Wow… we're actually here… in Eldest… I just… I want to thank everyone who has read and enjoyed this story, because without you… I wouldn't have a purpose in life. Elrun ono, pömnuria fricaya.

EDIT: I have no excuse for keeping you all waiting for so long…

Oh wait, I do! I had a concussion! Hehe… it's true, though.

Review Replies:

Hey Scissors XD Huzzah for long reviews, I love those. *gives a pointed look to the rest of the audience*

I haven't noticed, actually, I've been more focused on writing than reading on here… maybe that's why I've gotten so many headaches with this chapter? I need to take a break? Meh.

Haha… Please, I've stayed up till three a.m. Ten o' clock is nothing. Ooh, glow in the dark dragon… my cousin has one… technically I kinda bought it for him, and I bought a non-glowing red one for myself. Haha. *pets said dragon* Her name is Rune. And she is also one of my (surprisingly numerous) Wings of Fire OCs—or, at least, she's the base for the basic idea of one of them.

I wish I had IC in paperback… I just have eBooks for the last three. But I do have two paper copies of Eragon, one of which is signed (b-day gift from my sister).

And don't worry, many of my sleepless nights have been spent reading Inheritance Cycle crossovers. Like last night. TEMERAIRE.

Left wall. Right wall. Left wall. Right wall. Left wall. Right wall. Annoyed-looking Murtagh. Right wall. Left wall. Right wall. Bemused Saphira. Right wall. Left wall. Right wall. Left wall.

Tania, do you really need to pace? Ophelia's voice rang in her Rider's mind. The iridescent dragoness was hidden under Saphira's wing, camouflaged and still—only her right eye, narrowed to a metallic slit that was invisible against the marble wall, could be seen at all as she watched Tania pace in aggravated circles.

Yes I do. I cannot sit still right now. You, after all, forced me to take a three-hour nap! the Rider said accusingly. Besides, I'm worried.

We're all worried. But—

But no one else took a three-hour nap. I have too much energy from the damned thing.

Eragon took a rest as well, Ophelia pointed out.

Yes, because Ajihad suggested that we did, replied Tania sourly. And then you made me do it. When I had no real need to.

You both nearly collapsed after healing those men this morning, said Saphira dryly. You had need.

Tania finally stopped pacing to frown irritatedly at the two dragons. Oh, wonderful. Now both of you are stomping on my tail!

You have no tail, Ophelia said amusedly.

Rhetorical figure of speech.

I don't see the point, Saphira commented. If you humans have no tails, why make figures of speech indicating that you do?

Tania grunted and rubbed the palm of her hand over her face. "I have no idea, Saphira. Why do we humans do anything?" The verbal answer startled Murtagh slightly.

Yes, why indeed? The azure dragon lifted her head in satisfaction. You're all silly little beings.

Tania snorted. Silly, fragile little beings, you mean?

If that is supposed to be a comment about Eragon, you are certainly correct, Saphira sighed. Suddenly, her head twitched in the direction of the far wall, which hid the room where the other Rider was recovering from his latest bout of back pain. He's awake! she said jubilantly a moment later.

Smiling at Saphira's excitement, Tania related the news to Murtagh, who stood. "Finally," he said.

"Finally indeed," Tania grumbled. Murtagh chuckled, coming to stand beside her.

Several moments later, the door was thrown open. Tania stepped inside, followed by Murtagh, and then Saphira's head snaking through the doorway. Angela waved her hand. "Here he is, alive and mostly well."

Eragon was sitting on the bed, legs swung over the side as if he had been about to get up, and a slightly grumpy aura surrounded him. But he smiled brightly at the sight of the three of them.

"Hullo," he greeted them.

Tania raised an eyebrow. "That's all you have to say?"

Eragon shrugged. "What else am I going to say? 'Oh, wonderful, more excruciating back spasms?'" He glanced hesitantly at his brother. "I had meant to ask, but… did you…?"

Murtagh scowled slightly. "For several weeks. I could barely move. I think you're lucky you have Saphira to share the pain. I had literally no one except Tornac, and he could only help me get to a better place to sit." He sighed. "But the pains became less after a few years."

Tania nudged his arm with her elbow. "Drop the broody face, Murtagh. Can you stand, Eragon?"

"Yes. I think." The Rider pushed himself to his feet, swaying for a moment before Murtagh had grasped his arm and supported him. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

Angela tutted. "Men. Always pushing themselves," she commented to Tania, who grinned, sharing the sentiment.

After awakening, Eragon told them that he was hungry, so they exited Angela's room and made their way to the kitchens, Saphira and Ophelia agreeing to meet them in the dragonhold later that day. The dwarves they passed often nodded respectfully at Tania and Eragon—sometimes, with the latter, bowing and muttering, "Argetlam,"—but either stiffly ignoring Murtagh, giving him and unconcealed, dirty look or, on one rare occasion, a dwarf jerking his head in a quick salute before hurrying on. Tania laughed at the slightly perplexed look on Murtagh's face after that had happened.

"They never do that," he mumbled. "Wonder if there's a virus going around."

Tania snorted. "Give yourself some credit. You fought with them, added another sword to their ranks. More of them should at least not be ungrateful."

"Many more," Eragon added. Tania nodded in agreement.

Sighing, Murtagh replied, "It's not what I'm used to. If anyone had bowed to me before it was because Galbatorix had demanded it." As he spoke, the trio had rounded a corner into the kitchens. Tania said quietly, "I'll get us food," and strode over to where a ruddy-faced dwarf stood behind a counter. After a quiet converse, the dwarf grinned and handed her a large tray with three platters piled high with various fish and mushrooms. She thanked him and returned to her companions, raising an eyebrow when they both stared hungrily at the food.

Men, she thought exasperatedly. "Come, hungry ones," she told them, leading them up the stairs to where Orik had led herself and Eragon their first day in Tronjheim. Once they had reached the alcove and sat down, Eragon reached for the food as quickly as he could. They ate in silence, each too busy enjoying their meal to bother with conversation, but it was a friendly sort of quiet.

HOLY MOTHER OF DRAGONS THAT TOOK FAR TOO LONG TO WRITE SO I'LL JUST STOP HERE NOW SO YOU ALL CAN READ IT!

But please review :D Even if it's you guys saying that I took far too long to update and should punish myself… even thought my horse has already done that for me by bucking me off and giving me a concussion…

:D

FF