Shadow gave me this idea so thanks to him.

Chapter 8: Cousins ruin everything

Saphira and Eragon arrived into their home in the trees shortly before dinnertime. One dragon had plenty of room to maneuver in the house, but two dragons made the room a little less comfortable. Saphira lay on her paws in the middle of the room while Eragon padded around her in a circle.

How can we tell the others? Eragon asked, still circling her. Saphira raised her head up and gazed at him.

What are you doing? She asked. Eragon stopped walking around her and flopped to his stomach.

I am nervous, he said to her sheepishly. What are we going to tell Roran and Katrina? I'm sure that Orik is going to want an explanation as well.

Patience, Eragon, Saphira said twitching slightly on the floor. We have to tell them the truth. They should not be too upset with the war over. Quite frankly, I believe that they may be overjoyed to see that they have two dragons now instead of one. Eragon crawled over to her side on his belly and rested his head next to hers.

This is confusing, he sighed. Eragon lifted up one of his wings and tucked it in quickly. What should we do for the feast tonight? Should we hunt together, or join them? Saphira widened her sapphire eyes slightly, and showed Eragon a faint smile.

You do need to teach me something, Saphira reminded him. I taught you how to fly, so it is only fair. Eragon stood to his paws and snorted.

Okay then, he said. We should get ready. Eragon stood up onto his hind legs and said the spell to change him back, putting him in his naked form once again. Saphira stood silently in front of him with her eyes as large as saucers.

"What?" Eragon asked. Saphira lifted up her front paw and pointed down at him still holding the look of wonder on her scaled face.

Forget something? She asked, failing to hold back laughter. Eragon groaned loudly and looked for anything to cover himself up…there wasn't even a towel nearby.

Well you might as well get dressed, Saphira said. Clothes do not magically appear on your back, you know?

They did for you, Eragon snapped back. Saphira shrugged and slowly turned away.

I see no reason why you are so ashamed, she told him. Everything looks fine by me. Eragon blushed madly and turned towards his closet where he kept some extra clothes. He quickly grabbed a tunic and some underwear and hurled them over to his bed. Saphira continued to watch as he attempted to slide his underwear up over his legs. He missed the loop and crashed violently to the hardwood floor.

Why are you rushing? Saphira managed to ask between laughs. Eragon cursed and pushed himself off of the floor to attempt the feat again. This time he was successful.

I do not see why you are embarrassed in showing yourself, Saphira stated, watching him throw the tunic over his back. I am always naked when I am in dragon form. Did you have on any clothes when you changed?

Well no, Eragon muttered. He turned to sit on his bed. That is a different matter.

How so?

Dragons do not show much more than a human can, Eragon explained, pointing to her with a slight grin on his face. That is why we wear clothes. I am still curious on why you transformed with a tunic, but I…?

Didn't I already explain that? Saphira asked with her head cocked sideways. Perhaps I didn't have your full attention?

You did, Eragon sighed out. Hurry up and change or else we will be late!

Okay then, Saphira said in a singsong voice. Honia! Eragon watched as her dragon form shrank to transform her into the beautiful blonde elf she was earlier. He could not help but smile at her astounding complexion.

"Is everything well?" she asked him. "You are staring." Eragon quickly turned his gaze away.

"We must go," he muttered, changing the subject. Saphira nodded and walked over to him, offering him a hand to lift him off of his bed.

"If you insist, Eragon," she cooed in her gentle voice, which sent cool chills up Eragon's spine and made him forget that he was still holding her hand. It was soft and gentle, but not too feminine; it was just right. Saphira looked down at his hand that was clasped around hers and smiled nervously.

"Is this some new custom?" she asked. Eragon quickly released his grasp and wiped his hand on his tunic.

"Sorry," he muttered. Saphira tilted her head innocently and smiled, showing her pearly white teeth.

"What for?" Saphira asked. She had him trapped! Eragon stood silently trying to figure a way out of this, but he could think of now alternative until a miracle happened. Someone knocked loudly on the screen door to the entrance of the home, giving Eragon the perfect chance to escape the question. He went to open the door and swung it open to find his cousin Roran smiling at him.

"Hullo cousin," Roran said through his grin. Eragon gave him a quizzical look, making him drop his awkward smile. "Are you ready for supper?"

"I was just heading there," Eragon replied. Saphira walked over to the door and looked over Eragon's shoulder.

"Arya what happened to you?" Roran asked, jerking back to keep a small distance from her. Saphira covered her mouth to laugh as Eragon shook his head. He quickly grabbed his cousin and threw him into his house.

"She is not Arya," Eragon explained. Roran looked around and noticed that the dragon form of Saphira was nowhere inside.

"Does Saphira approve of this?" Roran asked with his eyes wandering around the room for her. Eragon shook his head again.

"This is Saphira!" He exclaimed. "Angela did something to us yesterday. We can turn into each other's species."

Meaning…?"

"Meaning that I can change into a dragon and she can change into a human." Roran's eyes grew wide as he stared at his brother. Complete shock slammed square into his mind and chest. Eragon and Saphira were now capable of becoming more than rider and dragon...more than friends too. Roran shook off the look of bewilderment and approached Saphira, inspecting every curve and lock of hair on her head.

"She's an elf," Roran stated. Saphira smirked at Eragon and quickly lifted her hand up to stop Roran from inspecting any further.

"Is everything well?" she asked. Roran stepped in front of her and met her sapphire eyes.

"I am sorry if I offended you, Saphira," Roran said, lowering his head.

"Quite all right, Roran," he replied in her gentle voice. "You did not know of this." Roran turned to Eragon and leaned in to whisper something to him.

"You are very lucky to have a girl so fair," he whispered. Eragon's face turned a bright shade of red as he quickly pushed Roran away. Roran brushed his shoulder with his right hand. "Come. Let us head to the banquet. I am sure that everyone will want to hear this." Eragon motioned for Roran to head down the steps first, while he held a brief conversation with Saphira through their link.

Maybe I can push him down these stairs?

PEACE!