Queen Islanzadi had descended her throne and come to stand in front of the group, her eyes examining each member. She stopped at Arya, and with trembling hands, beckoned the elf to rise. Meeting the queen's gaze, Arya looked back with an impassive expression. The queen clasped her hand to her mouth. "O, my daughter! I have wronged you!"

Eragon, Auron and Saphira mentally recoiled as if doused with ice water. Arya is a princessno, the princess! Eragon gasped to his companions.

Seems we have been traveling with royalty and unaware of it, Auron mused.

Why didn't she tell us?

Perhaps it would have put her in greater danger, Saphira proposed. Some secrets are too powerful to trust to anyone.

"Islanzadi Drotting," Arya replied to the queen in a formal tone.

The queen withdrew at Arya's stiff words, then spoke again. "My daughter, I have wronged you. Since your dissappearance, I have not slept nor eaten. I feared the worst fate for you, worse; that I would never see you again. Banning you from my presence was the single greatest mistake of my life... Can you forgive me?"

Arya studied the woman in front of her for a long moment before replying. "For seventy years, I have lived and fought, loved and killed without ever speaking to you, my mother. Though our lives are long, that is no small span."

"I cannot undo the past, Arya," the queen stood upright, but a visible tremor ran down her spine. "My daughter...Arya...I love you. You are my only family. Go if you must, but unless you wish to renounce me, I would be reconciled with you."

Eragon and the others held their breath as Arya held her mothers gaze, and for a moment, seemed as if she would reject. Then the elf woman lowered her eyes, smiled, and embraced her mother. No words were needed as the queen returned the gesture strongly, and looks of happiness broke out on the faces of the other gathered elves.

Breaking free from her daughter, Islanzadi turned and addressed Eragon and Saphira. "You must excuse me for ignoring you, our most important guests." Eragon touched his lips and twisted his hand over his chest, as Arya had taught them. He greeted the queen in the ancient language as instructed, then listened as Saphira repeated the greeting in his head. After the initial greeting was finished, the queen asked, "Dragon, what is your name?"

Saphira, the dragoness said proudly. Out of the queen's view, Auron lightly put his hand on the dragon's leg.

"I welcome you to Ellesmera, Saphira. And your name, Rider?"

"Eragon Shadeslayer, your majesty." This time, a murmur rippled among the elves surrounding them, and even the queen appeared startled.

"You carry a powerful name, one that we rarely bestow on our children. Welcome, Eragon. We have waited long for you." The queen continued on to Orik, greeted him, then made to return to her throne. She stopped halfway, then turned back in silent question to the last figure before her. Auron met her eyes calmly, yet respectfully. Before a word was uttered, Auron greeted her in the same manner as Eragon had. Islanzadi returned the gesture, then addressed the youth. "And you, human; what is your name?"

"Auron, son of Orianna."

The queen's eyes widened at the name, and a slight smile flickered over her regal features. "Ah yes, I see it now. You have your mother's eyes. Orianna was a good friend to many here, myself included. As her son, you will be welcome among our people for the duration of your stay."

"I thank you, Islanzadi Drotting," Auron bowed his head. He paused for a moment, unsure if to proceed with his own, true identity, and looked over to Arya in question. She nodded in encouragement, and he turned back to the queen to continue, but she had already moved on.

The queen instructed Eragon to tell what had transpired since Saphira's hatching, and the young Rider quickly recounted the tale. After finishing, he presented Islanzadi with Nasuada's scroll, asking once again for the elves assistance in fighting the Empire. The elven queen assured him that her people would once more fight alongside the Varden. After, Islanzadi had Arya recount her own tale of her capture and what had befallen her since then.

Stories told, the queen then ushered her guests out of the hall and to the fields where the rest of the elves had gathered. She addressed them all in their native tongue and told them to prepare a feast for the Rider and his dragon. Great tables were set up and throngs of elves gathered around, bringing plates brimming with fruits, pies and other dishes.

Scores of elves approached Eragon who wished to meet him and – more importantly, he sensed – Saphira. The plied Eragon with polite questions and conversation, but reserved the bulk of their attention for Saphira. They treated Saphira so highly, that it almost seemed as if she was the only one they wished to speak with. As the last group bowed and retreated from their sapphire interest, Auron growled sarcastically in her head. I must be invisible. At least they greeted Eragon before ignoring him. No one has barely even acknowledged my presence!

Eragon tried to hide a smile, and Saphira lowered her head to gently nuzzle Auron's shoulder. You'll get your turn, just wait. Several rows of elves had raised their eyebrows at seeing the dragoness's actions, and more than a few whispered to each other in hushed voices. Saphira ignored them, instead chuckling deep in her throat as she continued to rub her snout against him. Islanzadi claimed they had waited a long time for Eragon and I's arrival, she quipped. Just wait until they realize there is also a free, male dragon amongst them as well. That should certainly get everyone's attention... Auron couldn't help but smile back at her, then blush at the dragon's deeper implied meaning.

The celebration wore on for quite some time, before the queen stood and addressed the crowd. She beckoned Eragon and Saphira to accompany her, so that she may show them where they would be staying. As they rose, Saphira made a point of pushing Auron along with them, seemingly to further confuse the gathered elves. For some reason, the dragoness seemed to enjoy baffling them with her constant attention on someone other than her Rider. Eragon and Arya merely shared a smile at her actions, knowing that when the secret about Auron was revealed, many of these elves may faint with shock.

Islanzadi led them to a base of a tree whose trunk was ridged by a delicate staircase leading up to a series of globular rooms suspended in the tree's crown by a spray of branches. Lifting an elegant hand, Islanzadi pointed to the large house. "This is were the leader of the Rider and his dragon would stay while in Ellesmera. I give it to you now, Eragon, as it is your inheritance." Eragon thanked her, then the queen turned to Auron. "Auron, you may stay in Tildari Hall as my guest. I will have a room arranged."

Before he could reply, Saphira lowered her head down to meet the queen's face. With respect, your majesty, the dragoness hummed, Auron will stay with Eragon and I. It is how we have always been, and so shall it be from now on.

Without hesitation, Islanzadi inclined her head. "Of course, fair Saphira. If that is what you wish." She then departed with Arya and the two disappeared deeper into the city. Eragon and Auron began to climb the stairs and Saphira jumped into the air to circle the treehouse. After reaching the top, the two youths began to explore their new accommodations.

From the central, circular entrance-way, three doors led to the remainder of the first level. One doorway led to a large dinning room, and another to a strange closet with an empty hollow that left them puzzled as to its use. The third led to a bedroom overlooking, and open to, the wide expanse of Du Weldenvarden. Entering the bedroom, Auron and Eragon removed their outer clothing and examined the room. The outer wall had a teardrop shaped gap large enough for a dragon to enter from the balcony outside. Inside, a bed against the wall lay situated so that the occupant could watch the sky and moon whilst laying on his back. A huge, low-rimmed bowl dominated the center of the floor and was lined with soft blankets where a dragon – or two – could sleep comfortably.

Saphira swooped in from outside and padded towards her dais. She sniffed the blankets, then laid down and curled up in her new soft bed. She beckoned Auron to join her, and he rested against her side, her tail wrapping around him contentedly. And to think they were going to try and house you separate from me, she mused.

Well now they know; what Saphira wants, she gets, Auron teased back, snuggling into her warm side. Eragon laughed, then came and joined him against the scaled flank. The trio talked for a time, discussing what had happened today, and what tomorrow would bring, before all three yawned in unison. Saphira dropped a wing over her two partners, and together the friends slept long and deep in the city of the elves.


The trio woke well rested the next morning, and Saphira eagerly jumped through the gap in the wall to stretch her wings in a morning flight. Auron and Eragon traded a smile, the dragoness's happiness was infectious. Outside their bedroom, Eragon found two trays of food – mostly fruit – and two bundles of clothes with a note pinned to them. Reading it, Eragon told Auron and Saphira that the food was for them, although the elves greatly apologized to Saphira for only bringing her fruits, as no doubt she craved something more practical. The clothes were a gift to Auron and Eragon from Islanzadi's house, which they happily donned to replace their own, road worn attire.

As they finished dressing, Orik appeared in the entrance, and greeted them before asking them to accompany him; the queen, Arya and several others were waiting for them at the base of the tree. Eragon and Auron followed the dwarf down the steep wooden steps as Saphira glided to the ground outside. Islanzadi greeted them, and they responded in kind, before she beckoned them to follow her. Auron looked to Arya quickly, prepared to ask a question, but he stumbled as he felt her mind touch his.

I did not tell her, Auron, she said simply. It is not my secret to reveal.

Nodding in acceptance, he quickened his pace to catch up to the queen. "Islanzadi Drotting," he began. "There is something of importance I wish to discuss with you."

"I will gladly grant you my audience, Auron," the queen responded, but her pace did not slow. "But first there is a matter of utmost significance we must attend to first." Auron instinctively tried to push the matter, but Islanzadi's direct words were hard to oppose. He reluctantly withdrew, making a mental note to speak with her as soon as possible. She led them through Ellesmera to a knoll were naught but a stand of trees were. The grassy expanse ended at a shear cliff several yards away. It was then she turned to the group and spoke in a strained voice.

"Before we go any further, the four of you must swear in the ancient language never to reveal to outsiders what you are about to see, unless directly authorized by myself or my daughter." Islanzadi's voice was level, but her eyes showed apprehension. Orik argued why they should silence themselves, but the queen merely insisted it was not a matter of trust, but safety. A few tense moments passed, and Orik relented. Arya taught him the proper wording, as Eragon and Auron discussed the issue with Saphira privately.

Should we do this? Eragon asked.

We may not have a choice, little one, Saphira said. It may be a necessary step in order to begin our training.

After Orik had finished, Islanzadi looked expectantly at the three of them. They hesitated for a moment, then one by one, delivered their own oaths of secrecy. The cliff they stood upon stretched for a league in either direction and dropped more than a thousand feet to the forest below. Eragon gave a brief start of recognition, this place was familiar somehow. Before he could voice his discovery to either Saphira or Auron, the air around them shuddered with a deep thud.

Auron and Eragon tried to cover their ears to protect them from the painful pressure of the air, but the elves merely stood motionless and waited. The heavy thuds continued, and before either youth could call out a question, a large gold dragon rose from below the cliff's edge, a Rider upon its back.

The only sound louder than the concussive beats of the massive dragons wings were the echoes of sheer shock clanging through the minds of Eragon, Saphira and Auron. The gold dragon was huge; at least several times larger than either Saphira or Auron, easily several hundred years old. The Rider upon it's back was garbed in robe of sharp white, contrasting against the sheer brilliance of the dragon's golden hide. As the dragon turned to land, they glimpsed a grievous wound marring the majesty of the great creature; it's left foreleg had been severed by a horrible blow. Eragon couldn't help the moisture that welled up in his eyes.

The Rider nimbly descended his partner's back as the dragon settled to the ground and came to stand before the dumbstruck trio. The elf had silver hair the color of starlight, yet the only evidence of his great age was the deep wisdom one could see in his eyes.

"The Mourning Sage..." Eragon whispered.

As he stopped before the trio, Eragon suddenly remembered his manners and hurried to greet the elven Rider in the proper way. As the youth bent at the knees to show his respect, the Rider smiled and lifted Eragon back upright. "Oromis is my proper name, Eragon Shadeslayer."

"You knew?" the queen's sharp accusation caused Auron and Eragon to flinch, they had almost forgotten about the others. "You knew of a new Rider's existence and you refused to tell me?" Islanzadi was perilously close to a fit of rage. "Why have you betrayed me?"

Oromis turned his gentle gaze from Eragon and addressed the queen in a cool tone. He simply explained that if the queen had bothered to scry either her daughter or the land itself, she may have seen the answer for herself. The ancient Rider berated Islanzadi for being blind to the world. The elven queen seemed to deflate at her own foolishness.

A breath of warm, moist air met Eragon's face as the golden dragon bent to examine him with it's large, sparkling eyes. We are well met, young Shadeslayer. I am Glaedr. The deep voice was unmistakeably male, and all Eragon could do was whisper back his honor at meeting the majestic dragon. Glaedr then turned his attention to Saphira, who had gone completely rigid at his presence. She remained stone still as the large dragon sniffed her cheek and along the lines of her wings. Out of the corner of his eye, Eragon swore he saw Auron give an involuntary twitch. Saphira's tensed leg muscles quivered with and slight tremor as the older male examined her. All you know of your kind is what you have learned from your instincts, young one, Glaedr rumbled. Yet, you undoubtedly have the heart of a true dragon. He gave her another careful sniff with his large nose. You smell of humans, and yet something else I did not expect. The golden dragon shifted his gaze from the dragoness to the blond youth standing near her side. The ancient dragon chuckled almost unnoticed. Ah, now I see.

During this silent exchange, Orik had offered his own greetings to the ancient Rider on behalf of his king. He asked why the old Rider had not shown himself before now, and Oromis revealed that not only was Glaedr injured, but he as well. His infirmity prevented him from using the most basic of magic, and could prove fatal in battle. After a collection of solemn looks from the gathered crowd, Oromis placed his hands on Eragon's shoulders. "Islanzadi Drotting, by your leave?"

The queen dismissed them with a weary reply and a wave of her hand. Glaedr crouched low to the ground and Oromis swiftly climbed back atop his massive partner. He beckoned for Eragon and Saphira to join them, but Glaedr interrupted with a snort. Wait, he told his Rider. He lowered his large head once more, and gently nudged a surprised Auron. This one comes too.

A look of utter shock crossed the queen's features, as well as all other elves present, save for Arya. "For what purpose, Glaedr-elda?" the queen stuttered. "Surely a mere boy has no place in the training of a Rider?"

An almost imperceptible growl came from both Saphira and Glaedr at her rebuke. I assure you, Queen Islanzadi, the gold dragon said matter-of-factly. The creature standing before you is no mere human. He is a dragon.

If the previous statement had shocked her, the queen lost all composure at this new one. "A dragon?" she exclaimed incredulously. Islanzadi glared at Auron with such intensity that he flinched. "He certainly does not appear to be one to my eyes."

Yet, the scent of a young male dragon is unmistakeable, Glaedr rumbled in amusement. Atop his back, Oromis merely smiled, seemingly unsurprised at the gold dragon's claim. I could smell him the moment I landed, Glaedr continued. As well, Saphira is laced with his scent as much as her own. A knowing look sparkled in the dragon's golden eyes as he gazed down at Auron. The youth shuffled under the intense gaze from both dragon and the queen.

At the elven queen's piercing glare, Auron took a deep breath and addressed her. He pulled back the left sleeve of his tunic, to reveal the glossy scar from the fateful day of his change. "I am Chevalier Skulblaka. I tried to tell you this earlier, but was unable to."

A series of stunned gasps came from the gathered elves, most prominently the queen herself. "By the stars...a Knight." She struggled to regain her composure. "I see now why Saphira was so insistent you stay with them, as well as her attention on you at the feast." The dragoness gave a soft snort and nodded her head sharply. The queen then inclined her head towards Auron, surprising him as well as Eragon and the others. "I apologize for not allowing this most wondrous fact to be revealed. Truly, these are blessed times."

Auron inclined his head in return. Oromis then beckoned them to follow once more, and the two youths clambered aboard Saphira, who eagerly jumped into the air after the older Glaedr. The pair of dragons flew northward for a time, before coming in to land near a hut that grew between several trees at the base of the giant cliff. Oromis dismounted his golden partner and welcomed them to his home. In a short moment, he procured three stools and flagons of cold, clear water for him and his guests. Eragon admired the surroundings while he nervously awaited the elf to speak. Saphira was crouched beside them with her eyes fixated on Glaedr, her claws slowly kneading the dirt beneath her. Auron sat with an uncharacteristically stoic look upon his face, giving away next to no clue as his emotions. Eragon noticed his mind was unusually closed as well, but dismissed it.

The group sat in silence for so long, that Eragon began to loose track of the time. Only after what must have been hours, did Oromis finally break the silence. "I see the two of you have learned patience. Good." The elf then took to examining both youths, from what he could discern from their appearances, to questioning them on their traits and habits both in battle and life in general. Oromis then asked them to perform a series of complicated stretches, as to ascertain their abilities.

The old Rider turned to Saphira as well, seeking to test her own abilities as well. The dragoness twisted and maneuvered her lithe body in a series of acrobatics that Eragon had never seen her do before. Only a few things escaped her ability. When she had landed, Glaedr marveled at her skill, Oromis agreeing, and Saphira shyly lowered her head to clean her claws. Glaedr then insisted on seeing Auron's own skills as well. The youth removed his outer clothing and changed to his dragon body, much to the elder Rider's delight. He was subject to the same scrutinizing test as Saphira, although he was clearly not quite as adept in his skills as his sapphire companion.

After their examinations, Oromis invited Eragon and Auron to join him for lunch. He neglected to ask Auron to resume his human form, so the silver dragon merely padded along beside Eragon as they joined Oromis at a table next to his hut. Saphira and Glaedr were left alone to their own private discussions, although Auron kept glancing over at them from time to time. Oromis presented them with a bowl of fruit each, and the trio lapsed into conversation about Oromis' personal history, as well as Brom's, as Eragon's first teacher was once a student of the elven Rider as well.

Time passed as they talked. During a lull in the conversation, Eragon looked out to where Saphira and Glaedr were. He watched how his dragoness acted both shy and coy around the older dragon; one minute she was shyly examining a part of the clearing, the next she would shuffle slightly closer to the golden male, like a kitten trying to get an older cat to play. Auron followed his gaze, and gave a soft snort as he too noticed her actions.

Saphira? The silver dragon asked, quietly. She answered with a distracted flick of her mind, not really answering at all. Saphira? Hello?

What do you want? She asked sharply, and Auron gave a visible flinch at her unusual tone.

Eragon chimed in. I know you must be excited, but try not to make a fool of yourself.

You two have made fools of yourselves plenty of times, so I wouldn't talk, she snapped back. Eragon and Auron looked at each other, surprised by her unexpected harshness. The silver dragon laid his head down on his paws and gave a small whimper so quiet, Eragon almost never heard it. Saphira had never spoken to them like that before, especially Auron.

Eragon returned his attention to Oromis, who was watching the two of them intently. The elf's perceptive gaze made the youth sure he knew what had transpired. Nodding towards the two dragons outside he said, "Despite being linked with her, Auron and I can never seem to predict what she will do next."

The elven Rider gave a small chuckle. "Those whom we are closest to are often the most unknown to us. You spoke of a link between the threeof you, is that correct?" His gaze shifted to the silver dragon.

Aye, during our travels, Saphira and I have become...close...as well. We forged a permanent link between us when we were at Tronjheim. Auron was hesitant to reveal the true nature of his relationship with Saphira, for fear of how their teachers may react.

"I see." Oromis said dismissively, then turned back to Eragon. "To answer you previous statement, the three of you are very young. Glaedr and I took decades before we finally understood each other fully. Your bond is like any other relationship; a work in process. You trust her, do you not?"

"Of course,"

.Yes.

"Then humor her," Oromis said. "Eragon, you were brought up as an orphan. Auron, you were forced to leave everything you knew behind. Saphira was brought up to believe herself, and later Auron, to be the last free individuals of their kind. And now another of her kin is revealed before her. Don't be surprised if it takes some months before she stops pestering Glaedr and returns her attentions to the two of you."

Months? Auron whispered worriedly, and gave another soft whine. Eragon leaned over and gave his friend and comforting pat on the neck.

Oromis arched an eyebrow at the silver dragon's odd reaction. "Is there something you wish to tell me, Auron?"

The dragon's ice blue eyes met his teacher's for a moment, then he looked away quickly. No, it's nothing, Auron said, not wanting to discuss the issue.

Oromis continued to look at him for a time, an almost unnoticeable gleam in his wise eyes, but he spoke no further. They finished their lunch and Oromis led them back towards the other dragons. Glaedr turned his attention to them and said, We have decided on a curriculum for the three of you. Unfortunately, we must condense years of training into mere months and weeks.

"We will train harder than any students you may have had previous," Eragon promised.

"Good. We will begin an hour after sunrise tomorrow." Oromis handed him a small object that resembled a walnut, stating that it was a time piece to wake them at the proper time. Eragon thanked them, then mounted Saphira before she took off in a flourish, glancing back at her golden mentor. She noticed Auron still on the ground, and Eragon felt a wave of irritation escape her.

Well? Are you coming or not? Auron hesitated, giving Glaedr a look of his own, before jumping in the air after. The silver dragon flapped in silence beside her, but flew unusually distant from the dragoness. Saphira seemed neither to care, nor even notice. As soon as they were out of sight of Oromis and Glaedr, she exploded into their minds in a surge of giddiness. Can you believe it? Another dragon!

It's wonderful, Eragon said gently, giving her shoulder a pat.

I never expected to find another dragon...well apart from Auron of course, she said, that last part with a dismissive tone. Perhaps rescue the remaining eggs from Galbatorix yes, but this! The sapphire dragoness wriggled under Eragon with barely restrained joy. Despite the withdrawn sensation she felt from Auron, she went on in their heads. Glaedr is incredible isn't he? He's so old, and majestic. He must be two no, three times larger than you, Auron! His legs look so powerful, and his scales! Did you see his claws...

Yeah, he seems...great. Auron muttered darkly. The dragoness barely noticed his remark and continued on her rampant talk of the golden dragon.

Saphira went on like this the entire way back to the treehouse. Neither Eragon nor Auron could get a word in...but it seemed to Eragon like the silver dragon wasn't even trying to engage in the conversation. In fact, he felt Auron close himself off from the other two as they flew, a slight trickle of an unknown emotion seeping across their link.

Reaching their leafy quarters, Saphira landed on the balcony and crawled over to her dais, still chattering about Glaedr and his apparently many wonderful attributes. Auron remained back, standing on the balcony as Eragon dismounted Saphira and set about making himself comfortable. The youth looked back at his silver companion is question, and Saphira paused in her ramble to follow his gaze. Auron? she asked in a surprised tone, as if noticing him for the first time. Aren't you coming in?

The silver dragon shifted on his paws, and looked back out onto the vast expanse of the elven city below. Actually, he began. I...I think I'm going to go flying for a while. I'd like to see more of the city.

Oh, Saphira said casually. Well don't be out all night. Glaedr said we were to be there bright and early. She turned back to Eragon then, not noticing the look of hurt that crossed the other dragon's features.

Right...Auron sighed. Without another word, he jumped off the balcony and flapped away, not bothering to look back towards the treehouse.

Saphira! Eragon exclaimed, causing her to jump slightly. That was rude, especially for you.

What? If he wants to go flying, who am I to stop him? she snorted back defensively. He's not a hatchling, I'm sure he can manage on his own for a while.

That's not what I meant, Eragon sighed, but the slightly annoyed look he got from Saphira prevented him from continuing. He relented, and set about examining the mystery of the room which Oromis had told him was actually a wash closet. Saphira merely laid back into her dais and resumed talking about their new mentors.


Auron flew for a time, not really concentrating on where he was going. A few times, elves would laugh and shout up at him as he passed, calling out names like Silverfang or Ironscales. The silver dragon ignored them for the most part, wrapped up in his own thoughts as he absentmindedly soared over the tree tops.

Saphira's actions earlier with Glaedr had stirred something inside him, though what he couldn't really tell. He was just as surprised and joyful at the elder dragon's appearance as anyone, but there was more to it than that. Saphira seemed almost...smitten...with him, and Auron felt a cold stab hit his stomach. He respected and admired the gold dragon, that was for sure. But another thought wormed its way into his head. Yes, Glaedr was his new mentor, and he would show him the respect and obedience as required...but he was also a male; an older, much larger male...and that there was the one reason Auron felt uncomfortable around him.

You're letting your imagination get the better of you,he chided himself. Auron forced himself to remember what had transpired between him and Saphira back in Tronjheim. She wouldn't do that to him, she loved him. Didn't she? Auron wrestled with his thoughts and emotions for hours, darkness fully consuming the sky, before finally giving up and telling himself that he was overreacting. Oromis was right; Saphira was just overcome with the unexpected meeting of another dragon. That was all this was.

The silver dragon tilted on his wings and made his way back to their house atop the mighty tree. Landing on the balcony as soft as he could, he peered inside, and saw that Eragon and Saphira had both gone to sleep. He smiled to himself at the sight of the sleeping dragoness, and stood there for a moment, listening to the sound of her breathing. She looked so peaceful, curled up amongst the blankets.

An odd sensation overcame him then, and he took a step backwards. For some unknown reason, Auron felt no desire to go and lay next to her tonight. He tried to figure out what was wrong with him, but his instincts were telling him no. The silver dragon sat back on his haunches, and looked slightly lost. He battled with himself for a moment, then shook his head and got up, moving forward.

He approached the entrance to the bedroom...then turned and climbed the outer wall to the study above. The room was large, housing many shelves full of books and scrolls, as well as a desk for the Rider to sit at. There was also a large dais identical to the one in the bedroom below, for the Rider's dragon to lay in while their partner read. Auron curled up in this bed - one that was decidedly not as inviting, nor comfortable – and closed his eyes. It felt odd to sleep alone. He extended his mind to his friends and whispered a soft 'good-night', but neither responded, already deep within their own slumbers. The dragon gave a small sigh, then surrendered himself to his own, lonely dreams.

A/N: Uh oh, this doesn't look good.

Is Auron right to be worried about Saphira's new interest, or his he just acting like a jealous young male? Maybe... Autumn is still some time away. How will he get along with his new mentor? Do I detect the beginning of some angst for our favorite trio?