New Paths

It had now been two days since the dragon had hatched for Elva, and Dragon and Rider were spending all they time they could together. The Dragon was of unique coloring, mostly silver, but with a strange deep blue pattern running down its back. Its eyes and spines were the deep blue. The Dragon grew larger with each passing day, and was already twice its original size. This Dragon is growing much faster than Saphira did, much faster then any dragon I have read of. MusedEragon.

Elva was also changing. Her ears had already begun to taper, and she also seemed to be growing, but Eragon wasn't sure of this. The Rider was still baffled at how she grew from infant to child seemingly at will. He wondered if the dragon had inherited Elva strange ability, thus explaining the abnormal growth. He voiced this theory to Saphira, but she did not have an answer for him. Strange magic I do not understand surrounds both of them. Was the Dragon's only reply.

Today Eragon and Elva would be taking Katrina to Ellesmera. The previous two days had been filled with packing and preparation. Elva bore an expression of glee as she went about her preparations. I shall be a Rider soon! She thought imagining what training would be like. She could not fathom who would be training her, she knew it would not be Eragon. Imaging a surviving Rider from the last generation trainer made her happy, but she did not think such possible. I guess the elves shall train me, they must know how. She thought, completely ignorant of the existence of Oromis.

Dawn had broken, the pink and purple hues burst across the sky. Eragon stopped what he was doing and looked up at the array of colors. How beautiful! He thought. As he was staring up, Arya approached. She paused also and looked up, waiting for Eragon to notice her. There the two of them stood, enraptured by the glory of the morning. Soon Eragon's stare was interrupted by Saphira saying Arya is here is standing behind you, little one.

He turned around, wondering why she was here. "Arya, what may I help you with this fine morn?"

The elf looked into the Riders eyes, what nice deep eyes he has. She thought before saying, "I shall to accompany you on your trip to Du Weldenvarden."

"Of course." He replied, then asked; "May I inquire as to why you shall be joining us."

"You may." She said, then turned and left.

Maybe this will be my chance to really talk to her again. He thought.

Little one, be careful not to push her farther away on this trip. You need her friendship to much. Saphira said, showing her concern.

If you sense that I am about to make a fool of myself, warn me, or interrupt. Please Saphira, you are right, I cannot lose her. He responded

The morning was not only beautiful; it was also in superb condition for flying. There was scarcely a cloud in the sky, and the wind was blowing in a favorable direction. Eragon and Saphira were very happy to be going back to Ellesmera. It had become truly their home in the months they had spent there.

How nice it will be to begin training again. Saphira said as Eragon was saddling Saphira.

Yes it will be. He replied.

Everyone but Katrina had arrived at the meeting point outside of camp two hours after dawn. They soon began to load Saphira, much to her discomfort. I hate being treated like a pack animal! She exclaimed.

If we are to make it to the elves in time to save Katrina's life, we must ride you. Sorry that this causes you discomfort Saphira. Eragon replied. As he was speaking to Saphira, Angela approached, followed by Roran carrying Katrina.

"I have given the girl herbs which has slowed the progress of her burns" the old witch began, "but she doesn't have much time left, a week at most." Then quickly turned around and walked away. As soon as everyone was on Saphira's back and the supplies loaded, Roran approached and said; "Be careful with my fiancée, and be sure she survives!" Then he too left. When he was fifty or so yards away, he turned around to watch Saphira leap into the air, and fly away.

"How are you feeling Elva?" Eragon asked after they had been flying for a couple minutes. Elva was sitting behind Eragon and her dragon was flying next to Saphira.

"Excited, a little nervous, my Dragon is glad to be flying."

"Good." Eragon said. The remainder of the day was filled with silence, the group overcome by the joy of flying. Arya could tell that Eragon and Saphira were talking. She admired his strong form, and elfish features. He really is an attractive man. She thought, and then quickly brushed the thought aside, realizing the implications.

They landed just as Aiedail was setting. They landed in the outskirts of the Hadarac Desert. They were soon eating diner, the pleasant silence of the day still hung in the air. Elva retired soon after they finished the meal, as did Saphira and the small Dragon. Eragon and Arya were sitting around the fire alone, and Eragon was staring up at the stars. Arya was staring at Eragon, they sat as such for a quite a time, till Eragon asked, "Did you enjoy flying Arya?" These were the first words they had exchanged all day.

"Yes, it was wonderful." She replied.

"Isn't it amazing that we found another egg, and that it hatched! Now we have twice the chance against Empire."

"True, it is amazing that another rider has been discovered, but it is not true that we have twice the chance. As Elva will be quite useless for anything but magic until she become an adult."

The reality of Arya's statement struck Eragon like an arrow to the heart. He had not fully realized that she would be incapable of fighting for some years. Eragon cursed under his breath. "I had not thought of that."

"It is as I thought." she said, then stood up, and went to her tent. "Goodnight Eragon Shadeslayer."

"Goodnight Arya svit-kona."

The next morning was just as perfect as the last. As the last colors of dawn were beginning to fade, Eragon was aroused by a very excided Elva. Once again, the girl seemed somewhat bigger that the last day. "My Dragon wants to know his name!" She exclaimed, "But I know not a proper name for him."

Eragon got out of his bed, still groggy, and said "did you say him?"

"Yes, he wants to know his name."

"Are you sure your dragon is a him?"

"Quite sure, he said so himself."

"That is wonderful" Eragon said, thinking of how the Dragons could now be restored, "I have learned many Dragon names during my studies, I shall tell you some." He then started to recite a list of dragon names.

The girl mused over the names for a time then said; "I will ask my dragon if any of these names are his."

She then recited the list of names to the Dragon. Xïzor, that is my name. The Dragon replied.

"He says his name is Xïzor." Elva repeated excitedly to Eragon.

"Xïzor," he said thoughtfully, "aye that is a good name. Let us go see your Dragon."

Eragon and the girl left the tent to examine Xïzor; he had grown since the previous day his shoulders were broad compared to the rest of his body, and his muscles were corded and he had a very strong look to him.

Once Elva was in the light Eragon got a good look at her, she had grown at least three inches since yesterday, and looked like a girl of fourteen.

"Elva, are you growing?" The baffled Rider asked.

"Yes I am growing; I am growing because I need to grow." The girl replied.

"Interesting." Eragon said, starting a fire. "If you continue growing at this rate, you shall soon be large enough to train in the sword."

"Yes I will. Can you make breakfast soon, I need to eat."

"Aye, go rouse Arya." Said Eragon. The girl obediently got up and went to the elf's tent.

Saphira, wake up! Eragon called over their mental link. He could feel Saphira annoyance as a growl echoed through their camp.

Why must you awake me? The dragon asked.

Because you need to find breakfast before we leave, and I have good news! Eragon said letting his excitement travel to Saphira through their link. He then continued to tell her of the mornings happenings.

This is wonderful. She said, I shall take Xïzor with me to hunt." Then she closed her mind to Eragon as she let out a roar that ripped through the small camp. The silver dragon lifted his head in response to Saphira's roar, and took off. Saphira then took off in pursuit of the silver Dragon.

Dragons are very interesting creatures. Eragon thought as he started to cook eggs he had brought. He could hear Elva telling Arya of the morning's happenings. He also heard Arya's sweet voice responding to the girl's story. Why must I love someone so unobtainable? He thought, she doesn't even share my feelings.

Elva and Arya came out of the tent just as the eggs finished cooking. Elva took four of the six eggs. Eragon almost objected, but stopped as she devoured them with such a feverish speed. He looked down upon his one egg. I suppose some sacrifices must be made for the good of the Riders. He thought, as he disappointedly ate his one egg.

After breakfast, the group began to pack up the camp. Just as they had finished, Saphira and Xïzor flew up. The two Dragons looked happy, and Xïzor stomach was bulging.

Are we ready to go? Saphira asked, broadcasting the question to everyone.

"Yes Saphira," Arya began "I do believe we are."

Not much action in this chapter, but it is a necessary one. I think Xïzor is a sucky Dragon name, but it is all I could come up with. Give me some feedback, and anyone with a better name, do share. AlsoI changed the name of the story, feedback on that would be good too!

-ejendres

Xïzor is pronounced: Zy-zor