Another bright idea brought to you by Tallacus. This dude is a genius with dragonology (I know that isn't a word, but if it is, he would be a PhD). The underlined italics represent speaking so no one gets confused. Also, this is not a premonition of something to come in the future, but it is a vision in dream form. Hope you like it. (Sorry, the flying thing will come next chapter)
Chapter 70: Oh Glorious Day
It was a bright day inside of the cavern where Saphira was laying. Beside her were three different colored eggs. She looked up to see Eragon standing at the edge of the cave with a smile on his face.
"I am an uncle," Eragon said with a smirk. "I am happy for you, Saphira." For some reason, Saphira felt as if she was not herself. How could her own husband be considered an uncle if the clutch underneath her belonged to him as well?
What do you mean? Saphira asked him. They belong to you.
"Saphira," Eragon said with a grin. "I know about you and Thorn. There is no need to hide it anymore. Besides, your mother is quite pleased as well."
My mother is dead, Eragon, Saphira replied worriedly. She was in quite a panic over the fact that Eragon was not her mate, but his brother's dragon Thorn was.
"She is not dead," Eragon said with a soft laugh. "As a matter of fact, she is on her way here." Saphira looked up to see a large green dragoness flying towards them in the distance.
It cannot be! Saphira protested.
Saphira, A familiar voice called inside of her head. What are you doing, my dear hatchling? Eragon is not a true dragon, and you know of this, do you not?
This is not real! Saphira whimpered. Mother, I love him and we have a family of our own. Can you not respect that?
He is your rider! Her mother replied harshly. If we were meant to mate with them, they would have been given wings and claws like us. You have dishonored us, child. We are truly displeased.
Oh well, Saphira snapped. I do not care how you or Father feels about my decision, but I love him and I will be his mate until the final breath we take together. I do not love Thorn and I do not wish to be mated to him.
You are making a decision that will haunt you, her mother warned. Do not throw it all away.
I have not, Saphira replied in a hurt tone. I love him and I have nothing to lose. With that said, the scenery around her faded until she was left standing in a black void. Suddenly, an image of her father appeared in front of her.
My child, he said to her. It is good to see you so mature.
Thank you, Father, Saphira said humbly. Are you and mother ashamed of the path I have chosen with my rider?
Your mother is, he replied. Personally, I am proud. What your mother is unaware of is the fact of your shifting in species. I feel rather hurt at the fact that you are not a true dragon, but I am also joyous to see our race being built up again. Your mother has always wanted the best for you…even though you never hatched for us.
I am aware, Saphira replied with tear-filled eyes.
I shall reason with your mother, her father said proudly. Return to your mate and love him like a true dragon would to her spouse.
I already love him more than anyone could explain, Saphira said with a soft growl.
Has your bond as rider and dragon been broken?
Nay, Saphira replied. If anything…it is stronger! Her father snorted pleasingly and disappeared from her sight. Before she could say anything, she slipped back into consciousness and away from the awkward images.
- - - - - - - -
The night was thankfully uneventful, which released quite a burden off of Eragon's shoulders. Even though he did not show it, he was very concerned about the welfare of his home, wife, and his children who were all outside except for Equinox. He did manage to find sleep during the night as he lay next to his darling wife, Saphira. As the sun rose up, Saphira lifted her large sapphire head up to greet the bright rays with her eyes.
What a strange dream, she sighed. Eragon groaned and shifted next to her warm stomach. Are you awake, my love?
"Huh?" Eragon asked tiredly. Saphira chuckled to herself and gently laid her head on top of Eragon's, moving his locks of hair with every breath she took. "Good morning."
It is, Saphira replied, not moving her head from his. How did you sleep?
"Not so good, at first," Eragon admitted, as he let out a subtle yawn. "I have been rather worried for Draken and Covin'thra."
They are brave, Saphira cooed. They know how to defend themselves.
"Still," Eragon muttered, "I fear for them."
Ah, Saphira chuckled. It is the fatherly instinct, dear. I have my worries as well, but I must put them aside.
"I know," Eragon admitted. "We have raised such good children." Saphira sighed again.
Funny that you would say that, Saphira replied. Eragon, I had a very odd dream last night.
"I suppose that it is my turn to hear yours," Eragon laughed. He gently reached up to place his marked palm on her neck. "I am listening."
I feel as if my mother is disappointed in us, she said softly. In my dream, I saw her. I was mated to Thorn and we had three eggs that were lying in our nest. You were there as well, but you did not belong to me as you do now. My mother was also alive in this dream and she came to speak with me.
What did she say? Eragon asked mentally, obviously interested in the explanation that Saphira was giving him.
She told me, Saphira went on, that she was ashamed of me.
"What?" Eragon asked. "How could she be ashamed? Look at what you have done…what we have completed! We have a family of dragons and Draken may be ready to start his own family as well. What is there to be ashamed of?"
You, she replied hurtfully. Eragon, she told me that she was ashamed because you are no true dragon. Suddenly, Saphira dropped her head to brush her cheek against Eragon's hand. Even in my dream I stood up for you.
What did you tell her? Eragon asked. She gazed into his eyes and showed him her teeth.
I did not care about their decisions, Saphira replied. I love you and I will until we enter the black void together. Eragon grinned and reached up to wrap his arms around her neck.
I love you, Eragon, Saphira told him. I do not care if my family is ashamed of my choice..
Saphira, Eragon said, as he brushed the scales of her neck with his hands. You are my everything.
As are you, Saphira replied. Now let us rise and get breakfast prepared. She turned her head over to the spare room to hear Equinox's soft yet consistent snoring. Do I snore?
What? Eragon said with a chuckle. If you do, I never hear it.
Probably because you can snore over mine, Saphira said with a soft laugh. It makes you even more adorable though. Eragon smiled and slowly climbed to his feet. Where are you going?
To make breakfast, Eragon replied. Are you hungry?
Excuse me, Saphira laughed. You are not making food alone. If anything, should it be my job to make it for you?
Saphira…? Eragon tried to protest, but she stifled him by giving a loud snort.
Go find our children, Saphira said. I will make the food while you are away.
You are so persistent, Eragon joked.
That is why you love me, Saphira replied in the same tone.
I cannot argue with that, Eragon muttered. I shall be back shortly.
- - - - - - - - - - -
"Good morning," Draken whispered to Lunalese, who had fallen asleep under his wing.
Hmm? Lunalese muttered. Suddenly, she shot her head up and pushed Draken's wing off of her. Oh no, she groaned. I fell asleep! Did anything…?
"Nothing passed by me," Draken assured. "I did not sleep."
Now I feel even worse, Lunalese whined. You were alone for all that time.
You were still with me, Draken told her mentally. Quite frankly, I enjoyed watching you sleep underneath me. It felt rather peaceful. Lunalese looked out on the horizon and watched the large pillars of smoke climb up to kiss the sky, creating an awesome sunrise. Somewhere in the distance, Recioh and his forest creatures were wreaking havoc on a town or village, but she was glad that they had not attacked her new family.
"You are actually in time to see this," Draken said. "I have been thinking a lot while you were asleep." Lunalese slowly crawled up to her feet and faced him.
What about? She asked.
"Us," he replied. Draken turned his gaze to face her directly in her ruby eyes. "Luna, let us leave today and start our own family."
Oh Draken, Lunalese sighed. I would love that, but we must help your family. I do want a child…thousands if we are capable of it…but they will need our help.
I do not wish to keep you waiting, dear, Draken replied. Fly with me? Lunalese sighed again and nodded her head. At once, both dragons took off into the sunrise. They flew together in such a tight formation that it looked as if their wings were touching with every flap they made. Suddenly, Draken began to climb into the smoky sky.
Draken? Lunalese asked. What are you doing?
I surely do not know, he replied. Please, follow me. Lunalese giggled slightly, but quickly flapped her wings to gain altitude. They climbed higher together, up over the smoke and past the white clouds until Draken tucked his wings in and dove straight for the ground. Lunalese followed. It all was pure instinctual as the two dragons plummeted to Earth. Draken reached out with his talons and clasped on to Lunalese in a firm but loving way. She did the same, which pulled them closer to each other during their fall. They began flipping and twisting, still holding on to each other while the ground began approaching. Before it was too late, both dragons released their grasps and broke away.
That was incredible! Lunalese said breathlessly to Draken, who quickly flew to her right side to rejoin formation.
"We are official mates darling," Draken said. "That…was the courting dance. My father told me that when two dragons complete it, they would remain together for the rest of their lives."
I want nothing less than that for us, Lunalese sighed lovingly. You are right, Draken. I do not want you to keep me waiting. Suddenly, a large black wyvern flew right between the two, breaking them apart instantly. Draken dove down to the right while Lunalese rolled to the left.
If it isn't the slattern, the wyvern's voice chimed into both of their minds. You are lucky that I do not wish for a battle today. I am occupied with other matters.
What would that be? Draken asked menacingly. You do not plan to pluck out your feathers to use as quills do you? Lunalese chuckled at her new mate's comment.
Actually, the wyvern replied in the same harsh voice, I am doing something similar to you two. When we engage in battle, you shall know what I have done. It is quite a pity that you chose this path, Lunalese.
It is worse that you chose the one you are on, she replied to him. You should give this up. Our dragon race outnumbers yours.
We will soon see, he replied. With that said, he vanished.
He burns my hide, Lunalese grumbled. Draken…when we start this 'epic' battle, kill him and pluck every feather from his body. I will roast him and serve his hide to the soldiers for dinner. Draken snorted and rejoined her again.
First, Draken chuckled, I have another thing to keep. He flew in closer to her and brushed his head against hers during their flight. I shall discuss our plans for a child with my father. If they are not okay with this, then we leave tomorrow morning.
Son, Eragon's voice suddenly rang out in his and Lunalese's head. You forget that I have that power to read your thoughts. I cannot stop you from raising your own family, but I can stop you from beginning it with this: Breakfast is ready.
We are on our way, Lunalese replied to him. Thank you, Eragon. She turned to face Draken. Tonight then?
Of course my dear.
- - - - - - - - - -
"You are going to teach me today, right?" Covin'thra asked Thorn, as the two were lying in front of the dinner table. It was built to such a perfect size that there was enough room for them and Equinox. Saphira was in human form preparing the meals while Eragon was whittling at a piece of wood with a small dagger that he had received as a wedding gift from Orik.
Yes, Thorn replied to the silver dragoness. I am a dragon of my word. After we eat, I shall show you everything I know.
"I look forward to it," she replied, bowing her head respectfully. She looked to see Saphira slide a tray of seasoned deer into the lit stove.
"Careful with that dagger," Saphira told Eragon. "You can…?"
"Owe!" Eragon suddenly shouted. He tossed down the piece of wood, which was covered in his blood.
"Cut yourself," Saphira finished, as Eragon quickly muttered the word to heal it. "I will get something to clean it up." She grabbed a silken washcloth and soaked it in cool water before walking over to Eragon. She wrapped the cloth around his bloody hand and gently scrubbed the blood away.
Too bad that the blood does not disappear with the wound, Eragon joked to her. Thank you.
You should be more careful, Saphira said. What if you cut off a finger?
I can reattach it, Eragon joked again. Oromis even taught me that. Saphira laughed and walked back over to the sink to wash her hands.
"Wow," Covin'thra said. "I suppose that is what love is."
Hmm? Thorn asked.
"Cleaning up after the mess your mate had made," Covin'thra replied in an amused tone.
No my dear, Thorn told her. Love is a lot deeper than that. Yes, you can clean up after each other, but love is the will to do it or not. Love fits in to take care of each other and always think about the dragon you are mated to. Has that happened to you?
"You have been on my mind," Covin'thra replied shyly. Eragon and Saphira both turned to face her.
They grow up so fast, Saphira told Eragon.
Well I could not see a better couple, Eragon replied. They belong together. Saphira stepped over to Eragon and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Covin'thra," Saphira stated. "You are becoming mature and, in your age, you will experience certain things for certain dragons. The feeling you have now is love."
"I thought so," Covin'thra said. "So…now what?"
Okay I got this up before I head out. So, Draken and Lunalese may have a child of their own soon (beginning next chapter if all goes well…we'll see). Just because I see someone asking, when Luna asked "Tonight then?"...think about it and you'll get it. and Covin'thra has just discovered what feelings she had encountered truly are…and they are for Thorn. As my friend told me: EGGS ALL AROUND! I will try my hardest to post, but with the recording stuff going on, it is getting even harder to stick with it (let alone my myspace, gmail, e-mail, and all types of other things.). Either way, I still will update until this story gets to where I want it, so do not fear an immediate end to this. Till next week…or two…or three,
PEACE!