A lot longer than last chapter. I still do not know why FF is screwing up like this, but oh well. One for sure surprise at the end. Read on!

Chapter 44: A Reward for a Hard Day's Work

Good morning, my love, Eragon whispered to Saphira, who was sleeping soundly against his side. Draken had moved to his other side to where Eragon was in between his wife and his son. Come on dear. It is early and we have tasks that must be done.

Hmm, she sighed lovingly, fluttering open her eyes. W…what?

We must get up, Eragon said to her, snaking his head around to nudge her snout with his own. How did you sleep?

Heavenly, she muttered with amusement as she scooted closer to his body for warmth. Is young Draken awake? Eragon showed her his teeth and turned away to wake his child.

"Ten more minutes!"Draken groaned. Eragon nudged him harder, forcing Draken to stand to his paws. "Fine. I am up. What do you want father?"

We have work to finish today, Eragon said, climbing to his feet. Saphira whimpered at the loss of his body heat and put her head to her paws. I will go and wake Murtagh…?

"I can do that," Draken replied. He looked over to Saphira and growled lowly. Something seems to be the matter with her this morning, Draken told him mentally (A/N: Remember that he can do both, but he prefers to speak). Eragon turned to look and see that Saphira's eyes were closed again, but she was not sleeping.

I understand, son, Eragon said. Do it. Draken padded off while Eragon moved back over to his wife. Is something the matter?

Eragon, she said in a low whisper. I feel strange. Instead of one burden…I feel two. I think that we may have more than one child.

Are you sure? Eragon asked. She nodded her head.

I hope not, she replied, but time is growing short and it may be time to lay sooner than I expected.

How soon? Eragon asked. Saphira looked up at him with her sapphire eyes.

Tonight, she replied. I sense it coming.

Then our home will be finished by noon, Eragon said with a snort. Our young will be laid in our own house. Are you well enough to join us today?

For what? Saphira asked.

Draken and I are going to put up the fence this morning, Eragon explained. I would love it if you just provided us company while we do so.

I am more than well enough to do that, Saphira replied with a soft chuckle. I am stronger than…?

You think? Eragon finished. I know love. Do you know if they both will be daughters?

I know not, Saphira replied. We will have to see. Eragon showed her his teeth and tucked his wings to his side.

Do you wish for breakfast? Eragon asked. We have some food left over from last night. Saphira climbed to her feet and nuzzled Eragon.

It sounds perfect, she soothed. First, will you take a walk with me, darling?

Of course, Eragon replied. Where?

Around, Saphira sighed happily, as she gazed at him; her eyes twinkling brightly. I wish to see how large our property is…among some other details. Eragon began to walk and Saphira followed beside him. The sun was climbing up into the sky, creating a beautiful red and orange sunrise while the two dragons padded along the hillside.

It is amazing is it not? Saphira said to her husband. He nodded his large head in agreement to her words.

It was a wise decision to move here, Eraogn explained. Our children will enjoy every moment in this home.

Yes, Saphira said happily. She suddenly sighed. I do not think that I apologized for what happened last night…?

There is no need, Eragon said. Not only has it been forgiven, but forgotten as well. Saphira sighed again and stopped at the end of a small meadow that was sloping downwards into the forest below.

You have been such an outstanding companion, Saphira said, now facing him. Ever since we first combined as mates, you have never ceased to impress me…and you never will.

Saphira…?

Hush now, Saphira cut him off in her gentle voice. You have given me everything a mate could ask for. You have given me a chance to experience love when I thought that I was doomed to die alone.

Saphira…?

Eragon please, Saphira asked softly. You have told me how you felt many times. Please allow me to tell you what is in my heart.

Very well, Eragon sighed. Saphira brushed muzzles with him.

My love, you have been there so many times when I felt like giving up. I realize that dragons are supposed to be more courageous than their riders, but you were the person who kept me fighting. If Angela had not bestowed this gift to us, I would have died from heartbreak. Eragon shuddered at her words; it was his turn to sob.

Saphira, he sniffled, trying hard though to cover it up. Do not say such a thing! Even if we were not the same species as we are now, I still dedicated all of my heart to you. We may not have been able to do certain things, but we still would have been together. I would have strived just as hard if we were different to make you happy as if we were the same at this moment. A rider must take care of his dragon…but a husband loves to take care of his wife.

As the wife loves to take care of her husband. Saphira said soothingly. Eragon nodded slowly while Saphira leaned in to lick his cheek. You are truly a blessing to me, my darling. Never leave me.

Wherever I go, Eragon explained softly, you will always follow at my side. If I die, you are with me…and when you pass, I will be at your side as well. Nothing can break our bond as rider and dragon, but nothing even comes close to shattering our bond as husband and wife.

How tall the trees, how bright the stars…and how beautiful you are, my love, Saphira cooed gently to him.

Saphira, Eragon started, I would do anything to win your hand. I would follow you to the ends of the Earth, and I would build a palace for you with nothing but my bare hands. Saphira leaned in and licked his muzzle tenderly.

You already have done those things, my dear, she whispered. You have my hand…in which I willingly gave you. We have both traveled around the country together, and you have built the most spectacular palace just for me. I love you with every breath in me.

As do I, Eragon said cunningly. Nothing could extinguish the fire of our love. Saphira snorted pleasingly at his loving words and slid down to her paws to finish watching the sunrise.

Eragon, she asked. Arya truly made a mistake on refusing such a loving man. You make me feel as if I am undeserving of what you give me, but I do not mind. It just makes me strive to make you happier. Eragon chuckled at her words and lay down beside her.

You have made me happier than any other woman…or dragon could, he replied lovingly to her. As for making you feel undeserving? No. You deserve everything.

How so? Saphira asked. Eragon turned to her and showed her his teeth.

I will just come out with it, Eragon sighed jokingly. You are incredible during mating. You deserve some things I cannot even give you! Saphira let out a choppy growl, but she laughed openly in Eragon's mind.

So that's it, huh? She asked. That is the reason.

No, Eragon laughed out. You are also an amazing mother to our child and a loving wife to me. Yes, we have arguments on occasion, but what couple does not?

You are something else, love, Saphira said, shaking her head in amusement. Where would I be without you…?

Still stuck in that blasted egg, Eragon answered quickly. We are living what some of the elder riders wished: Rider and Dragon…also husband and wife. I am sure that Vreal and even Brom would want our hides for being able to live as mates.

Perhaps, Saphira laughed. She turned her head to see Draken flying up behind them.

"Good morning," he said. "Is all well?"

Yes, Saphira said. Your father and I were just having a little time alone. How do you fair today?

"I am good," Draken replied. "Are you ready to put up the fence father?" Eragon climbed to his feet.

Yes, Eragon said. Have Murtagh and Thorn left to fetch the beds?

"They have," Draken infomed. "They also have food cooked and waiting for us. Do you want breakfast before we get started today?"

Sounds great son, Eragon said. He watched as Saphira climbed to her paws as well. They were surprised at how far they had traveled together. The home could not be seen and there was still plenty of acreage left on the hillside.

I think we should end our property at this point, Saphira suggested. It gives a nice view and it is lovely to walk to as well.

Your mother has spoken, Eragon chuckled. More work for us, eh boy? Draken growled and flapped his wings.

"We must hurry back," Draken said. "Our breakfast is getting cold." Eragon and Saphira leapt into the sky, followed closely by their son.

They ate quickly and gathered the lumber to begin the long task. Draken carried the large roll of steel wire (A/N: They had it back then) and Eragon carried the wooden stakes. He flew around their territory and dropped twenty pieces of lumber per every meter he flew. Finally, the perimeter of their property was ready to be fenced off.

Are you ready? Eragon asked his son, who merely nodded. He watched as his wife approached with a green tunic in her maw.

Thank you, Eragon said, as she dropped it down at his feet. Honia! He morphed back to human form and quickly slid on the tunic that his wife provided for him. From there, Eragon picked up a wooden stake and examined it.

"Okay son," Eragon explained. "I will set these into the ground and hammer them in. They must be separated by about three feet." Suddenly, Eragon began inspecting his son's claws. "We can use your foot to measure," he said. "It about the length that I wish for. What say you, son? Are you ready?" Saphira lay on the ground as she prepared to watch them work.

"I am," Draken replied. Eragon grabbed the hammer and placed the tip of the wooden stake to the ground. He held it firmly in one hand while he hammered it into place with the other.

Be careful dear, Saphira called to him. It would really hurt if you get your finger instead of the board.

"I know," Eragon muttered, as he continued to hammer in the pieces. "Draken!" Eragon called. "You think that you can hold the boards while I knock them in?" His son nodded his scaly head and the sun's rays bounced playfully off of his purple hide. "Good." Draken swung his tail around the wooden piece and clamped on it while his father hit it down.

They continued doing this for an hour, hitting a piece in and moving Draken's foot length down to the next one. Saphira was still lying down, but she kept her eyes fixed on her husband.

How does it look so far? Eragon asked her. She growled lovingly and shot out a plume of smoke.

It is fantastic, Saphira said. I cannot wait for it to be done. Feeling arrogant, Eragon decided to rush through the process and began pounding the boards with much more strength. Instead of Draken holding the stakes, Eragon took back to his old position. Suddenly…

"OW!" Eragon screamed. Sure enough, he had missed the stake and brought the hammer down on his own finger. Saphira quickly leapt to her feet and rushed over to him.

What happened? She asked.

You were right, Eragon replied. I caught my finger instead of the stake. He muttered the healing words to fix his sore finger and then turned over to Draken. "Oops."

- - - - - - - - - -

"My queen!"

"Yes," Nasuada replied, as she sat on her make-shift throne.

"The final egg," the man in front of her informed, "it has hatched!"

"What?" Nasuade said, standing up and stepping towards him. "To whom?"

"Trianna."

"The spellcaster?" Nasuada asked. "This cannot be." She sighed. "Very well. Bring her here and prepare her for training. I shall send a messenger to inform Eragon of this."

"Yes, my queen!"

- - - - - - - - -

Eragon and Draken spent over four complete hours on putting up the stakes. Of those hours, Eragon had smashed all four of his fingers two times over, much to Saphira's amusement.

Do you have any left to smash? Saphira asked mockingly. Eragon grinned at her.

"Yes I do," Eragon replied. "Now, my job is complete. This…is where you come in, Draken." Draken nodded his head as his father handed him the roll of steel wire. Eragon pulled off the end and wrapped it tightly around the first post. "Fly straight around it here and circle the posts. Make sure that you do not go all the way around our home or else we will be boxed in." Eragon pointed to the second-to-last post. "That is the place where you should circle around. So, do you understand?"

"Yes father," Draken replied. He leapted up and flew down the fence line, just a few feet from the ground.

He makes jobs so much easier, eh husband? Saphira asked, causing Eragon to chuckle.

He does, Eragon admitted, as he watched Draken fly out of sight. I wonder what Covin'thra will be able to do.

She can do whatever Draken can, Saphira explained. At least, I hope so. Suddenly, Saphira turned around and hissed. Someone unknown is here.

I will see, Eragon said. His sword was back at the tree house, but he knew how to defend himself without it.

"Greetings Argetlam," an Elvin messenger appeared from behind the hillside. "I bring news from Nasuada."

"Come then," Eragon said. "Take a seat next to me and my wife." The elf moved in and obediently sat next to Saphira after issuing her the formal greeting. "Tell me, what news do you have?"

"It regards the final egg," the messenger said. "It has hatched…to a spellcaster in Surda."

Who? Saphira asked. The messenger nodded his head.

"Trianna," he replied. The word sent a cold chill down both Eragon and Saphira's spines.

"No," Eragon said in astonishment. "Why her? She has enough power as is."

"Nasuada has ordered for her to come and train here with you as her mentor," the messenger explained. "She will be here in a few weeks."

So much for retiring, Saphira whimpered. Must we train her? There is no need for riders anymore.

We will just teach her the basics, Eragon explained. We can teach her swordplay and magic and you can teach her dragon flying skills.

I would rather be with you, Saphira protested.

And I would rather be with you, Eragon agreed with her. You know it has to be done. I for one hate this idea…and you know why, do you not?

She tried to seduce you, Saphira said. She is a slattern and a threat to my mate. I will kill her if she gets in the way of our love.

Easy Saphira, Eragon joked. If she does, I will kill her myself.

Save something for me, Saphira replied. Eragon snickered and turned back over to the messenger.

"We have retired from fighting and teaching," Eragon explained. "Tell the queen that we will teach swordplay, magic, and flying skills only. We will not go into as much detail as Oromis did to us. Is that understood?"

"Perfectly," the elf replied. "She will arrive here within the month."

Good, Saphira clicked in. That gives us time to hatch our young. Eragon smiled at the look on the elf's face. He knew about the shape shifting, but the thought must have been slightly grimacing all the while.

"I will pass your message on through," the messenger replied. He turned to watch Draken fly past on his second run through the fences. "Is that…?"

"He has grown hasn't he?" Eragon asked. "Yes, it is our Draken." The messenger got to his feet and issued his final pleasantries before leaving.

Well, Saphira muttered. This has put a damper on things.

It has, Eragon replied. It is okay though. While she and her dragon sleep in the trees, we will sleep in our own home.

One true surprise there! I couldn't help but think about the third egg…and there is a big reason for choosing Trianna to be the rider, but you will have to see that in the next few chapters. Next surprise will be reveled in chapter 45.

PEACE!