Author's Note: Hello everyone. I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday, but my friend Joe came over. (I based Jo'Hanna off of her :D) So I didn't get to work on my story. I'll try to update extra fast to make up for it. Hearts, Kittie!

Watch me, Saphira!

Slate went into a dive, then looped around, soaring straight back into the sky. He felt the warm sun on his black scales. Flipping over to fly upside-down, he sunned the emerald scales that armored his neck and stomach.

Saphira circled him, beating her leather wings. I am.

Slate flew within a few inches of her, nipping the female dragon on the nose playfully, before retreating with a flap of black and green. She roared at him good naturedly, chasing him through the sky. She may have been faster, but Slate was small and agile by comparison.

He raked his paws, claws sheathed, over her stomach. Dead! he cried, Dead, Dead, Dead!

Saphira gave a dragon laugh. Not if my Rider heals me with magic, little one.

Slate deflated a few feet, then soared around her again. He snapped lightly at her throat scales, then pretended to scratch at her wings.

Saphira grinned, blowing a jet of flame at him. It passed over his scales without harm. It felt good to have another dragon there. Glaedr was a dragon, it was true, but Slate was different. He wasn't her master. He could play and joke and tease. His voice felt comforting in her mind. The voice of a dragon. Like her.

Trying to blow flame back, Slate succeeded only in a tiny trickle of smoke. No fire, he said sadly.

Saphira chuckled and blew another inferno at him. He avoided it expertly, then shot a puff of smoke her way. Catch me!

Slate began to dart away from her, then stopped, hovering in the air. Trees, he stated simply. His voice was awe filled.

Saphira looked downwards. Below them was Du Weldenvarden.

The Guarding Forest.

Slate looked at her, then back at the woods below. Saphira could tell something had changed in the young dragon. The sight of Du Weldenvarden seemed to awaken something in him.

Much life, he said reverently.

Yes, Saphira agreed. Much life indeed.

Find Shadow, Slate said, before dropping out of the sky.

Saphira watched him leave. For the first time, she felt…something. Something new. Tenderness? That wasn't it. She wasn't sure…

Having Slate there with her made things more bearable. He was only a month and a half old, not old enough to mate or anything of that sort, but…he was family, in a way. They were both orphans. They both loved the feel of the wind, how it slapped their scales as if calling to play. They both felt the calling of fire, the wondrous inferno that burned within their chests…They both could understand the need for a friend.

Sighing with confusion at herself, Saphira began to spiral downwards after Slate.

ooooooooooooooooooo

Súndavar stared up at the forest that rose above him, feeling small. The trees were so tall, so massively vast and big and alive. He wanted to scream and be silent and cry and laugh all at the same time. Beside him, Shay seemed affected in much the same way. She stood dumbstruck, unsure how to react to the natural splendor.

"What are we supposed to do?" she asked in a whisper, as if speaking aloud would violate such a place. "Walking right in doesn't seem right…"

"Walking right in would also get you hopelessly lost."

Súndavar turned to the direction of the voice, his hand flying to the sword at his side on instinct.

"Put that away, if you please."

Arya stepped forward, "Kvetha, Lifaen."

"Arya kvit-kona. Atra esterní ono thelduin."

"Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr," Arya replied traditionally.

"Un du evarínya ono varda."

Formalities taken care of, Eragon stepped forward. He clasped the elf in a tight hug. "It's good to see you again."

"You as well, Eragon."

Súndavar watched the exchange with a skeptical eye, unsure who this elf was. And what was it Arya had said? Peace live in your heart?

Suddenly Slate landed beside him. Shadow, trees!

Súndavar nodded, still silent. He bit his lip. Yes, Slate. Trees.

Slate seemed put out by his noncommittal response. Much life! he continued. Much, much, much. Magic in the air.

Súndavar raised an eyebrow at him, but didn't get to respond. Lifaen placed a hand on his snout. "Skulblaka, eka celöbra ono un malabra ono."

Slate blinked dumbly. What says the forest man?

"He asks what you said," Súndavar repeated.

Lifaen laughed. "Dragon, I honor you."

Tell forest man thank you.

Súndavar relayed the message.

"If introductions are well enough over, I'd suggest we get on our way," said a new voice.

"Vanir." Súndavar could hear a cautious, snakelike edge to Eragon's voice, one he had never heard before.

"Eragon Shadeslayer," Vanir responded in the same tone. "Kvetha." His voice snapped like a whip.

There was ill blood between the two men. That was for certain.

Vanir threw a glance at Rune, then looked at Arya for explanation.

"Andlát slytha," Arya replied to his unspoken question.

"The girl sleeps," Vanir said, seemingly to no one. "Very well. Let us ride. We are to stop in Lillendale tonight."

"Lillendale?" Shay asked, blinking in confusion. "I've never heard of such a city."

"Nor had you heard of me before now, I suspect. But that does not mean I did not exist."

Shay didn't remark. She, in fact, had heard of him. And she hadn't liked what she heard. All the same, he had a point.

"Mount your horses," Vanir admonished, swinging onto his own mount's back.

I shall carry Rune, Saphira told them. Vanir opened his mouth to object, but Saphira's eyes told him it was hopeless. She wasn't asking.

Grasping the girl in her talons, the blue dragon took the sky. I shall follow you from above.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Rian swung her legs off the edge of the balcony, rocking slowly and humming a lively tune she had heard at the last fair. She squinted in the growing darkness, trying to see if the black splotches she saw were…no. No, just some animals. She sighed. Lookout duty was so boring.

Then, a horn sounded. She squinted again. There! There they were! Glancing upwards, she grinned, her heart beginning to beat faster. Jumping off the balcony, she hit the ground with a thud, already running.

There was a small group of elves gathered around the newcomers by the time she got there. Shouts of "Eragon Shadeslayer!" and "Shur'tual! Argetlam!" abounded, ringing in her ears.

The dining hall was crowded as the guests began their meal. The dragons feasted on pies of fruit and vegetables, gulping them down with ferocity.

"To Eragon and Súndavar!" called a man, raising his glass. "Our saviors!"

The music and rejoicing lasted deep into the night. Dancing and whirling, singing and chanting. Magic abounded. Someone even cast a spell to turn Slate's scales purple, an act he quickly realized was a mistake. The young dragon snapped and blew smoke until he was changed back.

"Are you having fun?" Vanir asked Shay, sitting down next to her. The former captain hadn't moved from her seat all night, hadn't joined in the festivities. "You know things will be much more serious when we get to Ellesméra. Lillendale is a place of rejoicing."

Shay nodded, not looking at him. "I'm fine. It just reminds me…"

"Of what?"

"An old friend. She would have loved to be here. And…"

"And?"

Shay blushed, something she rarely did. "I can't dance."

Vanir laughed, taking her hands. "Come. Let the music show you how."

Standing up silently, Shay nodded. She could take on an army, fence down and Urgal and rescue maidens in distress, but the feel of Vanir's hands on hers made her feel small and weak. And wonderful.

"Alright…" she agreed hesitantly.

The elf spun her, moving with the lively tune as only an elf could. Shay moved minimally, trying and failing to let go. She lost her balance. Vanir caught her, grabbing her hand to steady her before she toppled over.

"Just let go," he whispered. Shay couldn't hear his words above the music, but his meaning was clear.

It was dawn when the Riders and their company set out again. None had slept at all, but they felt renewed and refreshed. Súndavar smiled.

I'm ready, he thought. Ready at last.

Author's Note: AHHHHH! I have written myself into a terrible mess of couples, haven't I? We've got possible Eragon/Rune, Murtagh/Rune, Súndavar/Rune, Súndavar/Lexia, Murtagh/Lily, Nasuada/Orrin, and now Vanir/Shay. Did I miss any? Oh, I forgot the typical Eragon/Arya. (Although I haven't touched much on that one) By now I'm not even sure who's with whom. (Starts spinning in dizzy circles) Well, stay with me, I'm sure I'll eventually figure it out.

Hearts to you all for being so patient, Kittie