Okay, I keep postponing the Covy-Thorn thing, but I swear that it will come into play very shortly. Next chapter may be a love scene again…read it and you'll see why. Enjoy and click that blue button down there to send me into 1000 REVIEWS!! God I love you guys.

Chapter 71: The First Step

"So," Murtagh said, as he used a knife to cut through the tender piece of deer that Saphira had cooked. He had just returned from rallying troops outside of Osilon while Eragon and his family, including Thorn, stayed home. "What should we expect now?" Eragon turned to look at Lunalese, who was lying beside Draken with her head resting on his forearms. She lifted her head up and gently nudged her mate's muzzle with her own.

We ran into the wyvern, Lunalese explained. He told us very little over this conflict, but he did say that he was "busy."

"Not a good sign," Eragon sighed. He turned to see Thorn flop down beside Covin'thra, who was already lying on her stomach. "Murtagh, has any other towns or villages been attacked?"

"I know not," Murtagh admitted. He turned his head and watched Saphira set another hot plate of meat onto the table. "I do know that this is becoming rather frustrating."

"I understand," Saphira replied while placing a large chunk of meat on the dragons' bowls. Equinox was the only one who was not present at the table. Instead, she lay in the main room with her eyes locked on the door.

"Poor lad," Murtagh sighed. "I suppose that last battle did a number on her?" Saphira shook her head and turned to see Equinox growl at the door.

"She knows now how dangerous this life is," Saphira pointed out. "Now, she may feel as if it is her duty to guard us."

"Equinox," Eragon called to the magenta dragoness. She snorted and turned her head to face him.

"Yes," she replied.

"Come join us," Eragon told her. "Nothing is going through that door…if it does, then it would be a costly mistake for it."

"I do not want to risk that chance," Equinox replied harshly. "Those wolves were vicious, Father, and I do not want to fall prey to them again."

Why is your sibling acting so strange? Lunalese asked Draken. He snorted and turned to face her.

I do not know, he replied. Usually, she is the quiet and timid one. This is very new to me. Lunalese growled uncertainly and rubbed muzzles with him.

Perhaps you should make our announcement? She asked. Draken nodded his head and turned to face Equinox.

"Sister," he called to her, "may you at least come in for one brief moment? We have some news to discuss." The magenta dragoness grunted and stammered to her feet before padding into the kitchen. Draken waited for a his family to quiet down, and then he climbed to his feet.

"My family," he announced. "Lunalese and I have an announcement that must be told." He looked around the room to see the surprised faces of Murtagh and Saphira, along with curious glances from Covin'thra, Thorn, and Equinox.

"Well?" Eragon asked with a small smirk on his face.

We are going to raise a family of our own, Lunalese projected to them. Murtagh jumped up and began clapping his hands wildly as Saphira covered her mouth in shock.

"That's my nephew!" Murtagh shouted happily.

"We have already completed the courting dance," Draken told them. "We are life partners now, and Lunalese has requested for a hatchling. As her mate, I must grant her wishes. It is with great sadness that I also tell you this: we will leave to form our own nesting ground."

"No," Equinox whimpered. "Who will protect us when you are away?"

"I agree with Sister," Covin'thra chimed in. "We may be older and braver, but you are still wiser than both of us. We need you as our leader."

"We do not wish to bring the burden of another dragonet into this household," Draken explained. "There is already too much to worry about."

"Son," Saphira said, choking back tears. She had been overjoyed at the fact that her hatchling had become such a noble dragon, but it was still hard to get over the fact that he was planning on moving on. "You do not have to leave for this purpose. You are welcome as long as you would like."

Saphira, Lunalese interrupted. You and your husband have been most kind to me, but this is my gift to you. Instead of burdening your home with hatchlings, I wish to take them elsewhere and give you two a little more 'peace.' I assure you that we will not leave forevermore. If we must, I will come by to visit every hour on the hour.

"Then why leave?" Murtagh asked. "It would be fun watching my 'great nephews' grow up."

Tell them, darling, Draken whispered into her mind. She nodded her head and gently licked his cheek.

Tonight, Lunalese began, we plan to begin our family.

Lovely, Thorn sighed happily into their minds. I am proud of you, Draken. You have found the love of your life. Thorn quickly shot his head over to Covin'thra and showed her his teeth. I suppose that we have a flying lesson today?

"We do," Covin'thra replied coyly. "Be warned…I will not be gentle with you."

You act as if I do not want that, Thorn snickered. Covin'thra cocked her head and sniffed, showing obvious confusion over his comment. You will get it in time.

May we be excused, Eragon? Lunalese asked, as she nudged Draken once again. Eragon nodded and smirked at his son.

"That's my boy," he whooped. "Take care of her, child."

I always will, Draken replied politely. We shall be back shortly. To let you know, Luna and I will be at the river for a time.

"It is always a wise idea to soak your scales," Saphira pointed out. "We shall see you shortly." Draken growled pleasingly and turned to walk outside, with Lunalese trailing behind him.

"They grow so fast," Murtagh grumbled. "From the looks of it, Thorn has been bitten by the love bug too." He pointed to his dragon, who was licking the side of Covin'thra's cheek.

"It is only natural," Eragon pointed out. "You and Nasuada got started the same way."

"Maybe," Murtagh shot back shyly. "Well, I must be off again. There is a sword maker in Osilon who needs my assistance."

"How many do we have to fight?" Eragon asked.

"I gathered fifty men," Murtagh explained. "All are healthy and ready to go to war in a moment's notice."

You have to love the elves and their loyalty, Saphira told Eragon. He looked over to Murtagh and sighed.

"Do not forget," he told him, "check other towns too. Grab anyone willing to fight against this."

"Okay," Murtagh grunted. "Come on, Thorn…?"

Can you not see that I am preoccupied? Thorn replied jokingly. I have things of my own to accomplish today.

What about loyalty to your rider? Murtagh asked in an annoyed tone. Thorn snorted and tossed black plumes of smoke from his nostrils.

I apologize for making arrangements outside of your own, Thorn snapped. Perhaps you could borrow a horse?

Can you not just drop me off? Murtagh persisted. Thorn turned to look at Covin'thra, who was watching him carefully with her bright sapphire eyes.

Go on, she told him mentally. I will wait here for you. Do not forget me, Scarred One.

I never will, he replied to her. Thorn turned back over to his rider and snapped his head back to motion for him to get on. Let's make this quick.

- - - - - - - - -

"I think that they took it well," Draken said to Lunalese. They were lying on the soft sand at the river's bank, knocking dirt to and fro with the playful swishing of their tails.

Draken, Lunalese said calmly. When our hatchling comes, what shall we name her?

"Her?" Draken asked with a snort. "I am sorry, but I know for a fact that we will have a son."

Oh you do? Lunalese said sarcastically. Very well then, humor me. Why will I not have a daughter? He attempted to explain, but she cut him off with her gentle laughter.

What is so funny? Draken asked mentally. Lunalese looked up at him with her ruby eyes and sat her tail over his own.

You, she replied, showing her teeth. No matter what our child's gender will be, I know for a fact that you will be happy over it.

You know me all too well, Draken snickered. Still, I would prefer a male. It is harder to let the daughter go to a mate then the son.

How do you know that? Lunalese asked. Draken growled lovingly and draped his wing over her.

My father and I have a great bond, he explained. Ever since I have hatched, we have shared everything together. I can feel if he is happy, sad, or disappointed.

What does that have to do with anything? Lunalese asked.

Even though he did not show it, Draken went on, I felt his sadness today. Seeing Covin'thra mature and of the age to mate is heartbreaking for him. Sure he is her father, but it is very hard to watch your own children break away to form families of their own.

I see now, Lunalese sighed. I had no idea. Draken, could you stand to see a sight like that with your own child?

I know not, he replied. My father has to deal with two of his children leaving the nest…at the same time practically. I do not know if you noticed, but neither one of my parents want us to form a nest of our own yet.

I have, she said, lowering her head. Draken, I do not need to make a nest to be considered your spouse. As long as you and I are sheltered, we are together. Do you really wish to leave it all…for me?

I will fly to the farthest country overseas and back for you, Draken replied cunningly. To make you happy, I will do anything.

As will I, Lunalese replied. Never leave me.

I do not plan to…ever. The sun had risen to the noon position and both dragons were hot under the immense heat. Lunalese snorted and lovingly lifted Draken's wing off of her form.

Come on, she coaxed him. The water is so inviting! Draken growled and climbed to his feet, leading the way into the river. Both hopped in with a large splash and enjoyed the feeling of cool water flowing over their warm scales.

Life will be so good, Draken told her, as he popped his head up over the water to see her. We will have millions of children, Luna, and all of them will be loved and cared for.

What shall we name our first? Lunalese asked. Draken lifted his head up a bit and smiled.

Draco.

Oh, it is getting so good! I need some action ideas…anyone have any?

PEACE!