I'm sorry I haven't updated within my deadlines, I have been busy and unfortunately I will be busy for the next few weeks. Because of this I believe it will be best for me to get rid of my deadlines until such a time when I have more free time again. I'll explain more after the chapter but until then enjoy.
I'll ask you again, Celeste, what are you doing here? Amora repeated more forcefully. The griffin arched her back and flexed her brown feathered wings as she looked at the phoenix. She then took a long look at Thorn and glanced at Trianna before finally setting her eyes on the emerald hatchling.
Following you, of course. Celeste glanced at Thorn again after sniffing the air. I see you finally found that mate you were looking for, you couldn't find any phoenixes so you came back here and got yourself a dragon like your ancestors, how quaint.
And why were you following me? Amora questioned further, ignoring the gryphon's previous statement.
For the same reason that you returned here. There aren't as many gryphons as there once was, the ones that remain have already found mates.
"Wait, what is this?" Trianna interrupted. "Are dragons just the last resort for the magical species?" Celeste turned to Trianna and looked at her, a flicker of interest in her eyes.
I wouldn't call them the last resort, there are wyverns and a few other species in this world but dragons are a lot less prone to attack without asking questions first, so they are easier to woo, you see. Celeste replied.
"Woo!?" Trianna exclaimed with a laugh. "The way I see it you just sing and steal a mate."
Ah, so that's how Amora obtained that fine specimen of a dragon. She responded as she continued to look at Thorn. No, unlike her species the rest of us have to resort to wooing our potential mates, which is what I intend to do, if I can find a nice dragon.
That is not how I became bonded to Thorn, he was mateless so my song had no effect on him, he was in complete control of his instincts and came to me through his own free will. And good luck with your search, all the potential males have mates already, the dragon race is as scarce as each of our own.
Celeste moved her gaze to the anxious, emerald hatchling. I believe there is a male right there, a nice healthy colour, a strong build, despite his young age but I can wait.
"And what if I want him?" Trianna suddenly said, startling everyone.
Don't be silly, what could you possible want with him, I have observed your race from afar, you can't breed with a dragon.
All the male dragons apart from myself were transformed from humans, Trianna is the next to be transformed. Thorn explained.
All that means is that I have some competition. Celeste said as she stared at Trianna curiously. I just wonder who he would prefer.
Amora moved in front of Trianna and the hatchling. And if it doesn't work out you can always go and find a nice horse somewhere and produce a hippogriff.
Celeste warked at this statement and seemed offended. Some of my species may do that but I would never touch a horse in that way, they are food, nothing more.
Well, as you can see, the dragon is too young for you, you have no need to remain here, come and find us in six months. Amora said dismissively, but the gryphon didn't move. She lay down on the grass her taloned forelegs stretched out in front of her whilst her pawed hind legs lay underneath her.
I'm not going anywhere. If I leave and come back, that charming, young dragon-to-be there may have already wooed that fine dragon, if I stay, I'll be able to keep an eye on them and maybe persuade him to lean my way.
You are not staying with us! Amora suddenly stated. Our party is already large enough, we'll be spotted if you stay with us. Celeste laughed.
Fine. She then began to slowly, but surely, shrink. She was soon twice the size of the green hatchling, who was no bigger than a typical house cat himself. Now I won't be as noticeable. This is going to be entertaining. She said as she scratched her feathered neck with her left hind leg. Just like old times, eh Amora?
--
It was over here. Vervada projected to the others as she scouted the area.
No it wasn't, it was over there. Selena argued.
Oh come now, it can't be that hard to find, follow your nose, our scents can't have been wiped from the area in two weeks. Saphira told the two from the rock she was lying on. They had finally arrived at the Spine but were having difficulty locating their cave, something which Saphira thought foolish, she was certain she would have found it by now if she could search for it herself.
I've found it. Eragon suddenly said. The wind has strewn the nest about but otherwise there is nothing wrong with it. I'll come back and get you Saphira.
Saphira was relieved that they had finally located their cave but wasn't at all happy about the state of the nest. As she waited for Eragon to return, Selena, Serafina, and Vervada returned and also waited for Eragon, they couldn't carry their mother without their father supporting the bulk of her weight.
Finally he descended down the side of the mountain and the four dragonesses rose to their feet. It took you long enough. Saphira suddenly shouted at him.
I'm sorry, my mate, it won't happen again. Eragon replied as he landed, not wanting to argue with her.
See that it doesn't. She simply said, analysing his response for any sarcasm and finding none. She rolled on to her back and stuck her feet in the air, whilst Eragon hovered above her and locked talons with her. He then strained his wings and heaved her into the air.
As soon as Eragon lifted her high enough his three daughters positioned themselves and helped to carry their mother. Thank the gods were almost there. I don't think I could have taken much more of this, my wings are killing me. Serafina stated.
All our wings are killing us, but I think it would be safe to assume that father's wings are the most tired. Selena replied.
Eragon nodded in agreement. That they are but Saphira wants to lay her eggs in her nest and I'll be damned if I don't get her there.
And you've done a fine job so far, if a little slow. Saphira answered.
Vervada, Selena, and Serafina pushed their parents from their minds and spoke privately with one another. I hope Murtagh can cope with me when I act like that. Vervada said. Father is doing everything for mother but she is acting like he is a good for nothing sloth.
It's not her fault. Selena replied. Father told me that human females are like that when they are with child.
It all doesn't seem worth it. Serafina interrupted. First we insult our mates to the point where they will probably want to rip out our necks to make us shut up. And then we have to actually lay our eggs which will cause us gods knows what pains.
But then we get our own hatchlings to raise, isn't that worth it? I think it is. Vervada countered.
Serafina thought for a moment before answering. True, it would be fun to raise our own hatchlings, I'm just not looking forward to the hassle involved.
I have to agree with Serafina, you can't possibly look forward to the mood swings and laying your eggs can you? Selena asked Vervada.
Well I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to it, but I am looking forward to being treated like a queen, even if I don't realise it at the time. Murtagh is going to have to cater to my every whim otherwise all he'll get from me is complaining. Vervada answered, she then began to laugh, Selena and Serafina joining in.
I admit, I am looking forward to that. Selena said when she finally stopped laughing. Hírador is definitely going to be put through his paces.
It won't be much different for me, Barrett already treats me like a queen, he'll do anything for me if I just ask him to. Serafina replied smugly. Vervada and Selena exchanged a thought between them and shook their heads.
We respect our males more than you, we wouldn't force them to dote on us like you do.
I do not force him to dote on me! Serafina exclaimed. He likes to do things for me and it's not like I ask him to do anything he dislikes…he enjoys giving me the occasional massage.
You use him. Selena simply stated.
I do not! She replied on the verge of tears. She reached out with her mind and tugged on Barrett's consciousness, bringing him into the conversation. Barrett do you feel that I use you?
A sense of confusion came from him before he answered. Not all, my dear, why do you ask?
Selena responded before Serafina could. We were just saying that our dear sister only uses you for the things you do for her, like the massages she makes you give her.
Well I don't think you should be judging her on that particular favour, Selena, I happen to know that Hírador has given you several at your request.
You little rat! Serafina suddenly shouted at her sister but Barrett interrupted her back.
And Murtagh has given at least one upon Vervada's pleading. He then left the conversation.
And you, miss perfect, I'm going to get you two back for making me feel like that, I haven't done anything different to you two and you still judge me.
Well in my defence I didn't think you were going to bring your partner into it, we haven't included them in our little arguments before now. Selena explained.
We were only playing, Serafina, don't take it too seriously. Vervada said calmly. Serafina snorted in response and the three ended their conversation. They then realised that they were coming in for a landing on the rocks outside their cave, the natural balcony providing the perfect place to unload Saphira.
Saphira didn't wait for her mate to land by her side, she slowly managed to crawl into the cave to inspect the nest. She wasn't particularly happy with it. The leaves and wood chips that had been placed in the dipped rock had, indeed, been strewn about the cave. They thinly blanketed the cave floor but not enough to provide a permanent comfortable laying spot.
Eventually, Eragon joined her and she immediately went to him to solve her problem. Eragon I can't lay my eggs in this, you're going to have to rebuild the nest. She nuzzled his neck as he snorted, smoke trickling through his nostrils.
Of course I am. He tiredly responded. He then began to sweep the cave with his tail. Murtagh, Vervada and Serafina then entered the cave, blood covering their snouts. And where have you three been, and where are the rest of you? Saphira asked.
We got hungry so we went hunting, the other three are doing the same, they were less successful than we were. Vervada replied smugly.
Well now you all need a bath. Saphira said as she moved to get up. Vervada and Serafina quickly shook their heads whilst Murtagh backed up against the wall.
We can do it ourselves. Selena stated firmly. She then began to lick the blood off her scales, Murtagh and Vervada following her example. Eventually they were almost clean apart from the blood that their tongues couldn't reach, such as on their heads and backs.
Now what are you going to do? You can't reach those spots. Saphira said as she moved towards them. With their mother advancing on them Vervada reacted without thinking and began to lick Murtagh clean. Fine, fine, I won't bathe you, seems like you have someone else to help you with it. The large dragoness said as she turned away from them and returned back to her lying position.
Murtagh struggled against Vervada, he really didn't feel comfortable with it but Vervada refused to stop. Quick thinking. Serafina privately said to her sister. But I thought you liked baths.
I do but I'm not having my mother bathe me in front of Murtagh, it would be embarrassing. The black dragoness replied, who was oblivious to Murtagh's own embarrassment, as she finished cleaning him.
Fair point, Barrett better be back soon though, other wise mother may decide to come after me again. Eragon eventually finished the tedious task of sweeping the nest bedding back inside the indentation, that he and Saphira had made months before hand, and once again repositioned it all into a suitable nest.
Exhausted from his labours, he collapsed in the reconstructed nest. It wasn't long until Saphira joined him and the two large dragons quickly fell asleep. Well that was nice of them. Serafina remarked as she looked at her parents, whilst Selena, Hírador, and Barrett entered the cave, leaving bloody footprints in their wake. You're making a mess. She said as she noticed them and she moved towards Barrett to help get rid of the blood.
When all six of the dragons were clean they contemplated on what to do. It seemed obvious to them that Murtagh, Barrett and Hírador were going to need places to sleep, the unfortunate thing was that their parents had forbidden the three females from helping the males build their nests. This meant that they had to watch the males collect their leaves and wood, which was damp due to the snow, and bring them to the cave.
We would help you but we don't know what mother would do to us if we disobey her whilst she is acting like she is. Selena explained as Hírador struggled with a particularly large log.
We do not wish you to be in trouble, don't worry, we can do this by ourselves. He replied after deciding to snap the log in two and carry one half in his jaw and the other with his fore limbs.
Well I can at least carry something for you. She said as she took a portion of the leaves he had collected and flew back to the cave with him. When the two arrived they found that Selena and Vervada were also helping to carry the bedding, but not taking it directly into the cave, instead leaving it on the cliff outside.
No sense us getting into unnecessary trouble, wouldn't you agree? Vervada explained. Selena nodded and resumed helping Hírador.
When there was a sufficient amount of materials, the three females left the males to their business and entered their cave, squeezing in-between Saphira's left legs and growing comfortable from the warmth from her side. They watched from the nest as the three males picked out their nesting spots and tried to build them.
Without the benefit of dragon fire to create a place for the nest to sit in, they were not the most tidiest of nests. It took several attempts before the nests were made accurately enough so that they wouldn't be spread about the place when the dragons moved in them, but eventually the three males were sitting in their completed nests.
The three females felt a powerful urge to join the males but the fear of punishment from their mother prevented them from moving. Instead, they put their heads down and watched their males from a distance, the males doing the same until each one of the dragons fell asleep, one by one.
Right so from now on I will not have set days to update on. It will make things less stressful for me so I hope you understand. Of course that doesn't mean I won't be updating, I will still probabaly update twice a week, but there may be times when I will only update once. This also means you could get four chapters a week, without deadlines I won't have to prevent myself form updating before I have to so you could benefit from this. In anycase I hope you enjoyed this chapter and please review.
