Chapter 31

Rhunön and Alex were standing in front of a table, a drawing of his current tactical vest on a parchment. "So, what we need, firstly, is to protect your neck, arms and shoulders. A chainmail under your armor would do the job."

"In terms of freedom of movement, it's an excellent idea. However, the biggest issue is the weight. I have to be fast on the battlefield."

"Understandable but what if we weld the parts we need to what currently exists?" The blacksmith pondered. "That way, we cover the parts of your body that need it and limit the load."

Looking between the pile of imbricated rings she was currently working on and his vest, he imagined what the final product would look like… and liked the idea. The prospect of working on something new, unknown excited him, exactly like discovering a new book on one of his favorite genres, may it be fantasy, science-fiction or thriller.

"Yet, a chainmail alone wouldn't be enough. If I make them too small, they lose in durability. Too big and arrows will go through it." She walked to another table, filled with different parts of an armor, took the helmet and weighted it. "Covering it with steel plates is the best compromise I can do."

"I create a circle made of steel, pierce it to link it to the rings, from the shoulder to the wrist. It'll take longer than usual but it's feasible."

The young adult with almond eyes crossed his arms. "You're the expert here Rhunön-elda, I have total faith in your judgement."

A snort was the only sign he got that she heard him. The ancient elf then turned around, suddenly launching the helmet at Alex. The latter, surprised by the sudden action, was late to react but managed to catch it, barely. Puzzled, he observed it, noticing it was the simplest he had seen, covering everything but the front, before raising his eyes to look at her, confusion etched onto his face.

"Something like this should suffice, no? Mind that the protective visor hasn't been added yet." she said, putting her hands on her hips.

"Well, if I remember my history lessons, it cover the whole face, leaving only two slits for the eyes. Am I right?"

"You are."

He hummed in thought, thinking how it could be improved so he wouldn't have a blind spot between his almond orbs. The swordsman also needed to see all around him freely. What material was usable to meet his requirement? Glass? Yes, that was it! They need someone who has the skill to create a panel, long and wide enough for this, also chanting it with magic so it would have enough resistance against an arrow impact! More than one, of course. Rhunön wouldn't be the one since she refuse to use magic in her work, so they would have to ask another elf.

He smirked. Oh yeah, it's coming together. Taking a charcoal chalk, he began adding the elements on his tactical vest, finishing by the design for the protection for his head.

"Done." The blacksmith looked at it, her face completely unreadable. Alex took the opportunity to explain. "We can use enchanted glass. A rectangular panel a little wider than the distance between my eyes and an inch and half long should suffice. To avoid fogging inside, we fill the remaining length to the bottom of the helmet with steel BUT we make very small holes in front of my mouth so I can exhale correctly. What do you think?"

"You'll be less protected if a blow pierce it."

"I know, but it's a risk I'm willing to take."

Rhunön didn't say a word for a long moment, gears working inside her head. Finally, she let out a grunt. "Fine. I know one or two person at whom I can commission this. I'll let you know when I'll have the time and materials for our little project. We'll also need to do the same for your legs. Now go, I will ask Arya or someone else to tell you to come when we'll begin."

"Thank you for your help Rhunön-elda! If you have any question about Earth, I'll be happy to answer them. It's the least I can do."

As she went back to her forge, she raised her left arm and waved her hand to the side, silently saying his proposal didn't fall into deaf ears. It was his cue for leaving her to her own devices. However, a memory from his discussion with Oromis a few days ago made itself known and stopped him in his tracks. Since the blacksmith was the only person available right now, he could always ask her.

"Just before I leave, I have a question. What is the Agaeti Blödhren? Oromis told me he'd appreciate if I go to it but I didn't get the time to ask him."

Without looking back and resuming her current work, she answered. "We commemorate the pact we made with the dragons at the end of the war that opposed us. During three days, we show to everyone something we created, may it be a poem, sculpture or anything else. Those who can't attend watch it through magical mirrors."

"So I have to make my own piece of art… easier said than done since I don't have a lot of imagination." He chuckled. "I'll try to think of something, thanks for the explanation."

Without another word, he left the house, making his way back to his suite.

Standing in the middle of a little clearing, the two dragons were currently going through a lesson about the different kinds of herbs a fire-breathing lizard could digest, and those that weren't edible. Saphira had been quite disturbed by her friend shutting himself a few days ago. Her and her Rider knew it had happened after his discussion with her masters but when the duo asked their elders about it, Oromis replied: "It's personal, what we talked about only concern him and us. Give Alex some time with himself, he'll go to you once he's ready to come out."

Also concerned by her blooming feelings for the swordsman, the blue dragoness had to talk about it to someone. Glaedr may not be the best person to speak with on this specific subject but she needed an external opinion about it, his point of view as a dragon was welcome too.

«Master, is it possible for a dragon to… fall in love? »

Glaedr turned his head to look at her, quizzically.

«It's unusual but not unheard of. If you remember what I said not long ago: Riders' dragons would tend to mate a lot longer and for longer periods than the wild dragons. Bonded dragons pairing up and probably staying together for years at a time. Some for decades. Maybe longer happened. So, it happened a few times, the two dragons even deciding to become mates-for-life but that's an extremely rare occurrence. Why do you ask? »

There was no turning back now, Saphira knew it perfectly. The look in her eyes and in her intonation radiated nervousness. «Because... because that's what I'm feeling right now. » Observing his shocked look and his jaw slightly opened, she giggled. «Do not fret, those sentiments are not directed at you. »

«In that case, who? »

«Alex. »

«The human, I should have guessed, you weren't totally discreet about it too. Does he know? »

«No. »

«I see. »

The exchange was followed by a pregnant pause. She had expected him to press the subject further, to even lash out for having such thoughts and feelings for a human but nothing. Silence was the only reply she got and she hated it. For her, any reaction was better than none at all. After what seemed an eternity, her mentor exhaled and let out a mental sigh.

«Saphira, it is not my place to judge your sentimental life. Yet, as your master, my duty is to remind you to not lose focus on your objective and what come after once Alagaësia is freed from Galbatorix's tyranny. This doesn't prevent you from following your heart but if you end up in the situation where have to choose between him and the country's fate, I hope you'll make the right one. Am I clear? »

«Yes. » He grunted in approval.

«Perfect, parenthesis closed. We can resume the lesson. »

Alex hadn't smoked in a very long time, since he was nineteen if his memory served him right. He even wondered how this pack of cigarette ended in his backpack. Looking at the brand on it, he snorted and shook his head, amused. "You know me all too well mom." Thanks to his gained maturity with time and the experiences he went through, the young adult was able to keep his cool despite feeling like a bundle of anxiety and stress actually. A quick look at his watch told him it was a little after eight.

«They should be eating at the moment, it's the perfect time to go see them. »

He put the cigarette at his mouth, light it up and inhaled. The gesture alone was enough to release some tension but not as much as he wanted. Smoke flew out of his nose as he steeled himself for what would happen soon. «Tonight, I will tell her. »

Gently closing the door behind him, Alex walked the corridors with a resolve. As usual since his arrival, the road were illuminated and the elves as active as during the day. It was as if the city was never sleeping, exactly like New York… but much more pleasant and appreciable since all of this background sound was quieter. Between the nocturnal animals that made themselves known, the people who sang and those who played an instrument, everything mingled to create a harmonious cacophony to his ears. He saluted everyone he met on his way with a smile, even exchanged courtesies some of those who interviewed him in the throne room. It was so different from what he saw on Earth.

A lone thought passed by his head when he remarked this. «Heh, I could get used to it. »

Finally, after walking for a good five minutes, the swordsman reached his destination. He gulped and put his boot on the first march, then one after another, slowly ascending to his future. Whatever may be her answer, he knew it would change a lot of things in his life, in the short or, even probably, long term. The door to the entrance appeared too quickly for his taste and his left hand came in contact with it instinctively, knocking on it three times.

He then heard Eragon's voice telling him to come inside and opened the door. His eyes quickly adjusted to the light, the living room being the first thing that appeared in front of him. Sitting at the table, munching on a few biscuits, was Eragon. The latter looked at the newest arrival, his hand, full of food, stopping a few centimeters away from his open mouth when he saw who it was. Fortunately, he managed to finish what he was currently eating without swallowing askew before standing up, relief present on his face and in his posture.

"Alex! You're fine!" The two men walked to each other, taking the other in a hug when they met between the entrance and the living room.

"Of course I'm am." He replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I needed some alone time with myself, nothing I'm not used to."

They then broke their embrace, the Rider clearly happy to see him. He invited his friend to follow him further inside. "We asked Oromis about what happened but he refused to say anything."

The swordsman took the liberty to make himself at home and sat on another chair, at his companion's side. "You won't get a lot more from me… but I can talk about some things, it's not confidential." He then told him exactly the same thing he said to Arya, leaving the most important parts but it was enough to satisfy Eragon's curiosity. He sympathized with the young adult's situation about his decreasing resistance to magic and his mind becoming visible to everyone.

At the last problem, the adolescent proposed to teach him how to properly protect himself against mental attacks, also involving Saphira in the process, saying it would be an excellent training to have a sword battle at the same time, so he would be prepared if the situation happened in the future. Alex pointed out that Oromis had also something like that in mind for him.

They also spoke in length about Eragon's training, his success and failures and all the knowledge he had to memorize in his free time. Then, Alex asked about the subject of his visit.

"Where is Saphira?"

The Rider's eyes went up from the book he was currently reading. "She went hunting. Recently, she's been going on a stroll after eating, to appreciate the scenery she told me. She should be back soon."

Suddenly, the duo heard the sound of flapping wings and the subject of their discussion appeared, landing on the balcony designed for it. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw the light-brown haired man standing a few meters away. She wasn't expecting to see him here, especially just after her discussion with Glaedr a few hours ago. «It's good to see you're well. What are you doing here? »

"I had some business outside, involving my tactical vest's repairing. Arya was the one who took me by the back of my neck to socialize myself after my recent… episode, if I may say so."

«And you decided to take some news from us at the same time. » She sat down, only her eyes moving to observe his facial features in detail and appreciate his presence. «It's kind of you. »

"You're both my friends, I find it perfectly normal to show that I'm still alive and kicking." The three of them chuckled at that.

«I'm relieved, really. Eragon and I were worried when you didn't respond to anyone. » She then added, to him only. «You mean a lot to me, to us. So don't do it again, please. If you express the need to talk or have someone at your side if it's rough, we're here. »

His answer was generic enough so the Rider wouldn't suspect anything however, couldn't help but blush about the last part. His heart rate spiking a little at her words. "It won't happen again, you can be sure of that." He then added a wink.

"Anyway, Eragon, can I borrow your dragoness for a moment? I'd like to talk to her about something, in private."

He was a little puzzled by the demand, wondering what could be so important so his friend needed to speak with her without him present, but agreed to it nonetheless. On Saphira's side, her own heart rate raised a lot. All kinds of questions flew through her head. «Is he really going to bring the topic of us? »

As the swordsman left the room, beginning to descend the wooden staircase, the ex-farmer turned his head to her. «You have an idea on what he want to talk about? »

«As a matter of fact, I do. » Her voice was filled with uncertainty, apprehension and a little worry. «I'll tell you once I get back, I promise little one. »

«Fine. Now go, he must be waiting for you. »

Indeed, the young man was leaning against the tree when her paws touched the solid ground. Plunging into his almond eyes, she saw the reflection of her own current feelings. He was just as nervous as her but it didn't stop him to give a small smile, trying his best to clear the atmosphere. "You coming?"

Without waiting for an answer, he began marching. Silently, she fell into place at his side, wondering where he was leading her. There was an obvious awkwardness between them, none of them having the courage to speak. After a moment, when Alex was sure they were far enough from civilization and any curious ear, he stopped. They were in the middle of a clearing, surrounded by trees of various sizes and the sole light strong enough to illuminate the place was the full moon.

Turning on himself, he admired the sapphire dragoness. Her scales were glinting, looking magnificent under the moonlight. He took a long breath, trying his damn best to calm his nerves. Instinctively, he was trembling like a leaf and his stomach was knotting, even doing back-flips, showing how much he was dreading the moment. He even thought he would puke from the tension alone.

"Saphira, I need to say something has been on my mind for some time and it's the perfect time for it. I… I-I" Exhaling loudly, he chastised himself. Why was it so hard?! His feelings were clear, simple so why he couldn't utter a single word?

Oh, and damn it anyway, what was the worst that could happen? Reject him? It already happened in the past… but this one would be far worse and longer to digest if his worst fear went true.

"I love you. It's not just some fleeting feelings, a small crush that leave not long after. I thought it was the case at the beginning but no, my affection for you got stronger as time went on and on. I denied it for a long time before deciding to acknowledge what my head and heart wanted."

She was at loss of words, a part of her had waited for this situation, silently hoping he would feel the same and it actually happened. Her surprise and shock was quickly replaced by warmth and relief, she was overjoyed to hear him say this. Slowly she walked to him, stopping only when their heads were centimeters apart. If Saphira could lose herself for hours into these beautiful almond orbs, she wouldn't mind it a single bit.

«It's mutual. » His eyes widened in surprise, the color around them quickly getting a red hue. In this suspended moment, both of them felt like nothing could separate them, that their hearts were one, beating in unison. Their minds totally opened to the other and immersed in it, sharing the deep passion and love they had for one another. The human began sniffling, crying freely as he released all the tension accumulated during the past weeks and months by this situation. Somehow, it even hurt him to have so strong feelings for someone.

She slightly lowered her head and mimicking the emotional gesture between humans, she put her draconic lips against his, also sending caring waves at him. It was enough to make Alex choke and distract so he could regain his bearings.

«Stop your tears, it is said and done. Let us appreciate the moment now. »

He released a breath of relief. "Yeah, you're right. But, I'm so happy and feel so light to have finally said it. It was weighing me down so much… It was in the front of my mind almost every day." The blue dragon couldn't help but being deeply touched by his words. With the back of his hand, he dried his tears but kept sniffing a few times. Saphira laid down on the ground and the swordsman sat in the space between her front leg and her neck, hugging her tightly. They basked against each other, valuing to its fullest the moment they had together and appreciating the warm weather that spring brought. After some time, he spoke.

"You know it won't last eternally, right?"

He didn't had to wait long for her reply, her voice still filled with happiness. «I'm aware of it. » An instant of silence. «But I want to live it to the fullest. Maybe with some convincing, I can change your mind. » She added smugly.

"Saphira…"

«I'm aware we both have duties and we can't ignore it. However, can you blame me for even trying? »

"No, I can't." He let out a small laugh. "But seriously, it's not possible for me to drop my family just like that. If I was an orphan or had my ties cut with any relatives, yes but not in the current situation. My feelings for you are strong, I'm willing to make concessions to make this work between us but it's asking too much from me."

«I know and I won't ask you to sacrifice everything you have just to stay at my side. »

Patting her neck, the corners of his lips turned into a smile. "Thank you." He whispered, strong enough so she could hear it.

«Eventually, we'll have to tell Eragon about us. The sooner, the better.»

Oh boy, was he not ready to have this discussion with his friend. "Indeed, and I don't look forward to this moment."

«You're afraid of his reaction? »

"More like frightened! He's your partner after all, if I have an argument with you or him, it'll affect the other, so yeah."

«If Glaedr didn't oppose to it, I don't think my little one will. » She snorted. «You shouldn't worry that much. »

His eyes widened when he understood what she said and audibly gulped. "You told him?!" She turned her head to look at him.

«Of course, I needed another opinion, one with an outside view to all this. He was the only one I could turn to. Glaedr-elda wasn't against it, he just reminded me to not lose focus on the most important thing: destroy Galbatorix. And it was pleasurable to observe his reaction when I told him I had feelings for someone. » She send him a mental image of how he looked at the moment she said it.

Alex visibly relaxed at this. At least, he would live another day. Grunting, he stood up and dusted himself off. Taking this as a sign it was time to go, Saphira stretched her wings but kept the same position. «Would you like a flight back? »

Shrugging, he jumped where her saddle usually was. "I would be an idiot to refuse such an offer."

«Well, too bad you can't ride me in another way. I have to content myself with all the others physical gestures. »

Before he could even react to the innuendo, however it didn't stop him from blushing profusely, she took the air, quickly ascending and reaching a good speed. The dragoness laughed to herself, taking pleasure in teasing him and watching him squirm, but decided he was in enough stress already and didn't want to add more to him with little jokes like that… for now.

Finally, they reached their destination, slowly descending until she was on the ground. As Saphira retracted her wings against her sides, the young man jumped down. Their friend was still reading at the table, lost in a different book than the one he had in hands when they left. "Hey you two, you took your sweet time."

Alex nodded. "Yeah, we had a lot to talk about."

"Oh, and about what?"

The adult turned to look at his lover, unsure about who was going to break the news, and she made a small movement with her head, signaling him to be the one to say it while sending him thoughts of love and encouragement. He looked back at the ex-farmer and exhaled, getting rid of all the negative emotions he had. Words flew out of his mouth instinctively before he could thought of how to phrase it correctly.

"Saphira and I have something to tell you. We're together, as lovers. Our mutual feelings got stronger as weeks and months passed by until they couldn't stay bottled up anymore. We needed some alone time to open our hearts and here we are."

Dazed, Eragon's eyes were darting back between the two of them, his brain trying to reach a logical conclusion but couldn't. It was so spontaneous, he really wasn't prepared to a revelation like that at all. He didn't know what to feel, or to say.

"I think I broke him."

«Agreed. I never saw him like that, not even when he learned that Arya was a princess. »

Finally, he stepped out of his stupor, his mouth turning into a smile. "I'm happy for you two!" He embraced his friend, hugging him tightly, expressing his joy in the simplest of ways. The swordsman did the same, applying as much force as him, before breaking the embrace and throwing his arms around his dragoness' neck, the latter cooing in joy, glad he would accept the situation as easy as that. "You're part of the family now."

Alex couldn't help but have a small smirk. "As if I wasn't already after all that happened." Eragon laughed.

"I can't deny that."

Once the moment was over, they decided it was late and had to go to sleep if they wanted to be fresh for their lesson for tomorrow. As the light brown haired man suggested he would leave them, he was suddenly caught at the waist by a blue tail. He raised an eyebrow at Saphira's gesture, however he understood what she asked of him when he looked in her pleading eyes.

«Could you stay with me tonight? »

Smiling, he nodded. "Anything for you." He stripped to his underpants, took a spare blanket from a wardrobe and installed himself comfortably in her dais, his back to her belly. The Rider turned off all the lights and bid them goodnight, they replied the same.

«Goodnight, I love you. »

«I love you too. » Suddenly, Saphira's eyes opened and she jerked her head, looking at him intensely. It wasn't the fact he said it in Ancient Language that perturbed her, but how he said it. He sat up, wondering what had stung her to react this way.

«Alex… you projected your thoughts to me. You didn't just thought what you wanted to say but spoke to me telepathically. »

He looked back at her, agape. His eyes widening in realization. "Oh shit."