Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls or The Inheritance Cycle.
When the next day came and everyone woke up, a tension hung over the camp but it didn't come between Eragon and Brom, the tension was between Daemon and Saphira. 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.
As usual, she gave Eragon a morning nuzzle but gave no affection to Daemon and took off into the sky. This was not lost on Eragon and Brom who looked at the Dragonborn, who was content to just sharpen his sword with a rock. Eragon's previous thoughts about another quarrel between the two re-entered his mind, and he decided to voice his concerns.
He sat beside Daemon who merely grunted at him as a greeting. "Is everything okay between you and Saphira?" Daemon said nothing as he continued keeping his sword sharp but his grip had tightened and the rock slid down the blade in a more aggressive manner. 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 try and push his luck, Eragon gave up and went to ready the horses. As Eragon went to do this, Brom took Eragon's spot next to Daemon who sighed. "I suppose you are going to as what's going on?"
Brom chuckled. "Oh no, I already know what's happening." At his words, Daemon paused in sharpening his sword. "I figured you would know, considering you were born with dragon blood and the soul of one, but you have been human for most of your life. Since you told me about that dream you had, I've had my suspicions and what's going on only confirmed them. You and her will need to talk about this, Daemon. It was only a matter of time until this began."
Daemon sighed, putting his sword back in it's sheathe. "It's not that I refuse to see her that way, or that I don't want to. I just... don't know if the feelings are genuine and real, or just my dragon instincts stirred up because she's female and I'm male. I've been a man for most of my life, and I'm still getting used to my dragon side awakened and no longer dormant. Besides, there are far more pressing matters to worry about than what's going on between me and Saphira."
"I disagree." Brom growled. "Right now, you and Saphira are the only free dragons in Alagaësia, and I doubt one of Skyrim's would make the journey here as it could take days. As important as this venture is, and your desire to keep Eragon safe, the choices you two make will have serious repercussions as to the future of yourselves, Eragon, and the entire nation." Brom grabbed Daemon's shoulder gently in a sign of comfort, reassurance and support. "If you two keep avoiding each other, there will be serious consequences you will both regret. You need to talk with her, before things between you both are damaged beyond repair."
Daemon let out another sigh, He has faced many things in his 20 years of life in the world, but this... this was a new obstacle, one he couldn't defeat with a mere blade or godlike power. "I'll need to have a moment of privacy with Saphira when I can, and I don't know how Eragon would feel about this."
"Wrong as it sounds, it's best to leave him out of this." Brom said, causing Daemon to look at him. "This is between you and her and no one, not even a Rider, can tell a dragon how she may feel for someone. Eventually Eragon will find out, but hopefully by then things between you two are fixed and solved without problem. When the time comes, I'll keep Eragon distracted while you and her speak with one another."
Daemon nodded, that sounded good to him. "Very well." 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. Why did he suddenly feel like an older son telling his father that he loved a high-born girl and didn't want his siblings to know for fear of being humiliated?
Brom and Daemon joined Eragon in saddling the horses, Daemon jumping onto Shadowmere's saddle as Brom got onto Snowfire and Eragon on Cadoc. As they rode away, Eragon mentioned him scrying the woman from his dreams. 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. This got a laugh out of Brom and Daemon, the Dragonborn looking at him.
"Yeah, and give Saphira a reason to not let us out of her sight."
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.
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.
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."
"Perhaps another set of eyes will help." Daemon said as he got off Shadowmere, 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 Daemon just wanted to be a dragon right now, who knew? Brom, however, could sense the hidden meaning in the young man's 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 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. The dragons were on the rocky shore, Saphira fanning her wings to dry them, when Eragon and Brom caught up to them. They set up camp, and Brom began tutoring Eragon.
Saphira suddenly felt a mental prod from Daemon and lifted her head to see he was on the edge of the camp, gesturing for her to come and take a walk with him. unease flared up inside of her, as she knew what this was going to be about, but she stood and followed him. Eragon turned to watch until Brom brought his attention back and made sure the boy was paying close attention to him and not the dragons.
Saphira caught up with Daemon, who was sitting on his haunches, staring into the lake. Saphira hesitated fir a brief moment, unsure of where this will go but she knew full well that she and Daemon needed to talk. To resolve the issues between them. So with that in mind, she walked forward until she was beside him, sitting down like he was.
Daemon was silent for several moments, staring at his reflection before he released a sigh. We need to talk, Saphira.
Aye, we do. Saphira said with a sigh of her own.
Daemon lifted his head to look at the sky and Saphira followed his gaze, both admiring the full moon and it's beauty, as well as the stars. There's been a change between us. A change we need to address and get off our chests rather than avoid it, or else it'll have dire effect on us both later. I will not deny what these emotions are, but I am unsure if they are real or instinct because you are a female.
You're not the only one who thinks the same way, 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... I don't know. Daemon shook his head. It's strange, I've faced many obstacles and challenges in my life, all I have overcame with a blade but this... this is a new challenge, one I cannot defeat so easily. I really like you, Saphira. You've come to be an amazing friend to me, and I've befriended other dragons before, so this is not new to me, plus it's thanks to you that I have awakened the dragon inside of me. But... I don't want to destroy that friendship.
Saphira looked back at him, and her heart gave an involuntary flip. Daemon, 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.
Neither do I. Daemon sighed. He sent her several warm images of them laying together on the cliff. I don't want to hurt you, Saphira. I never could and never will. I have sworn to never harm another dragon unless I have no other choice but you... I think it would destroy me if I harmed you in any way. 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.
Relief emanated from Saphira much to his surprise as he expected sadness from her. I agree. She said happily. Just good friends for now, and perhaps in time... we can see where to go from there.
So we're in agreement then. Daemon said and she nodded. Both hummed happily at their decision.
But... could we... still be close? Saphira asked a little shyly as heat rose to her cheeks. She couldn't help but ask, her feelings and emotions for him were too strong, too much to ignore. Daemon leaned forward and gave her cheek a small nuzzle with a soft growl.
I wouldn't mind that. He whispered to her. Saphira felt her lipless mouth curl into a smile and she growled back softly at him. The two dragons remained sitting where they are, close, and staring up at the sky, enjoying the beauty that was the stars and the full moon, their issues sorted and now were closer than ever before.
Eragon looked up upon hearing the dragons come back from wherever they went. He felt nothing but happiness from the both of them, compared to this morning and the avoidance between the two of them the past few days. Whatever had been bothering them... it was clear to Eragon that they had resolved it.
As the dragons laid down, Eragon noticed how Saphira laid down right close to Daemon, her side pressed against his own. She put her head down on her paws, then let it roll softly onto his. Daemon 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 Daemon's wing gently draped over her back. Saphira rubbed her head against his happily, and soon both were snoring deeply.
Brom on the other hand, had a small grin as he looked away and muttered. "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 water. Saphira, where are you? Let's have some fun!
The two dragons hadn't moved from their position last night, but Saphira opened her eyes and moved from her silver companion's side to join her rider in the lake. Daemon on the other hand, merely rolled onto his side with a deep snore coming from him. Eragon grinned and walked over to tap him on the nose. One eye lazily cracked open, and a tired voice echoed in his head.
No. I'm comfortable here. His eye shut and he resumed his sleep.
Rise and shine, Daemon! Saphira laughed as she came over and nudged him in the belly. Let's go swimming!
No.
Saphira at back on her haunches and looked at Eragon, who merely shrugged. He was about to suggest they just let Daemon sleep, before he saw a mischievous idea in Saphira's mind and he stepped back with a grin of his own as Saphira went off and scooped up large handfuls of wet mud which she brought over and placed in an open paw of Daemon's, then did it three more times until there was a big pile of mud in Daemon's open paw. Saphira then leaned forward and licked his cheek, getting a bat on the snout with Daemon's other paw, much to her annoyance as she did this a second time and got the same result. Saphira did it for a third time... and he smacked his mud-filled paw into his face, waking him up instantly.
SAPHIRA! He roared as he glared at the laughing dragoness who fell onto her side from laughter, Eragon joining her a moment later as he was laughing too hard he had to hold his ribs. I hate you both.
Walking over to the lake, he dove in to clean off the mud while Eragon and Saphira calmed down from their laughter. The moment Eragon climbed onto Saphira, 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 Daemon burst out the water underneath Saphira, grabbed onto her and pulled her, and Eragon, into the water with him. 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.
That's for earlier! Daemon laughed as he floated.
Not funny! Saphira leaped at him and tackled him underwater as the two playfully wrestled, Eragon moving to avoid being dragged into it.
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. Daemon then tackled her out of the air and into the water, the two dragons continuing to play in the water.
Before dinner, Eragon blocked Zar'roc's edge in preparation for their usual sparring. Neither he nor Brom moved as they waited for the other to strike first. Daemon (Who was back in human form) sat beside Saphira, both with their eyes intently on the spar about to begin.
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 a small few could have defeated me like you and Daemon have, 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, as is Daemon."
"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 and Daemon.
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, and with Daemon being what he is as well as his bond with the two of you and the mental link the three of you share together... you are a force to be reckoned with. Remember, when creatures of magic actually use magic, they can accomplish things that could kill a human, because of their enhanced abilities."
"What is fighting with magic like in this land?" Daemon asked as he conjured a small flame in his right hand, watching it shift into the shape of a small dragon at his will, before he extinguished the flame. 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.
"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."
After this, they settled down for some sleep...
And that's it for this chapter everyone.
