Okay, I have a feeling that some may not like this chapter but here it is. Draken is pronounced Drake-n so I hope that it is good!

Enjoy!

Chapter 17: Draken

Eragon woke up yet again lying next to Saphira with his wing draped over her. She was sleeping with a smile on her face, quite satisfied in what they had done…again. His head was resting right next to hers to where they were nose-to-nose against each other.

I'll always give you my best, Eragon said to her in the ancient language, making her moan slightly while she slept. He crept up closer and flicked out his tongue to lick her on her snout. The sun had risen now and Eragon's belly was rumbling loudly.

I'll be back, he whispered, slowly climbing up to his paws. Saphira whimpered slightly at the loss of his warmth, but she quickly fell back to sleep. As silently as a dragon possibly could move, Eragon stepped out of the ruffled up nest and padded over to the exit of the cave. He let out a small sigh and leapt off of the edge, leaving Saphira alone in her dreams.

What would be big enough for both of us? Eragon asked himself, circling high over the forest below. Perhaps a few deer would satisfy our hunger. Eragon scanned through the forest, but only found a few small jackrabbits on the ground below. It would take ten of those buggers just to fill Saphira's belly! Eragon quickly moved on deeper into the forest in search of a better, bigger meal. Finally, he found what he was looking for. Eragon licked his muzzle and growled at the sight of a family of deer in the clearing below him: A buck, a doe, and two of their young. I despise ruining their lives, Eragon commented, but Saphira and my new family must come first. With that in his mind, Eragon swooped down and killed his targets. We will be eating well soon.

- - - -

Saphira slowly lifted her eyes open as the rays of sun knocked on her eyelids. She was a little sore, but still managed to smile to herself. Hmm, she sighed to herself, shutting her eyes briefly, remembering what she and her mate had accomplished together. Good morning, she said, not noticing that Eragon had left her. When there was no reply, Saphira lifted her head up and looked around the cave. Eragon? She called. Where are you? She lowered her head back down and remembered what he told her earlier in the morning about finding some breakfast for him. He will make a great father, she sighed to herself. I am a very blessed female to have him. Suddenly, she found herself laughing, as if something was tickling her inside of her stomach.

It's a male!

- - - - -

Eragon held all four caucuses in his claws and mouth while he flew back towards the cave. Forgive me, Eragon whispered to the limp form of the buck that was in his mouth. The doe was stretched out across his arms with her two children stacked on top of her. He shook himself in flight, trying to forget what he had done.

It was necessary, he told himself. I have responsibilities now that leaves and vegetation will not cure. He could see the cave from where he was flying, and he saw Saphira sitting patiently, waiting for his return.

I have news, she told him as he landed. Eragon dropped the deer on the ground and let Saphira lick the blood off of his chops.

Eragon, she explained. It is a male!

I was fearing that you would say that, Eragon said, pushing over the doe's body to Saphira with his foreleg. In my dream I had a son. And, in my dream, he was killed before even leaving the egg. Saphira winced and lowered her head.

I am sorry to disappoint you, she muttered softly, as if her own words cut into her skin. Eragon lifted his head up to rub himself against hers.

You can never disappoint me, love! Eragon exclaimed. It is the premonition that worries me. I want my young to live on and make it out of the egg. He shifted to human form and placed his hand on Saphira's belly.

"Have you discovered a name for him?" he asked. Saphira nodded her head.

Draken, she replied enthusiastically. Son of Eragon and Saphira. Eragon sighed and took to his knees.

"Also in the dream," he said, turning away from her. Saphira brought her head down to his shoulders and leaned over to lick his cheek.

We make our own destiny, Saphira explained. We should not worry over some silly dream. If anything, we should prepare ourselves for it.

"You don't understand!" Eragon jumped up and yelled. "This dream I have been having has shown me losing my son…and you!"

What? Saphira asked, hurt by his sudden outburst. Oh, Eragon. No.

"Yes," he replied coldly. "I saw my son fall out of your hands, and I saw you walk off into the fire after it."

It does not mean…?

"My last dream with Arya was true was it not?" Eragon yelled, causing Saphira to shed a few tears."Nothing could stop the future from happening Saphira! Soon, I will lose Draken…and then I will lose you."

That can't be! Saphira exclaimed tearfully. I will not let it!

"Well it is going to," Eragon replied harshly. "And I made the mistake of laying with you instead of paying attention to it!"

So last night…was a mistake? Saphira asked, as if she had been kicked in her heart by a pointed boot. How could you say that?

"Simple," Eragon muttered. "My mistake will cost my son's life…and yours!"

Your words hurt me, Saphira growled. Perhaps this whole gift was the mistake! Maybe I should change into human form and…?

"Don't you dare!" Eragon hissed. Saphira turned away from him to hide her sobs, but Eragon could see her shudder with every cry. He attempted to reach out and touch her, but she turned violently and snarled at his hand.

Do not touch me! Saphira roared, tossing flames from her nostrils. Eragon quickly jerked his hand back. I cannot believe what you have done to my…my heart. I loved you more than a wife would a husband and you tell me that everything was a mistake? Perhaps we are just meant to be rider and dragon with nothing else between us.

"Do not say that!" Eragon exclaimed. "Saphira, I still love you. I always will. I am frightened about what can come of us and I suppose that I have mentioned a few things that I should not have."

That does not stop the hurt, Saphira sobbed. You did not want a child, did you?

"What?" Eragon asked. "Of course I did! Why else would I have laid with you?"

You only wanted to keep promises between us, Saphira snapped. Now Eragon was on the hot seat. I thought that you would have been happy over this moment, but here you are croaking like a toad at me saying that our past was a…mistake! She chocked out the last word. How could you?

"Saphira," Eragon said softly, still keeping his distance. "I am worried for our future together. I have said a few things that I did not mean…?"

Like? Saphira asked, still turned away from him. Eragon sighed.

"Like saying that last night was accidental," he muttered. "It was the greatest thing that has ever occurred to me and I don't know what caused me to say it." To make her feel more comfortable, Eragon repeated his statement in the ancient language. "I am concerned about you more than our son."

How can you say that? Saphira roared. Our son should be more important than ourselves! You were right: you will be a terrible father! Eragon winced at her closing argument, letting a tear trickle from his eye.

"What have I done," he muttered to himself. Saphira heard what he muttered and turned around to see him. "You are right," he said, wiping a tear. "Saphira…I want to leave you and return to Ellesmera. You will be a better parent than I can ever be."

Eragon no, Saphira cried. Please, do not do this.

"I must," he replied. "I promised you the best and I haven't done that. I have broken a promise to the one I love." Saphira's eyes widened as she regretted the words that flew from her mouth.

Eragon, she sobbed. I did not mean it. Please, do not leave me! Eragon wiped another tear from his eye and placed his hand to his brow.

"I do love you, Saphira," he explained, "but this vision worries me too greatly. If I leave, perhaps it will never happen and you and Draken will be safe."

I was wrong, Saphira replied. Eragon shot her a quizzical look, knowing how dragons hate admitting their own faults. You will make a good father. You are willing to leave for us to be safe. Please, do not go!

"I still broke a promise," Eragon shot back, more angry with himself than her. "I hurt you deeply by my own tongue and I cannot heal it so easily."

Yes you can! Saphira yelled. She was shaking, scared that Eragon would leave her and move on. All he had to do was block the link between them and they would be separated. They would still be linked, but they would be unable to converse with one another. If you denounce your plan of leaving, I will forget all you have told me…every word. Please…do not go! Eragon looked up into her teary eyes and showed a faint smile.

"I am at a loss for words," Eragon huffed, reaching out to pet her brow. She flinched at his touch, but slowly gave in. "We must be careful. If this dream does come true, we need to think of a way to avoid repeating it."

I concur, Saphira said, nodding her head. Do not ever threaten to leave me again!

I don't think that I could keep you away for that long anyways, Eragon thought to her by mental link. She snorted at his sly comment about her persistence.

So, he said, stepping back. Saphira watched as he transformed back into his dragon form again. I suppose I owe you an apology for my earlier statements.

It is I who should apologize, dear, Saphira replied. It was wrong of me to tell you what I did.

But you were right, Eragon replied. I was thinking more about you than our own child. I am terrible.

Do not say that, Saphira cooed. You were willing to leave so both of us would be safe, That is what a loving father would do for his family…is it not?

Fathers are supposed to be the protectors of their household, Eragon sighed out. I do not know what came over me to think that.

Instinct most likely, Saphira retorted. I am glad that you have decided to stay. Eragon lifted up his wing and covered Saphira's head with it, taking her into his chest.

I am sorry for breaking my promise, Eragon said. Forgive me for acting like such a fool.

You will always be forgiven, my love, Saphira replied. Now, about considering last night a mistake, you have to earn your way out of that one!

How will I do that? Eragon asked, looking down at her. She showed her teeth.

I am not going to be the only one to watch our son! She exclaimed. Eragon groaned and shook his head playfully.

Draken, he said. I do like that name. How did you create it?

It appeared in a dream, Saphira said, as if she was taunting him. I love you.

I love you as well, Eragon replied. I never want to cause a quarrel like that again.

Neither do I, darling, Saphira replied. But, you still will have to work off that last smart remark you made. She looked down at two bloody hides that were left from the meal.

You can start by getting rid of these leftovers!

Chapter 17! Well all couples have at least one fight…don't they? I figured that this would have been a good topic.

PEACE!