I like this chapter a lot actually and I hope that you all feel the same. Some humor in the middle paragraphs and I hope that you all find them pretty hilarious.

Chapter 38: Too Much Ale!

"Saphira!" Eragon suddenly shouted as he ran into their tree house. His wife was lying in the bowl in dragon form, asleep and snoring loudly. She shot her eyes open and jerked her head up.

What is wrong? Saphira asked worriedly. What is…?

"You will never believe this!" Eragon exclaimed, removing his green tunic off of his back and tossing it on his mattress. "I have just held a conversation with Nasuada and Islanzadi."

Okay…? Saphira asked, glaring at his strange behavior. Your point is…?

"I managed to talk them into allowing us to build a home next to the stream," Eragon explained, as he slid on a pair of slacks. Saphira snorted and shot her head back.

But we already have a home, she said, looking around the room. Why do you want to make another one?

"Saphira," Eragon groaned. "I do not want us to borrow off of the elves our entire lives. This is not our home, but more like a cheap inn. They have been kind to let us use it, but I would like our child to hatch in our own home instead of a place on loan." He paused to watch her shoot out a plume of smoke. "Please?" he asked. "We can still sleep here during the evening."

If we do this, Saphira asked, who would help you build it? Surely you know little about building a home. Eragon shot her a harsh look, but turned it into a gentle smile.

"You forget," he replied. "I was a farm boy before I was a dragon rider."

I see, Saphira sighed. So you plan to build this all by yourself? He watched as Saphira stood to her feet. That task could take months…if not, years to complete. How large can this house be?

"As large as we can build it," Eragon explained. "I have a few ideas to make it large enough for an entire family of dragons to provide us with more comfort." He grinned. "Do you remember what I vowed on our wedding day, love?" Saphira cocked her head and snorted.

To watch over me, she listed, protect me, and provide shelter for me until the end of your days. Eragon, we have a shelter already and you do love and protect me. No vow has been broken!

I know that, Eragon thought back to her. I only wish to make it better.

If it pleases you, Saphira sighed, knowing that she had been defeated. When do you want to start?

I will summon Murtagh and Thorn to lend a hand, Eragon explained to her. Our child should be able to help too. You do not have to assist if you wish dear, but I would prefer if you come with us and help us pick a nice place to build it. Saphira snorted again and padded over to him.

Actually, she muttered. I was hoping that we could build a home outside of Ellesmera and live like a normal family. Perhaps we could have farmland and keep matters simple together. There is a lot of free territory since Galbatorix is dead.

Is that truly what you would like to do? Eragon asked, placing his hand on her forehead. She hummed loudly and pressed her forehead harder against his palm.

I do enjoy this place, Saphira said in a saddened tone, but families deserve a home that is truly their own.

I will need to search for a right area, my dear, Eragon advised. Are you sure that you wish to do this instead of building a home by where we were wed? I must know.

Eragon, Saphira replied. I will do whatever makes you happy. If you are content, then so am I. Eragon snapped his fingers on the hand that was not resting on Saphira's brow.

We could still have the farmland, he explained. Maybe we could get permission to…?

Have you forgotten the Elfish customs regarding nature? Saphira asked. They would never allow it.

You are right, Eragon sighed. I do not want to do something unless I have your full approval. What would you like to do: Stay here or make a home of our own? Saphira lifted up her head and stood silently in thought.

I believe, Saphira started, that it would be a wise idea to make our own home. The only problem is where. I enjoyed Carvahall when I was younger, but having a house at the side of the stream would be a beautiful sight as well. My love, I do not know what to choose. Eragon shook his head and watched as Draken flew into the tree house with Thorn right behind him.

"Is it true?" Draken asked. "Are we leaving this home?"

"We have not decided yet," Eragon said to his child. "If we leave, should we build up a farm on the countryside or make a house next to the stream. We cannot seem to find a solution to this problem."

Perhaps you should build a farm, Thorn clicked in. You can raise livestock to provide the milk and Saphira could hunt to keep you all nourished.

I agree with Thorn, Saphira said, bowing her head. He makes a wise point.

I found a nice clear area in the hills beside Osilon, Thorn explained. It is just on the edge of the forest too and there is plenty of land available.

"Then it is settled," Eragon said, clasping his hands. "Fetch Murtagh, Thorn. We have a house to build." Thron growled pleasingly and took off into the sky while Draken stayed behind.

"Will I be able to help, father?" Draken asked, padding towards him. Eragon smiled and reached out his hand to scratch underneath his son's chin.

"Of course my child," Eragon said, nodding his head. "Would you like to come with me to get some supplies?"

"May I?" Draken asked, wide eyed at the chance to be able to work side-by-side with his father. Eragon nodded again and turned to Saphira.

"You need to rest, love," he told her. "I will come and get you when we are ready to leave." Saphira growled and padded back into her bowl. She circled around in it a few times and flopped down inside of it, shutting her eyes and falling asleep within seconds. Eragon walked over to her and gently rubbed her forehead.

"We must go and pick up some needed tools," Eragon told his son. "We need a few hammers, plenty of nails, and a lot of lumber. There is a place in Ceunon that sells cut wood and there is a tool shop that is only a few moment's walk from here."

"What should we do first?" Draken asked, stretching out his wings.

"Wood should be the first thing that we get, son," Eragon explained. "After we get that, we should stop by and pick up the tools. With any luck, we should be done in a matter of days."

"Very well father," Draken said, bowing his head respectfully. "What about mother?"

"She will be fine here," Eragon reassured. "She is a little weak because of your sister inside of her. Sleeping is the best way to revive her energy."

"I understand," Draken replied. Eragon sized his son up, examining every detail. He looked at the long white spikes that lined his back and smiled at his talons that were scratching the floor beneath him. He had hit another growth spurt and was about the same size as Thorn; perhaps a little less. He shook off his thoughts, took off his work slacks, and transformed to dragon form. From there he carefully padded over to the exit and waited for his son to accompany him.

"I have improved on my flying skills, father," Draken said with pride.

I knew that, son, Eragon replied. Let's see if you can keep up with your 'old man!' Eragon leapt out of the exit and stretched out his wings to climb into the air. He looked behind him to see that Draken was just above him. He snorted and dove down to where his paws brushed against the tops of the trees in the forest. Draken followed suit, still flying above him.

"You have to do better father!" Draken taunted, rolling over to his left and descending to where he was directly behind him. Eragon growled and banked sharply to the left, but Draken followed his every move, even anticipating some of them.

"Come on!" Draken teased. "Perhaps you are just an 'old man'!" Eragon beat his wings and climbed straight up in an attempt to stop his son's ridiculous taunts, and dove straight back down. Draken followed just as easily as he had done it.

You are frustrating me, son! Eragon teased, diving into a wide canyon area and flying just above the river that ran through it. We need to slow down! Our stop is here! Eragon suddenly roared. I forgot my clothes!

"Again?" Draken laughed. "Looks like you are going to have to purchase wood being stark naked, father."

No, Eragon replied. You will get it. I have no money, but perhaps we may be able to get a loan from him if he recognizes me.

"I am confused," Draken said as he spread his wings to slow him down. "I trust you." Eragon touched down first and Draken followed close behind. In front of them was a small straw hut that had a large amount of different types of lumber stacked up behind it. On the hut was a painted sign that read:

HAND CARVED LUMBER

This was the place. Eragon nodded his head and padded forward with his son following close behind him.

You have the voice son, Eragon said. Can you call and see if anyone answers?

"Yes father," Draken replied. Eragon watched as his son cautiously approached the hut.

"Hello?" Draken called out. "Excuse me!" Eragon showed his teeth in a small smile, proud that his son knew his manners. They waited for a moment before a very heavy set man walked out of the hut carrying a large saw in his hand.

"What do you…?" he started, but quickly dropped his question when he saw the two dragons in front of his shop.

"My father and I are here for wood," Draken explained. "He would tell you himself, but he forgot his clothes back in elles…?"

We can't tell him that! Eragon interrupted him. Galbatorix may be dead, but the elves may still want to keep it a secret. Draken sat back in brief thought and remembered what Eragon called the place that he was hatched in. He growled lowly and decided to try something with it.

"Ellesford Inn," Draken lied cunningly. The man stood dumbfounded.

"Clothes?" he asked, not catching the dragon's lie. "You two be dragons! YOU ARE TALKING!"

"Yes," Draken replied "but…?"

I have this one son, Eragon cut him off again. He turned to look at the man. My name is Eragon Shadeslayer and I am this dragon's father. I left my money in my pair of slacks and I am asking for permission to take some lumber on a loan.

"Argetlam?" the man asked. "This is madness! It cannot be you!" Eragon growled and glared at him.

My wife is Saphira Brightscales, Eragon explained, who is also my dragon by the law of the riders. Now Saphira and I are planning to build a home in the hillside and are in need of some fresh lumber to do so. Can you help us?

"I suppose I have no other choice," the man replied, lowering his head in apology. "If this is a dream, I truly should lay off of the ale!"

This is no dream friend, Eragon stated with a low growl. Saphira and I have retired from fighting and have started a family of our own. The man shook his head and motioned for Eragon and Draken to follow him.

"What type of lumber be in your interest?" the man asked, still with a look of disbelief on his face.

I need something sturdy for building a home, Eragon replied. It must be strong enough to shelter at least three dragons.

"This is very strange to me!" the man huffed. "Are you building a home or a stable for them?" Eragon hissed and shot out a plume of black smoke.

Hold your tongue! Eragon demanded. This is my child! Not some ass (A/N: Donkey) that gets tied up after a day of hard labor. The man lowered his head again in apology and changed the subject.

"Maple and cherry wood are probably the best choices," the man said. "I would say to use maple because it is very sturdy and lasts for many years."

How much would it take to build a house of two levels? Eragon asked. My wife and I can change back to human form, but our children remain like so. What I propose to do is have a lower level for our children and ourselves when we are in this form, but I want a higher level for us when we are in human form.

"You are looking at a lot of work," the man warned. "It may take many men to even finish half of the task that you wish for."

Then I suppose that I will need more in time, Eragon replied cunningly. Now how many pieces will I need?

"Because of what you have done for this land," the man said. "Take what you need and do not worry about reimbursement. Will you need workers to lend you a hand?"

I think I will manage for now with who I have so far, Eragon said. He padded over to the incredibly large stack of maple two-by-fours and knocked the stack down with a flick of his tail.

Grab all that you can son, Eragon informed Draken, who nodded his head. Eragon watched as Draken scooped up around thirty boards and held them in his forearms.

"I believe I can carry more," Draken said as if he were holding one small pillow as opposed to 150lbs of wood.

Okay son, Eragon said. He picked up some boards with his forearms and dropped them onto Draken's load. He then turned over to the man and hummed. You have helped our family and will be rewarded for doing so in the near future, Eragon said. For now, I have nothing to offer.

"With all due respect, rider," the man said. "Can you just leave before I lose my sanity?" Eragon scooped up thirty-five more boards and held them while he leapt into the air.

I shall return soon to pick up the rest, friend, Eragon advised as he flew off with his son behind him. Thank you. Eragon focused on his flight and quickly flew over to the place where Thorn explained to him. He touched down there and tossed his load on the ground. Draken did the same.

"It is a beautiful place," Draken said, padding over to his father. They admired the scenery of the soft rolling hills that were covered in dense green grass. The hills continued in all directions before becoming one with the forest below them. Few trees stood on the hills and there was a spectacular view of Lake Isenstar and Ceuron from on top of it. "Will mother approve?" Eragon lifted his head and gently brushed against Saphira's mind, checking if she was awake. She had just woken up and was relieved to feel her rider…and her husband's presence inside of her mind.

Yes dear? Saphira replied sleepily. Eragon showed his teeth.

I want you to see this, he replied. I know that when we are one, I can see as you do, but can you see as I?

I can try, Saphira said, but you must relax.

Never a problem darling, Eragon chuckled. He closed his eyes and lifted his large scaly head. He felt his wife proding through his mind until he felt something that was begging for him to open his eyes. He did so and heard an astonished sigh in the back of his head. Because he was in the same form as Saphira, his vision never changed, but he still felt a slight bit different.

It is beautiful! He heard Saphira exclaim. I truly love it.

We start building soon dear, Eragon replied back. We need to go back and get more lumber…? He stopped. Actually, I must come home first. I left in such a hurry that I had forgotten my slacks!

You are so forgetful, Saphira laughed as she withdrew from his mind. It will be a great place to raise our young, love.

I know, Eragon replied. Draken and I will be home soon.

PEACE!!!!!!!