Disclaimer: i do not own Star Wars or the Inheritance Cycle.

An awkward tension hung over the camp the next day but it wasn't because of the argument between Brom and Eragon last night, the tension came from George and Saphira and as such, they were silent and not speaking to each other when they woke up. They were aware of their evolving friendship, yet neither knew exactly how to proceed with it. When Saphira went on a morning hunt, she gave Eragon a nuzzle but didn't give any affection she usually does to George before flying away.

This caused Eragon and Brom to exchange a look and look at the silver-scaled dragon who didn't seem bothered by what happened as he continued staring into the fire. Eragon got up and went over to the dragon to try and get some answers.

"Did something happen between you two?" Eragon asked but got no response as the silver-scaled dragon just continued staring into the campfire. Eragon looked at Brom for support but the old man was busy doing a task of his own. "George, if something happened-"

I don't want to talk about it, Eragon. Came the heated reply but the silver dragon didn't turn his gaze away, too lost in his thoughts. Eragon got up and went to the horses while Brom finished his task and walked over to the silver dragon.

You know, talking with her might solve any issues you are having with her. Brom said mentally to the silver dragon who glanced at him out of the corner of his eyes.

What are you talking about?

Brom sighed. Please, George, I know a lot about dragons so I know what's going on between you two. It was only a matter of time George's eyes widened a little. Don't worry, I'm not going to tell either of them. But you need to face this problem instead of avoiding and running away from it.

So you know what's going on?

I've had my suspicions since Teirm. They were confirmed when you two returned from flying two days ago.

The silver dragon shifted a little. It's not that I don't want to possibly see her that way, it's just...I don't know if it's genuine or my dragon instincts because I'm male and she's female. Besides, there's more important things to worry about than me and Saphira.

Don't be so sure. Brom said. For all we know, you and Saphira could possibly be the only free dragons in a long time. As important as this venture is, the issues between you and her need to be resolved before something happens that destroys the friendship you have with her and Eragon forever. You need to discuss this with her, George.

George was silent for the next few seconds before he spoke. But how can I talk to her alone without Eragon getting curious? I don't know how he'd take what's happening between me and his dragon.

Wrong as it may sound, it would be best to not tell him just now and leave him out of it. The old man said, causing George to glance at him. This is between you and Saphira, not him. And no one, not even their Rider, can tell a dragon how he or she may feel. As for how to make sure he doesn't get curious, leave that to me. I'll keep him distracted while you speak with her.

Nodding, the silver dragon got to his feet and went for a flight, making sure to not fly in the direction Saphira went in as he would speak with her when Brom distracted Eragon.

As they rode away, Eragon told Brom about the woman he saw when scrying. Brom pulled on his beard. "You say she was imprisoned?"

"Yes."

"Did you see her face?" asked Brom intently.

"Not very clearly. The lighting was bad, yet I could tell that she was beautiful. It's strange; I didn't have any problem seeing her eyes. And she did look at me."

Brom shook his head. "As far as I know, it's impossible for anyone to know if they're being scryed upon."

"Do you know who she might be?" asked Eragon, surprised by the eagerness in his own voice.

"Not really," admitted Brom. "If pressed, I suppose I could come up with a few guesses, but none of them would be very likely. This dream of yours is peculiar. Somehow you managed to scry in your sleep something that you'd never seen before—without saying the words of power. Dreams do occasionally touch the spirit realm, but this is different."

"Perhaps to understand this we should search every prison and dungeon until we find the woman," bantered Eragon. He actually thought it would be a good idea. Brom laughed and rode on.

Brom's strict training filled nearly every hour as the days slowly blended into weeks. Because of his splint, Eragon was forced to use his left hand whenever they sparred. Before long he could duel as well with his left hand as he had with his right. Eragon tried suggesting having a spar with George but the Force-user just told him. "Not a good idea when you've got a bad arm. Trust me, deflecting blows from a Lightsaber is not a good thing to try with a broken arm."

By the time they crossed the Spine and came to the plains, spring had crept over Alagaësia, summoning a multitude of flowers. The bare deciduous trees were russet with buds, while new blades of grass began to push up between last year's dead stalks. Birds returned from their winter absence to mate and build nests.

Seeing their destination was Leona-Lake, George decided he would have that talk with Saphira when they reached there.

The travelers followed the Toark River southeast, along the edge of the Spine. It grew steadily as tributaries flowed into it from every side, feeding its bulging girth. When the river was over a league wide, Brom pointed at the silt islands that dotted the water. "We're close to Leona Lake now," he said. "It's only about two leagues away."

"Do you think we can get there before nightfall?" asked Eragon.

"We can try."

"Mmm, might need another pair of eyes up there." George said as he hopped off Cadoc behind Eragon and transformed into his dragon form, stretching his wings with a content sigh. He will never get over the feeling when transforming. The silver-scaled dragon took off into the air.

Dusk soon made the trail hard to follow, but the sound of the river at their side guided them. When the moon rose, the bright disk provided enough light to see what lay ahead. Leona Lake looked like a thin sheet of silver beaten over the land. The water was so calm and smooth it did not even seem to be liquid. Aside from a bright strip of moonlight reflecting off the surface, it was indistinguishable from the ground. That night, when Saphira was lying next to Eragon, she felt a mental probe and looked to see George, still in dragon form, at the edge of the wood, gesturing for her to join him.

Nervousness flared up in her as she had a feeling about what this was about. She got to her feet and walked with him to somewhere private while Brom kept Eragon distracted with anything he can really.

Saphira silently walked next to the silver-scaled dragon as they walked on until they were far enough away from camp to not be disturbed. Unease crept in Saphira's stomach as she thought about what will happen after this. However this talk goes will decide how their situation goes, either it's solved or they end up hurting one another. They reached a shoreline and George stopped, staring down into the water, admiring the moonlight glow on the water's surface.

Saphira came up beside him and sat on her haunches, both remaining silent. It's time we talked, Saphira. George eventually broke the silence.

Yes, it is. Saphira agreed.

Things have...changed between us, haven't they?

Aye, they have.

George turned his gaze to the moon before releasing a sigh and he turned to look at her. Saphira, I don't know if these feelings and emotions are real and genuine or instincts because you are a female.

You're not the only one. Saphira said with a humorless chuckle. I've been battling myself ever since that day in Teirm. She looked at him. So...what do we do now? Where do we go from here?

I don't know. George admitted after a moment of silence. There was a lot of things he could say. But he knew the truth was the best. He knew exactly how he saw Saphira, without these emotions clouding things, and hoped she felt the same. He looked at her. Saphira, I really like you. You are an amazing and fantastic friend one can ask for. But...I don't want anything to ruin that friendship.

Saphira's heart flipped. George, I feel the same way for the time we've known each other, I have come to see you as I do Eragon; You are a part of me and nothing will change that. She looked at the ground. These feelings...I know what they are, what they mean. Ignoring them won't last forever. But... She looked him in the eye. I don't know if I'm quite ready for that.

Nor do I. George said as he turned his gaze back to the moon. I don't want to hurt you, Saphira, ever. And it's not like I can't see myself thinking about you that way. I just...I just think it would be best, for now, to just be close friends.

He expected sadness to come from Saphira but was surprised when a wave of relief came from her. I agree. She said happily. Just good friends. Maybe later we can see where things go from there, in time. They sent waves of happiness to each other, along WKTH a little familial love. But George? She began hesitantly as he looked at her. Do you think we can still be...close? She couldn't help it, her feelings and emotions for him were strong to ignore. If it's okay with you, I mean.

George leaned forward and lightly Nuzzled her cheek I wouldn't have it any other way.

They soon left to go back to camp, exchanging happiness through their bond, and this time they were side by side. When they got to camp, Saphira briefly Nuzzled George's cheek and he responded in kid before the two laid down next to each other. Eragon saw their sides touching and Saphira gently rolled her head onto George's crossed paws and he laid his head close to hers, both humming happily to themselves. Eragon was surprised when George lifted his wing and placed it over Saphira, the sapphire dragoness rubbing her cheek against his happily before both were snoring peacefully.

Across the campsite, Brom watched the two before rolling over in his blankets, muttering "It's about time..."

At dawn, Eragon eagerly rushed out to see the lake in daylight. A whitecapped expanse of water rippled with fan-shaped patterns where wind brushed it. The pure size of it delighted him. He whooped and ran to the others, the two dragons were still asleep though. George! Saphira! Wake up! Let's go swimming! Saphira opened her eyes and gave her Rider a mental warm embrace before leaving the warmth of her silver-scaled companion who remained asleep. He rolled over onto his side, still snoring. Eragon grinned and walked over to him, tapping him until an eye lazily opened.

Go away, you two have fun. I'm comfortable here. George's voice said in their heads before he closed his eye. Saphira gave a playfull growl and judged his belly with her nose.

Rise and shine! She laughed. Let's go swimming!

All she got was a grumble and a lazy swipe on the nose with his paw. No...water cold, here warm...

Eragon was about to suggest they leave him to sleep when a mischievous look appeared in Saphira's eyes as she walked around to where his flank was before grabbing his sides and began shaking him, a small growl came from his mouth but as she shook him harder he began waking up with a snarl.

Okay, okay! Okay! He stood up and stretched his wings before glaring at the two. I will get you two back for this. He leaped into the water and went underneath

Chuckling, Eragon got onto Saphira's back. The moment Eragon climbed onto her, she jumped out over the water. They soared upward, circling over the lake, but even at that height the opposing shore was not visible. Would you like to take a bath? Eragon casually asked Saphira.

She grinned wolfishly. Hold on! She locked her wings and sank to the waves, clipping the crests with her claws. The water sparkled in the sunlight as they sailed over it. Eragon whooped again.

Suddenly George burst out of the water, grabbing a surprised Saphira and brought her and Eragon into the lake. The silver dragon was laughing as they broken the surface of the water, George floating on his back. I told you I'd get you back!

Not funny! Saphira leaped at him and they began wrestling playfully in the water, Eragon getting out of the water to make sure he depend get involved and watched them while laughing.

Once Eragon was dry, he and Brom saddled the horses and started around Leona Lake in high spirits while Saphira playfully dived in and out of the water. George chasing her and the two continuing to play in the water.

Before dinner, Eragon blocked Zar'roc's edge in preparation for their usual sparring. Neither they, or the two dragons, moved as they waited for the other to strike first. Eragon inspected their surroundings for anything that might give him an advantage. A stick near the fire caught his attention.

Eragon swooped down, grabbed the stick, and hurled it at Brom. The splint got in his way, though, and Brom easily sidestepped the piece of wood. The old man rushed forward, swinging his sword. Eragon ducked just as the blade whistled over his head. He growled and tackled Brom ferociously.

They pitched to the ground, each struggling to stay on top. Eragon rolled to the side and swept Zar'roc over the ground at Brom's shins. Brom parried the blow with the hilt of his sword, then jumped to his feet. Twisting as he stood, Eragon attacked again, guiding Zar'roc through a complex pattern. Sparks danced from their blades as they struck again and again. Brom blocked each blow, his face tight with concentration. But Eragon could tell that he was tiring. The relentless hammering continued as each sought an opening in the other's defenses.

Then Eragon felt the battle change. Blow by blow he gained advantage; Brom's parries slowed and he lost ground. Eragon easily blocked a stab from Brom. Veins pulsed on the old man's forehead and cords bulged in his neck from the effort.

Suddenly confident, Eragon swung Zar'roc faster than ever, weaving a web of steel around Brom's sword. With a burst of speed, he smashed the flat of his blade against Brom's guard and knocked the sword to the ground. Before Brom could react, Eragon flicked Zar'roc up to his throat.

They stood panting, the red sword tip resting on Brom's collarbone. Eragon slowly lowered his arm and backed away. It was the first time he had bested Brom without resorting to trickery. Brom picked up his sword and sheathed it. Still breathing hard, he said, "We're done for today."

"But we just started," said Eragon, startled.

Brom shook his head. "I can teach you nothing more of the sword. Of all the fighters I've met, only three of them could have defeated me like that, and I doubt any of them could have done it with their left hand." He smiled ruefully. "I may not be as young as I used to be, but I can tell that you're a talented and rare swordsman."

"Does this mean we're not going to spar every night?" asked Eragon.

"Oh, you're not getting out of it," laughed Brom. "But we'll go easier now. It's not as important if we miss a night here or there." He wiped his brow. "Just remember, if you ever have the misfortune to fight an elf—trained or not, female or male—expect to lose. They, along with dragons and other creatures of magic, are many times stronger than nature intended. Even the weakest elf could easily overpower you. The same goes for the Ra'zac—they are not human and tire much more slowly than we do."

"Is there any way to become their equal?" asked Eragon. He sat cross-legged by Saphira.

You fought well, she said. He smiled.

Brom seated himself with a shrug. "There are a few, but none are available to you now. Magic will let you defeat all but the strongest enemies. For those you'll need Saphira's help, plus a great deal of luck. Remember, when creatures of magic actually use magic, they can accomplish things that could kill a human, because of their enhanced abilities."

"How do you fight with magic?" asked Eragon.

"What do you mean?"

Well," he said, leaning on an elbow. "Suppose I was attacked by a Shade. How could I block his magic? Most spells take place instantaneously, which makes it impossible to react in time. And even if I could, how would I nullify an enemy's magic? It seems I would have to know my opponent's intention before he acted." He paused. "I just don't see how it can be done. Whoever attacked first would win."

Brom sighed. "What you are talking about—a 'wizards' duel,' if you will—is extremely dangerous. Haven't you ever wondered how Galbatorix was able to defeat all of the Riders with the help of only a dozen or so traitors?"

"I never thought about it," acknowledged Eragon.

"There are several ways. Some you'll learn about later, but the main one is that Galbatorix was, and still is, a master of breaking into people's minds. You see, in a wizards' duel there are strict rules that each side must observe or else both contestants will die. To begin with, no one uses magic until one of the participants gains access to the other's mind."

Saphira curled her tail comfortably around Eragon, as George returned to human form and asked, Why wait? By the time an enemy realizes that you've attacked, it will be too late for him to act. Eragon repeated the question out loud.

Brom shook his head. "No, it won't. If I were to suddenly use my power against you, Eragon, you would surely die, but in the brief moment before you were destroyed, there would be time for a counterattack. Therefore, unless one combatant has a death wish, neither side attacks until one of them has breached the other's defenses."

"Then what happens?" Eragon inquired.

Brom shrugged and said, "Once you're inside your enemy's mind, it's easy enough to anticipate what he will do and prevent it. Even with that advantage, it's still possible to lose if you don't know how to counteract spells."

He filled and lit his pipe. "And that requires extraordinarily quick thinking. Before you can defend yourself, you have to understand the exact nature of the forces directed at you. If you're being attacked with heat, you have to know whether it is being conveyed to you through air, fire, light, or some other medium. Only once that's known can you combat the magic by, for instance, chilling the heated material."

"It sounds difficult."

"Extremely," confirmed Brom. A plume of smoke rose from his pipe. "Seldom can people survive such a duel for more than a few seconds. The enormous amount of effort and skill required condemns anyone without the proper training to a quick death. Once you've progressed, I'll start teaching you the necessary methods. In the meantime, if you ever find yourself facing a wizards' duel, I suggest you run away as fast as you can."

They decided to rest for the night, Saphira draping a wing over George and Eragon and rested her head near George who rubbed the top of her head softly as he leaned against her chest. Saphira hummed as sleep claimed them for tonight.

And that's it for this chapter folks Because you waited a while for this, I have given you two chapters posted for you to read and enjoy.