This was an All-Day-Sucker so I really hope that it is enjoyable. It is very important so read it very carefully! This entire thing was thought up by Tallacus, but I flipped a few things around to make it a bit more "interesting." Let's get to it:
Chapter 76: Impossible Probabilities.
Eragon woke up with a start, shooting his eyes open as the sun peered into them.
Impossible, Eragon muttered. We went to bed in our home. He looked around to notice that the two were sleeping in a cavern instead of inside of their house. Eragon quickly rose to his paws and turned behind him to see that Saphira was sleeping soundly on the cold floor. I did not change into dragon form last night! Eragon murmured. What is going on?
Hmm? Saphira sighed quietly, fluttering her eyes open. She suddenly shook her head and let out a loud snort. This is not where we fell asleep.
I know, Eragon pointed out. Saphira stood up and stretched her wings.
This is very familiar, Saphira whispered. Eragon, this is how my dream began, except Thorn was beside me. Saphira nudged Eragon tenderly and tucked her wings to her form
Does this mean that we are sharing the same dream? Eragon asked worriedly.
Perhaps, Saphira whispered back. The two stood right beside each other as they faced the entrance of the cave. I have heard tales that when two share a dream, it is as if they have passed on…?
Do you mean to tell me that we are dead? Eragon asked, obvious concern rocked through his voice.
I do not know how to explain it, Saphira stammered. Perhaps…?
You two have only crossed over temporarily, an unfamiliar voice chimed in their heads. They looked out of the entrance to see a dark green dragoness and a black male dragon fly towards them. In one swift motion, the two touched down on the ledge and padded towards the couple. Greetings, the green one said.
Eragon, Saphira said honorably. These are my parents Vervada and Iormungr. Eragon tipped his wings humbly and dipped his head to show submission to the two large creatures. His uncle Garrow always joked about the dreaded meeting with the in-laws and Eragon was rather flustered in their presence.
I am Eragon Shadeslayer, he introduced himself.
Do you play us for fools, boy? Vervada lashed out at him. We know of your accomplishments here.
Now Vervada, Iormungr said sternly. We had talked about this.
I still do not like it, Vervada spat.
Like it or not, Mother, Saphira hissed, what's done is done. Eragon and I love each other and we have our own offspring now. If there is a problem with that, then I do not mind crossing over for all eternity to prove my love for him. Vervada growled, but Saphira suddenly leapt in front of Eragon, barring her teeth at her own mother.
Enough, Iormungr shouted. Vervada, is this the way to treat your own daughter? Saphira, the same goes with you.
Why are we even here, Saphira muttered. We have a battle to prepare for at home.
This concerns far more than a few beasts, Iormungr sighed. Saphira, this is about you and your family. The Draconian Court has gathered to discuss this, and you are needed to be here for this.
Draconian Court? Eragon asked. What is going on?
Quiet human! Vervada snarled. Saphira roared in anger and stretched out her wings to show her might towards her.
Don't you dare shush my mate! Saphira roared.
You are right, Iormungr said sternly. Follow us to the court, my dear. We shall explain more on the way. Vervada took off first and flew with blinding speed until she was out of sight. Iormungr stayed behind with the two lovers. Ignore her, Eragon, he told him. She is rather upset over this issue. Saphira, I also apologize to you. Before either of them had a chance to respond, the black dragon lifted off. Eragon attempted to follow, but Saphira stepped in his way. She gazed up at him and let out a worried growl.
They are trying to break us apart, she whimpered. Eragon, I do not want this to get in the way of our unity.
Saphira, Eragon said softly. When we took our vows, I promised to meet every challenge that came our way to make you happy. Pleasing these two will be a challenge, but it is one that I am willing to face to keep you as my wife. No matter what this 'court' says, I will never EVER leave you. Saphira trembled slightly at his comforting words and stepped aside to where he could fly off.
You have kept these vows every day, my love, Saphira whispered lovingly into his mind. You have proven to me that I have made the perfect choice. I love you.
Enough blabbering, Vervada suddenly cut in. This is not the time or the place. Eragon growled, but was quickly relieved when Saphira nuzzled him just below his jaw.
Let us go, she sighed. They leapt off together and were shocked at the view. Everything was utterly perfect outside of the cavern. There were no villages, no fires, and no humans as far as the eyes could see. Every place they looked, they saw dragons in all sorts of colors flying carelessly in the clear blue sky.
Eragon, Iormungr's voice suddenly came in. This is where the dragons' souls come to rest. All dragons that have passed on are here. Suddenly, all of the dragons banked to fly towards them.
Every dragon has been summoned to come to this meeting, Iormungr explained. This is very important to the entire race. The large black dragon tilted his wings to bank towards a large spire at the top of a massive mountain chain. It was breathtaking as the large group of dragons flew towards the spire. They all dove into a very large hole in the spire and padded through the cavern with Eragon, Saphira, and her parents right behind them.
Amazing, Eragon and Saphira both uttered in admiration. At least three hundred dragons were padding in front of them, all of which could be heard whispering to each other as the two moved through the room. It seemed as if the voices were doubled compared to the numerous dragons that were seen, and this baffled Eragon.
Those are the voices of the higher spirits, Vervada pointed out. These are the ancient spirits of those who moved on through this life and the one prior. Their voices could be heard through these walls.
Incredible, Eragon murmured, as he continued to walk with the crowd. Saphira, this is just too much to take!
It is, she replied breathlessly. I…I cannot believe it. The foursome continued to pad along with the other dragons until they came into a large courtroom with seats etched in the walls of the cave. Inside were five hundred other dragons and dragonesses, not including those walking in. All of the dragons could be heard in Eragon and Saphira's minds as they whispered about the issues that were at hand. Suddenly, one dragon stood out over all of the others. He was all emerald except for his talons and spikes, and he was younger than the others around him.
Eragon? The dragon called out. Is it you?
Slide? Eragon asked back. Yes, it is I and Saphira.
I am glad they managed to bring you over, Slide told them. I wish to extend my thanks for your blessing, Eragon. It has placed me in here instead of where Shruikan is.
You are welcome, Eragon said humbly. Slide bowed humbly to him and took his place next to a smoky-grey dragoness beside him.
You two must sit at the center, Vervada spat. Hurry, it is starting soon. She directed them to the center of the auditorium and made them have a seat in front of a semi-circle crevice where six mighty dragons were seated. One was red, two were green, two more were brown, but the largest dragon was a familiar golden color. Still, one seat was empty.
Gleadr, Eragon whispered to Saphira. She nodded her head slowly and turned to face him. Suddenly, the sound of wing beats filled the auditorium. Both mates looked up to see a massive pure white dragoness flutter down to take her seat in the middle of the semi-circle among the high council. Her scales were shinier than polished ivory, but her piercing golden eyes seemed to entrance the two the most. They watched as Gleadr, who was sitting beside the dragoness, lifted his head up to nuzzle her briefly. She accepted it and quickly brushed him off to get down to business.
Greetings Eragon and Saphira, the dragoness spoke kindly. Her voice was soft and gentle but still held power in her voice. I am Secrecy, daughter of the first rider's dragon, Bid'duan, steward and compatriot to the first elf Eragon. Eragon and Saphira bowed humbly to show respect for the dragoness, but she waved them off with a soft flick of her right wing. It is I who should do the bowing, Shadeslayer. You and your 'mate' have ridded the world of the evil of Galbatorix and restored our presence in the world. For that we thank you. However, this is the reason why we are gathered here today.
Does it offend you on the fact that we have created offspring? Saphira tried to asked kindly, but failed. Eragon gently calmed her by stroking her muzzle with his.
Nay, dear Saphira, Secrecy replied gently. Far from it. We are very pleased to see the dragon race rebuilt, but this matter deals with the spiritual matters of it all.
What do you mean? Eragon asked.
Because what the witch Angela has done, Secrecy explained, your souls are mixed. Before, you were certainly human and dragon, but because of her 'altercations,' your souls are mixed. For that reason, your eternity is undecided. Saphira, if you die you may not return here, and Eragon, if you die your spirit may not return to its resting place either. I fear that you both would be lost in the black void for the rest of eternity. The chatter in the courtroom began to climax until Gleadr growled to silence the crowd.
I have known this couple before my passing, Gleadr spoke. We cannot blame them for what the sorceress has done. They were unaware of the difference and we must respect them for their love for one another.
Quiet, another high dragon spoke. They have desecrated our race by raising their own young!
I beg your pardon, Saphira snorted violently. I was not aware that this meeting was meant to condone us for raising a family. If anything, we should be praised for reviving our race.
That is enough! Secrecy roared. Saphira and Eragon, please approach the council. Saphira growled uncomfortably and stepped forward with Eragon at her side. Both bowed humbly before the court and stood in waiting.
Raising a family has placed you in such a predicament, Secrecy explained. You see, your offspring have the same issue as you two hold now. Their spirits are mixed as well. They may look like us, but the human spirit and genes still rest within their breasts. Saphira lowered her head and trembled slightly. It hurt to hear that their mating had ruined their children's afterlife.
Is there any way to fix it? Eragon asked for her. Secrecy nodded her head.
You two must separate, she explained. If you do, then the spell would be broken and your spirits would right themselves.
We cannot do that, Eragon argued. I have promised so many things to her, and I intend to keep all of them.
You must think of your children's future! Vervada shouted to Saphira. Because you gave yourself to your rider instead of the beloved dragon Thorn, we must suffer! Saphira smashed her tail swiftly against the ground, cracking the hard soil as it hit.
How dare you? She hissed. We have raised a fine clutch of dragons, all more than worthy to claim a place here among this council, but you still argue over this because I followed my heart instead of instinct? For your information, Mother, Thorn was banished with his rider after Galbatorix's fall. I promised Eragon that I would die and let the whole race become extinct before I mated with something that evil! She began to sob and leaned against Eragon for comfort. She sniffled softly and lifted her head up to face the court. My Eragon is a great dragon, and he deserves to be treated that way too.
Did he come from an egg like all of us? A dragon from the top of the chamber yelled out, causing an uproar from the others. Saphira shook her head.
Why must birth be the main reason? Saphira cried. Eragon has fought for our race several times over, losing everything in the process. His uncle fell to the Ra'zac while he left to fight for the good of all Alageasia! He can fly, hunt, and even act like the most royal dragon among all of you. He deserves the right to be called a dragon…and he deserves the right to be considered my mate.
I suppose that you two had completed the nuptial flight? Vervada asked mockingly. Saphira nodded and turned to face the council again.
We flew and completed the process flawlessly, she stated.
Did you mate after during it…in the air like it was meant to? Another asked. Both Eragon and Saphira lowered their heads.
I take the blame, Eragon said. My human nature came in. We courted in flight, but we mated like humans…?
Blasphemy! The crowd jeered, hissing and roaring to add to the hatred. How could you?
Order in this council! Secrecy shouted. Eragon, us dragons follow strict procedures, and you tell me that you left out the most important?
Love is love, Saphira replied. It should not matter how, where or when mating begins, but it should matter on how much you love the dragon that you are giving yourself away to. I was mated by human standards, but I will never take such an incredible feeling back just because you tell me that it was improper! The dragons began shouting again, but Eragon stood to his feet, which silenced the court.
May I patron the assembly with a question? Eragon asked. Secrecy and Gleadr nodded their heads in unison, while the other five stood still like statues. Yes, I am Saphira's rider and husband. Our bond expanded ever since she had hatched for me, and now it is so strong that we stand here in front of the court professing our love and arguing with all of you to allow us to keep it. I know that many of you out here have had riders and most of you are here now for taking the ultimate sacrifice for them. Please, all those who have had riders raise their wing. One dragoness of grayish-green color slowly lifted her right wing and lowered her head. Eragon watched with a pleased snort as a wave of wings fluttered through the council.
Wow, Saphira said. I wonder how many there are? Eragon cleared his throat and continued.
Tell me, noble dragons, Eragon started, how does it feel to be separated from the one you pledged your life to? All of the dragons lowered their wings mournfully as if all were in deep thought over it. Suddenly, a baby blue scaled dragoness stood to her paws and lifted her head up, deciding on the right words to say.
Eragon, the dragoness said solemnly. It kills me every day. I loved my rider dearly, but the dreaded Morzan separated us. Tell me, how is my dear Brom? Eragon quickly looked back at Saphira, who also shuttered at the name of her early mentor.
It can't be, Eragon said out loud. Saphira?
Alas, the dragoness replied sadly. Tis I, Saphira of Brom. He was far too young to be enlisted like we were, but he was very brave. Please, heal my heart Shadeslayer. Where is he?
Saphira, Eragon tried to say, choking back tears. Your precious rider fell to the blade of a Ra'zac while saving my life. The crowd gasped in shock as the dragoness lowered her head to let tears flow from her golden eyes. Your rider was very brave, Eragon comforted her. He taught me everything I know and he is the reason why I love Saphira so much. Your rider was one of the reasons why the race has been rebuilt. I found something that may bring you comfort. Do you remember staying in Ellesmera?
Yes, she sobbed.
I found a carving of you and your rider's names in a Weeping Willow, Eragon soothed to her.
I wish we were able to live the lives like you two do now, the dragoness whimpered. I would have bore his children happily.
Saphira! One of the high council dragons shouted.
It is true, she yelled out tearfully. I loved that rider with all of my heart and I would have done anything to make him happy. Saphira, hear my plea…take care of your rider and love him like each day is the last you will ever see him. This may be heaven, but when you are separated from the one you are attached to, it is worse than Hell itself!
Order! Secrecy yelled out.
We must talk with her before we are dismissed, Saphira whispered to Eragon, who nodded. Two more dragons stood to their paws.
I agree with Brom's Saphira, they both called out. We were hatched to two twins before the fall of the riders. Both of us failed to protect our riders, and it hurts dearly being separated from.
Dragons of the courtroom, Eragon sighed. With us being together like this, we are inseparable. If my darling wife dies, I have promised to follow wherever she goes…in the ancient language. Yes, I am merely her rider, but how many of you wish that you had the opportunity with your rider as Saphira has received with hers? He watched as the wings flew up once more. We cannot separate, your honors. If we do, our hearts would be too broken to continue living and we both would disappear into the void like all of you have. I beg of you, can there not be some other way? Secrecy lifted her wings up to show that it was her turn to speak.
You two can be accepted to join this eternity by a draconian vote, Secrecy explained. Your offspring will have to find other means.
How? Eragon asked. What can they do?
Many dragons that made it here had served humans in some way, shape, or form, Secrecy explained. Perhaps if they do something like that?
They already have, Saphira explained. All of our children have devoted their power and skill to fight with the humans against all forms of evil, be it from a demon like Stave, or a creature like the wyverns.
Did you say Stave? Another dragon hissed. That backstabber allowed me to die! Eragon looked up to see a greenish-white dragon standing tall in the back corner. Galzra, at your service. Did you kill that wretched man?
Yes I did, Eragon said proudly. Your death has been avenged.
He has my vote to enter here, Galzra spoke loudly for the council to hear. I suggest that all rider's dragons vote the same! The draconian crowd cheered by the short speech, but quickly silenced when they saw Gleadr stand to his paws.
Eragon, Gleadr spoke. I have an idea. From this point on, all dragons have the power to lend half of their strength to the human race. However, for this to be done, half of their heart must be peeled away and plucked from their breasts to do so. This would prolong the death of an individual and bond the two like a rider would to his dragon, except both would perish when one suffers a mortal wound. Beware, if one of your offspring gives half of his heart to an evildoer, then his soul is doomed. This goes for your daughters, son, and all of their offspring as well.
Is this the only way for them to gain access here? Eragon and Saphira both asked. Secrecy shook her head.
It would be the easiest way, she explained, but if they continue to fight for good and are slain in the process, it is an automatic admittance. When you depart from here, that shall come to pass and what has been said here will be etched in your minds for as long as you fly on Earth. Vervada and Iormungr stepped forward towards their daughter and nuzzled her.
I am sorry, Vervada said softly. It is obvious that you love him very much.
Till my last breath, Saphira replied. Iormungr stepped forward to Eragon and tipped his wings.
You are worthy of being my daughter's mate, he said proudly. Anyone who would defend their right for so long deserves this title.
And me being seen as a dragon? Eragon asked with a lifted eyebrow. Iormungr chuckled.
Why not? He said heartedly. Take care of my daughter and I shall see you two eventually.
Saphira of Brom! Eragon suddenly called out. I shall place flowers on your rider's grave just for you when we wake.
Thank you, she replied. I only wish I was with him. Tell me, was it instant?
Yes, Eragon lied. He did not want her to feel guilt for all eternity, so he left her with a comforting thought.
The two of you are now deemed as dragons, Secrecy called out. You may return to your lives and know that your hearts are to be placed here. Tell your offspring of what transpired here before they leave your nest.
What if we decide to have a human child? Saphira asked. Secrecy nodded.
Surprisingly, she said while showing her teeth kindly, I doubt that he would have an issue being accepted into either of the afterlives provided. We will see when the time comes. Until then, be gone and do as the high council commands!
- - - - - - -
"Father!" Equinox suddenly exclaimed next to him. He flailed his arms around briefly before resting them at his sides. He opened his eyes and turned to see Saphira sleeping beside him in dragon form.
"Saphira," Eragon asked.
It was not just a dream after all.
Well now we know why the dragons give their hearts out, but how is Eragon and Saphira going to explain all of this to their children? To let you know, Saphira's mother and father brought her in by some means that I am unsure of on how to explain. Till next chapter
PEACE!