The plot is thickening; the story must end soon, maybe in another 10 chapters. That might not even be enough. :sniff: I'm too tired to reply to reviewers, so here we go. Sorry!
Chapter 16 – Leave Me Be
Kiatra clambered onto Aseil's back, clinging to the spike in front of her as the dragon rose into the air, his dark purple wings beating the air slowly.
Remember the fist time we flew? Kiatra asked, pushing her hair behind her shoulders so it wouldn't blow in her face.
Yes. You were terrified, remember? Kiatra laughed at the memory. Hang on! Aseil called, swerving in midair as if to avoid an unseen enemy. Kiatra drew her sword, and as the imaginary Rider flew past, she drove it into the skin and curved it in an arc upwards.
Catch me! She cried, pulling her feet from the leather stirrups. With a wild leap, she was in midair, a good 30 feet above the ground. She closed her eyes, waiting. A purple streak appeared under her and she landed safely on Aseil's back.
Eragon watched from below, on Saphira. The sapphire dragon had not yet taken off, instead, she was serenely watching the periwinkle dragon circle and dive with ease that only the creatures of the sky had.
Shall we step forth and intercept them? Saphira asked impatiently, swishing her tail restlessly from side to side.
Dive into battle, Saphira! Eragon cried, brandishing his sword. Instead of the slow steady beats of Aseil, Saphira dived into the air, her wings angled to her sides for speed. Saphira intercepted Aseil's flight, her mouth open in a playful snarl. Aseil dodged the move with ease. Kiatra grinned, and dulled the blade with magic so it wouldn't harm Saphira or Eragon.
Saphira dove back around, aiming for the underside of Aseil's neck.
Hold on! Aseil called, rolling in the air and nipping Saphira's belly as a rush of blue went by. Kiatra moved with the roll, feeling her hair fall downward with gravity.
She felt rather then heard the rival pair approach. Clash! She told Aseil. The purple dragon drove into Saphira, where they both clawed at each other, snarling. Kiatra leaned forward and crawled up Aseil's neck, wincing as his neck flew from side to side.
She rolled down Saphira's neck and drove a blow at Eragon. He blocked it easily and countered, almost knocking her off balance. She attacked again, but instead of blocking, Eragon leaned forward, ducking the blow, and pushed her. At the same time, Saphira rolled a little to the right.
"Ack!" Kiatra yelled, slipping from her spot on Saphira's neck into the air.
Kiatra! Aseil detangled himself from Saphira, but too late. Kiatra felt her body connect with the hard ground, and then she knew no more.
-tra! Kiatra! She opened her eyes and blinked, the instant sunlight blinding her for a moment. Aseil stood nose-to-nose with her, gazing anxiously into her eyes.
"What happened?" she asked aloud.
Eragon pushed you. Saphira shot a dirty look at Eragon, who cringed from his spot to the right of Kiatra.
It was a good thing you were only 10 feet from the ground. Aseil said softly, nuzzling her cheek.
Still, you broke your leg and got a concussion. Eragon healed you after you fell.
"How long have I been out?" Kiatra rubbed her head with one hand. She had a terrible headache.
"About an hour." Eragon answered, his face still red. "Listen, Kiatra…" he said in a low voice. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you weren't secured…"
"Its fine. It's my own fault I fell. I should have known better." Kiatra felt funny, almost like she was acting in a totally different way then she should. Aseil noticed it too. She felt a rush of nervousness from Aseil before he concealed it.
Eragon had cringed, probably thinking she would hit him, but once again the strange feeling in her total being took over. Confused, she shook her head from side-to-side like a wet dog.
"Are you okay?" Eragon asked, offering her his hand. Kiatra took his hand. It was warm, and though calloused, the touch was gentle. She gripped tighter and pulled herself up, closing her eyes. She fell into Eragon, and a rush of dizziness rushed through her mind, making her want to throw up. "Kiatra?" Eragon asked nervously, holding her upright.
"I'm okay. Just a little dizzy." Kiatra muttered, staggering to stay up on her own. Almost instantly she collapsed again and threw up her pumpkin muffin.
Aseil bent over her, his wings fanning her slightly.
Eragon knelt down and picked her up, slinging her over his back. She was surprisingly light, she took no toll on Eragon. Shifting her gently to another more comfortable position, he found his way with help from Kiatra. When he reached their chambers, he found a note nailed to the door. He pried it from the door carefully and entered, laying Kiatra tenderly on her bed.
Retreating to the washbasin, he took a small rag and drenched it in the cool water, then placed it on Kiatra's brow. She retched and closed her eyes tightly, small tremors running through her body.
"I'm so sorry." Eragon whispered anxiously, brushing her black hair away from her face.
She didn't answer, she had faded into sleep.
Kiatra awoke late in the night, rested and wide-awake. The aftereffects of her fall had faded, leaving exhilaration. Turning her head, she came nose-to-nose with a sleeping Eragon. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his hair was sticking up in odd points.
He stayed up for me. Kiatra thought, a jolt in her stomach.
NYYYEEEE I'm sorry I took so long. I promise I'll update sooner from now on.