Warning: Love Scene. Sadly, I skipped out on the flying lesson, but things are really heating up now! Okay, you will see why this took me so long to post. I had to do a lot of research on this and the main three to thank are Tallacus for his wisdom, Eragon-Shadeslayer-Elda for the good plotline, and a dude that no longer is on here called Calkulator (his fic was gross though, but I liked the idea he used.). The scene is with Draken and Luna like promised, but most of it is just AU over how it would be done. It is getting harder and harder to keep this clean so please PLEASE let me know if I went to far on this and I'll redo it all. Another warning…this one will also be a heart pounder.

Chapter 73: Unwanted Guests

"Night is approaching quickly," Draken whispered to Lunalese. She looked up at him with her glazed eyes and nodded slowly.

Draken, she sighed, I am worried. Neither of us is experienced and we know not of the proper rituals. Draken growled uncertainly and brushed his muzzle against her own. Both dragons were lying in one bowl while Eragon and Saphira left with Murtagh.

"Do not fret, dear," Draken cooed to her. "I too am nervous particularly because I am the sole dragon responsible for our clutch. If I make a mistake then you would not conceive and all we do tonight would be for nothing."

Never say that, Lunalese replied softly. Even if I do not become gravid, tonight can never be a mistake. Do you not wish to combine with the one you love?

"Of course I want to," Draken muttered. "Just like you…I am worried. I want everything to be perfect when we conceive, but I know not on how to give it to you."

Be yourself, Lunalese advised. I know nothing either. Frankly, knowing that both of us are unprepared for this brings great comfort to me.

"What do you mean?"

Draken, Lunalese said with a soft laugh. If you are inexperienced then it means that you have never given yourself away to another. That brings joy to my heart to know that I would be your first…and that you would be mine. She lifted her tail up and placed it across his own. In one quick motion, Draken lifted his royal purple wing up and draped it over his lover. I love you, my Draken. No matter how inexperienced or unprepared you are I will always love you. Draken snaked his head under his wing to try and look her in the eyes, but when he ducked under, their snouts connected to where they were nose-to-nose. Lunalese brightened up her ruby eyes and stuck out her tongue to brush it against his two fangs that slightly protruded from his maw. Time stood still as they looked through each other's eyes and into their hearts. Without taking her glance away, Lunalese growled anxiously and trembled.

"What is it?" Draken asked her, still holding his snout against hers. His breath alone was enticingly sweet, like the juice from the ripest fruit in Alageasia, but his voice was far more desirable. Lunalese shut her eyes for a brief moment and dropped her head down slightly, letting the sound of his voice flutter in and out of her ears. She slowly lifted her snout back to his and opened her eyes.

You take my breath away, Lunalese sighed into his mind. Even though you have never had a mate before, you still manage to impress.

"You did tell me to be myself," Draken chuckled out to her. "I do not wish for me to be the cause of your death so I will never do it again."

No, Lunalese cut in abruptly. Draken widened his eyes and growled as the two continued to stare at each other underneath his velvety wing. I like it. It makes me feel…comfortable.

"In that case," Draken whispered. "I suppose I should continue to please you." Suddenly, Draken inched his head closer, pushing Lunalese's snout back with his forward motion. She forced herself forward as well to where it looked like the dragons were kissing each other like Draken had seen his mother and father do when they were in human form. Draken gently slipped across her snout to brush the side of it as Lunalese did the same. Draken quickly shot his head back and cocked it at her.

"You are lovely," he told her. Lunalese sighed and inched her head up to connect with his again. They let their snouts rest against each other for several moments before breaking it off for the final time.

My Draken, Lunalese whispered to him. I believe I am ready now.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

"So where is this young lad?" Eragon asked Murtagh. The two brothers were both astride their dragons as they padded through the dense forest of Osilon with Covin'thra bringing up the rear.

"He said that he would meet us right here," Murtagh replied. "I wonder what is taking the boy so long."

Thank you for the flying lesson, mate, Covy told Thorn mentally. He turned to face her and showed her his teeth in a kind gesture.

It was quite enjoyable on my part too, Thorn replied. Do you remember everything? She nodded humbly and snorted.

How could I forget? She told him. You are a good teacher, mate.

If we may start a family of our own I wish for you to be as strong as myself, Thorn said with a hint of amusement in his voice. Covy, I will do all in my power to protect you.

As will I, she whispered lovingly to him. Both dragons trembled slightly before marching through the forest yet again. Suddenly, there was a loud crack from the top of a nearby ash tree. Eragon and Murtagh pulled out their blades and stared at the direction of the awkward sound. They watched as a young boy slid down the tree with his sword sliding through the trunk with him. The boy was only twelve years old with brown hair and piercing blue eyes, but his swordsmanship was obviously more advanced for his age.

"Sorry for being late," the boy told Eragon and Murtagh. "I suppose these are the mighty dragons I have heard so much about?" Saphira bowed her head humbly at the comment while Eragon pat her shoulder.

"You have already met Thorn," Murtagh explained. "Arthur, this is Eragon, his wife Saphira, and their daughter Covin'thra."

"I have heard much of your shape shifting skills," Arthur told Eragon. "It is good to see the dragon race being rebuilt…?"

"It is already up and running," Eragon said with a smirk. Saphira chuckled at her husband's joke and slid to her paws so he could get off and issue a proper greeting. Eragon dismounted his wife and placed his marked palm on her side.

He is wise for someone so young, Saphira said admirably. I have good feelings over this youngling.

We shall see, Eragon told her gently. If my brother will trust him, then we shall as well.

Well put, Saphira told him. She snaked her head around and tenderly licked him on his cheek. Go and make this formal. Eragon smiled at her and walked towards the twelve-year-old. He watched as Arthur spun the hilt of the sword around his hand two times before thrusting it into its sheath.

"You are familiar with my brother," Eragon said, extending his hand. "If he trusts you, then so must I." Arthur reached out and accepted the shake. It was odd to see a human living comfortably in an Elvin city, so Eragon had to ask.

"How did you come to live here?"

"Well," Arthur explained. "It all happened just a few months back when I retrieved this sword." He unsheathed it and flipped it around to hand the hilt to Eragon. On the blade it read a word that sent chills down his spine. Excalibur. "Some elf lodged it in a stone during a battle. The legend was that the person to pull out the sword would be the next warrior. Just like the dragon eggs, elves lined the pathways to pull the blade out, but I was the one who managed."

"You are only twelve," Eragon pointed out. "How could you be placed as a warrior at such an age?"

This is truly interesting, Saphira admitted to Thorn and Covin'thra, as she wagged her tail curiously behind her.

"I was trained in swordplay by my brother," Arthur explained. "He used to be the trusted knight of Galbatorix until his fall. Now, he works for the new queen." Eragon inspected the sword carefully and carefully handed it back to the adolescent. He watched as Arthur slid the sword again into the sheath without taking one glance.

"Now that everyone has been introduced," Murtagh interrupted, "We are wasting time."

"Very well," Arthur sighed. "The nest was just west of Kuasta at the very top of the mountain. It will be a long two month walk from here, so I suggest that we begin."

Walk? Saphira chuckled to the child. No my dear. Why would you think my daughter came along on this journey? You will fly with us.

"What?" Covin'thra suddenly said, which startled Arthur and caused him to draw his sword.

"It is a demon!" Arthur shouted. Eragon stepped in quickly and managed to get the preteen to lower his weapon.

"She is not," Eragon told him. "She is the effect of what happens when a human and dragon combine. Even though we shape shift, my main spirit is human and Saphira's is dragon."

"I have ridden horses, goats, and even a pig or two…but never will I ride a talking dragon," Arthur protested. "It is unnatural."

"Well you better start walking," Murtagh said with a chuckle, "because I would like to get to the nest before these eggs hatch. By the way, boy, you had better watch your tongue when you call my niece a demon."

- - - - - - - -

The sun was setting as the two lovers took to the air. They flew close, slapping their wings against each other with each gentle flap. Draken was entranced by Lunalese's scent and was struggling not to rush things, but Lunalese was ready and did not want to wait any longer.

Draken? Lunalese asked him. This night is lovely. Let us make the best out of it. Suddenly, Lunalese rolled to the side and wrapped her claws around Draken's forearms to where he was supporting her as they flew. Draken sunk slightly as he held on to her, but he recovered quickly. His body tensed above her, flexing each and every muscle that was attached to his forearms and hind legs. Lunalese knew that Draken was a nervous wreck, and she felt quite the same, but the two had courted and both were ready to bring new life into the world.

Do not be so tight, Lunalese whispered into his mind. If you remain tense, it will make things harder on yourself.

"How did you even know to do this?" Draken asked curiously. Lunalese craned her neck up to nibble softly against his neck.

Instinct, she replied huskily. Her voice sent a shiver down from the top of his head to the end of his tail. It was time and he could sense it. Draken, I am ready and waiting, my love. She stuck out her tongue to lick the scales on his throat. She was able to sense and feel his excitement as she pulled her neck away to let gravity take over. She hung her neck back while she held on to him and thrust her body forward with all of her might. Make me proud, Draken. Everything was natural as Draken pushed inside of his mate. She held on tightly to his forearms and closed her eyes while the two flew in such a combined flight. Eragon was correct: the feeling of mating in flight was nothing short of spectacular, and instinct had allowed Draken to please his mate and continue to fly at the same time. He held on to her tightly with his claws wrapped around her forearms as he tucked his wings in and dove down towards the forest floor.

You are doing great, Lunalese cooed to him in between subtle moans and growls.

"I aim to please," Draken huffed out. He suddenly opened his wings and climbed back up into the sky, pressing his body hard against the form of his mate.

Again, Lunalese whispered breathlessly. Instead of straightening himself out, Draken increased his climb and did a full loop to come straight back down again. The G-force of his flying was doing all the work while the two lovers enjoyed their combination as official spouses. Lunalese tucked her wings against her form to provide less drag for her lover as they continued.

Draken, Lunalese beckoned. Please, higher! Draken beat his wings frantically, causing him to thrust his body with every motion. It was going to be close, but Draken wanted his mate to get the best of him. He climbed as high as he could and slammed is wings against his sides. Instead of positioning his body to dive, he stayed facing the sky with Lunalese in his arms. They seemed to hover there as the two looked into each other's eyes; love and commitment was obvious in both of their glances.

I do not want it to end, Lunalese whined softly into his mind. Draken, I love you. They began to fall to the ground, but neither mate would release their grasp. Closer to the ground they came and Draken knew that the magical moment would disappear soon for the night. It was the nuptial flight that he and Lunalese had been dreaming of, and now was the time to finish such an evening. Before he opened his wings, both dragons were spent and exhausted. Regardless of his tiredness, Draken flipped his wings up to glide and held on to Lunalese, who was too exhausted. Her wings that she held against her body were limp, along with her tail. Even though she appeared tired, Lunalese still had her eyes open and fixed lovingly and the future father of her hatchlings.

You were amazing, Lunalese said to him. Draken looked down at her and sniffed in approval. I have waited for so long to experience that. She hummed loudly and released the grasp on one of his forearms to gently stroke it with her claws. You did not disappoint me…you never can.

"I am glad for that," Draken sighed. He found a place to land and gently set Lunalese down first before himself. She instantly flopped down on her belly and turned her head to face him.

It was absolutely incredible, she continued to praise her mate. I never thought mating could be so pleasurable.

Neither did I, Draken joked mentally to her. We can rest here if you like.

Where are we? Lunalese asked. This place seems familiar…Oh no!

- - - - - - -

"It is over here," Arthur pointed out to the rest of the group. Thorn and Covin'thra were flying overhead as Saphira morphed to human form to follow her husband. The forest was thick in the Spine and only humans were able to maneuver in such dense vegetation. Murtagh was holding up a branch that he lit magically and walked right behind the young boy.

"Be careful," Eragon told everyone. He found a spear that was left by a hunter and gently tossed it over to Saphira, who nodded her head humbly. "We do not know what to expect."

"Here!" Arthur exclaimed. The four humans emerged out of the forest to stop at a clearing. Even though it was dark, the round figures of eggs could be made out, and several birdlike creatures were sitting on top of a few of them. Suddenly, the creatures squalled and popped open their wings. In one quick motion, every one of the creatures leapt into the night sky after some helpless creature. Eragon raised his sword and prepared to step forward, but he felt a deep presence inside is mind.

Father! The voice screamed inside his head. Help us!

- - - - - -

The slattern has returned, Recioh jeered towards the yellow dragon. Draken began pacing in front of her to block the black wyvern's view, but he knew for certain that this creature was not going to run away this time.

"Step away," Draken warned. "As her mate, I will kill you."

So you finally have mated, Recioh sneered. I am willing to bet that she was quite the natural.

"Stifle it!" Draken roared. "How dare you talk to my spouse that way?"

She is a slattern, Recioh repeated. In my travels I have ran across human ones, and she is no different. Instead of fulfilling her duties, she runs off with dreams of getting mated with a dragon such as yourself. The only difference between her and the others is the fact that she does not force you to pay for 'entertainment.'

"Take that back!" Draken snapped. "She is no slattern and she will make an outstanding mother."

If she survives that long, Recioh hissed. You are in hostile territory, lizard. I have reign over this entire hillside, which means that I have the right to kill you two.

"Do it then," Draken roared. He turned to Lunalese and growled. "Luna!" He yelled. "Find safety. I will find you."

I will not leave, Lunalese protested. It was obvious that she was exhausted, but the thought of leaving her mate alone to deal with this creature tore her up.

"Luna!" Draken snapped at her. "My child is what concerns me. I want you safe. We just finished and you have no strength to fight. Leave me!"

I cannot! Lunalese cried. Draken…I will not leave you to die.

"Go!" Draken hissed. He watched with tears in his eyes as the love of his life shuttered and trembled before taking off to a safer place.

I am sorry, he told her mentally. I do not want you hurt. Not in your state right now.

How noble, Recioh mocked. Suddenly, five winged figures emerged from the dark night and landed right next to Recioh. It was too dark to tell what colors they were, but Draken could tell that they were all wyverns. Let us see how you do now. Draken roared at the five wyverns and gnashed his teeth at him.

"If you attack," Draken warned, "be prepared for a very hot barbeque." Suddenly, two of the wyverns flew in at him and clamped their beaks on his throat. Draken shook violently and tossed them off, sending one into a nearby Maplewood tree. Draken's neck was bloody, but he knew that he had to fight to protect his future family. If he did not make it, Lunalese would still be safe and his legacy would still live on, depending on if she conceived or not. Still, it was a risk that Draken was willing to take. He shook again, tossing drops of blood to the soil.

"Now you have enraged me," Draken hissed. Two more wyverns prepared for the attack, but Draken countered them by tossing a very hot stream of flames in their direction. The heat of the flames caught the creatures' feathers on fire, which burned into their flesh as well. Draken watched with a satisfied snort as the two creatures ran off into the forest with their hides ablaze.

"Anyone else up for a roast?" Draken taunted. There were now four left including Recioh, and each wyvern took a position at Draken's flanks. Recioh was in front of him, one behind, one to the left, and one more to the right. He was surrounded. They pounced at the same time, latching onto the dragon's scaly flesh. Draken fought off the three wyverns, but Recioh was not going to get off. He had latched his jaws at the same wound that the other two had struck. Draken was losing too much blood and could feel himself growing weaker. He struggled to get him to release, but Recioh only dug the sharp point of his beak into his flesh to deepen the wound.

How does the blood feel as it flows out of your body? Recioh taunted. What is it like to know that you will never mate that slattern again? His vision was beginning to blur and he could barely stand. Blood had splattered on the ground and over Recioh as he pulled at the flesh with every squirm the large dragon made. Suddenly, a yellow flash smashed into Recioh, tossing him away from Draken and into the forest. Draken could not keep his eyes open and his balance was gone. In two seconds, the giant noble dragon was on his side. His breath was becoming more labored and his body was turning cold.

Draken, a familiar voice called to him. Don't you die on me! He struggled to lift one of his eyes open and finally succeeded.

Lunalese, he struggled to say. I am…sorry. Suddenly, there was a loud rustle in the bushes behind him. Murtagh emerged out of it holding a bright torch. Behind him was a young child and Draken's parents.

Eragon! Lunalese cried. Help me. Eragon and Saphira both rushed over to their son's aid fearing the worst. When they saw the wound on his throat, both of them covered their mouths in shock.

Fa…father? Draken asked, struggling hard not to lose consciousness. Take care of her for me. Murtagh tossed the child the torch and quickly rushed to his fallen nephew.

"Draken do not talk that way," Eragon said with tear stained eyes. The wound was deep and he questioned if it could be healed. "You and Lunalese have a family. You cannot cross into that black void without her."

Fate has chosen this, Draken muttered painfully. He began sputtering up some blood that did not manage to exit out of the wound in his neck. I have disappointed you.

No son, Saphira came in tearfully. Hold on. Without thinking, Murtagh placed one hand on the wound and grabbed Eragon's with the other.

"What are you…?"
"WAISE HEILL!"

Did it work? Also, I have revamped chapters 1 through 10. Some differences are in there and all of the corrections have been made too. Between posts I will go in and edit ten chapters at a time. If you could, re-read them and point out any "uh ohs" that are still there. Thanks guys. You all rock and I expect this to be finished around the eightieth or ninetieth chapter…hopefully not though because I really want it to go longer. :)

PEACE!