphira.

Maybe you need a crash course in flight then.

A 'crash' course? Gods, that is the wrong word to use. Saphira chuckled.

Then on the ground…it matters not to me. Eragon sighed, rubbing her cheek with his snout.

Remember what you said about being in heat and wanting to mate?

I was being childish and immature then. She entwined her neck about his, pushing him to his stomach. Eragon, this is something I've waited many months for…

Only months? You were in the egg for a hundred years! How could you have-

Shut up and ride me, you fool.

Eragon, to his surprise, happily obliged.