Okay, Major ThornxCovy in this chapter. Most ideas here came from Tallacus except a few of my own. Also, Murtagh and Nasuada stuff in the beginning too. There is a strong love scene, but I made it to where you can skip it and not miss a beat. You're welcome :)
Chapter 82: In the Moment.
It did not take the dragons long to drop off Nasuada and the rest of the group. Equinox and Lunalese returned to Eragon's home after they unloaded their precious cargo, but Thorn and Covin'thra stayed behind to talk alone with Nasuada while Murtagh walked down the hallway to show Lancelot to his quarters. Thorn stood in front of the queen proudly, but it was obvious that something was on his mind.
"Yes Thorn?" Nasuada asked. Thorn kneaded the ground with his sharp claws.
I have a question to ask, noble queen.
"Okay?"
Is my rider considered the king of this land? Covin'thra looked up and shook her head slowly at the question.
"My uncle…king?"
"Not quite," Nasuada chuckled. "I would love for him to take the position." Thorn stopped kneading and looked the queen squarely in the eyes.
I merely ask for personal reasons.
"What are they?" Thorn turned away and blinked at Covin'thra.
If I am to raise a family of my own I deserve to know where my rider stands in this society. It is selfish, Nasuada, and I apologize. I only prefer to balance my family and duty.
"There is nothing selfish about it, Thorn," Nasuada said with a gentle laugh. "Until your rider pledges to take my hand in marriage, he will only be the military advisor."
Does he not live with you?
"Aye, but we must be legally bonded as husband and wife before he could take that honor." Covin'thra snickered subtly and showed her teeth.
"Why would such a brave fighter be so cowardly? Have you brought this up to him?"
"I am hoping that he would."
I will tell him for you if you wish.
"No," Nasuada muttered. "I will just be patient. If he takes this position, you will be treated with just as much royalty as your rider."
It is not I who is concerned over that, but I fear for the life I may imply on my offspring.
"You will be given a safe place to stay where you are close to your rider and family, Thorn. I promise you that." Thorn turned to look at his mate once again and nodded sheepishly.
"Are you ready Thorn?" Covin'thra asked nervously. He nodded his head and turned to face the queen yet again.
I am sure my rider is not a fool, Nasuada. He will ask you when the time comes. Before she had a chance to answer, the two dragons leapt out into the sky together.
"Ah," Murtagh suddenly said behind her. "Do they not look perfect for each other?"
"You startled me!" Nasuada remarked, jokingly slapping him on his shoulder. He chuckled and placed his lips against hers.
"It is my job to keep you on alert." Murtagh slid his hands down to her waist and gently swayed her from side to side as they stood closely together. "I have another startling surprise."
"Yes?" He reached into the pocket of his tunic and pulled out a solid gold ring.
"I would take the honor of being king proudly." Nasuada gasped in pure shock as her lover slid the ring over her finger. "Will you be my bride?"
You are welcome, Rider.
- - - - - - - -
Thorn snickered to himself as his rider sent the emotion of embarrassment through their mental link. He had touched down in the forest with Covin'thra lying right beside him.
"What?" Covy asked sleepily. Thorn chuckled again and brushed his snout against hers.
Remember the talk with Nasuada?
"Yes?"
I passed it through to Murtagh.
"Oh Thorn…you didn't!" Covin'thra stretched out her forearms and flapped her wings once against her side. "Didn't she tell you not to tell him?"
I could not help it, Thorn snickered back. Now, your uncle is proclaimed king. Covin'thra settled her head on her paws and let out a tiring sigh.
"I am bored, my love." Suddenly, Thorn shot his snout up to take in a deep scent. It was familiar, but so strange at the same time. "What now?"
What is that sweet scent? Thorn asked. Covin'thra took in a few strong whiffs and shook her head.
"I smell nothing. Are you feeling well?" Thorn climbed to his feet and tried to track the scent down with his nose. Covin'thra fluttered her wings once again, drastically increasing the smell. Thorn moved in closer to Covy, sniffing wildly at the enticing aroma. He continued to move in closer, which made Covin'thra feel rather uncomfortable. She watched cautiously as her mate inched towards her hindquarters.
"Uh…Thorn?"
Yes?
"You are awfully close to my backside." Thorn suddenly shot back, stumbling over his own four feet. He lost his balance and tumbled backward in an attempt to give her the immediate space. Covy quickly shot to her feet, chuckling energetically at the sprawled out dragon in front of her. "Thorn, what is the matter with you?"
I do not know! He growled to himself. Covin'thra chuckled even harder as Thorn lifted himself back to his feet by pressing up with his wings. It seemed as if that smell forced me to do that. I did not make you uncomfortable, did I?
"No," Covy said with a strong hint of sarcasm, "I am actually used to dragons of your size showing that type of 'interest.'" Thorn lowered his eyes in shame, but Covin'thra stepped forward to lift his snout up with her own. "I was joking." Thorn showed his teeth to her and shook his head at his own embarrassment.
I apologize.
"Why?" Covin'thra asked. "I am no longer a hatchling, Thorn. You do not have to apologize for everything." Thorn sniffed again and inched forward to prop himself up beside her.
I understand. I still want to know where that smell is coming from. He leaned his head in and sniffed underneath her chin. It is you. My dear, you are ready.
"What?" Covy asked nervously. "Ready? Where are we supposed to go?" She tucked her head in underneath her wing and sniffed. "I smell nothing unusual."
I have heard about this, Thorn muttered. Covin'thra, your scent can only be smelled by a potential mate. You cannot smell yourself. Suddenly, Covin'thra tossed her head out from her wing and placed her muzzle under Thorns.
"I can smell your scent," she said shyly. "It is…heavenly."
So is yours. It reminds me so much of Saphira's.
"Huh?" Covy quickly took her head away to cock it at him. "What do you mean?"
Your mother's scent smells just like yours. I never thought about it until I had taken in yours.
"Did you wish to mate with her?" Thorn growled nervously and shook his head.
She was the last for a long time, my dear. Instinct called me to her interest, but fate separated us before we could bind as one. Covy pressed her body against Thorn's and hummed loudly.
"Thorn," she whispered to him. "I am sorry that you were forced to wait so long to feel something like this." She lifted her tail up and wrapped it around his hind legs, causing the mighty red dragon to shiver at its touch.
It is the most enjoyable feeling I can ever encounter, Thorn said solemnly. I never pictured myself standing here with my silver goddess. Covin'thra's sapphire eyes widened substantially and she trembled slightly beside him. She kneaded the ground with her claws and looked down at them.
What is the matter, my sweet?
"I do not know," she trailed off as she continued to watch her claws paw at the ground. "I just cannot seem to control myself. For some awkward reason, I have this strange urge to tackle you." Thorn chuckled heartedly while Covin'thra turned away in embarrassment.
It seems that my scent has its affect on you too. He reached down with his muzzle to lift Covin'thra's up. At least you were able to control your urges. I was the one to make you uncomfortable.
"Actually," she replied shyly. "It was not as uncomfortable as I made it sound. Feeling you showing interest in my…well…me was very enjoyable." Thorn chuckled deeply and wrapped his neck around her own in a soft embrace.
Whenever you are ready, he whispered in her mind.
"If you say I am," Covy turned away. "Let us be together." Thorn broke the embrace to look her square in her sapphire eyes.
Covin'thra, this is your decision…not mine. You must understand that this will not only bind us, but it can also provide offspring for us to raise together. If you are not ready for commitment, then say the word. Covin'thra widened her eyes and leaned in to place the tip of her muzzle against his.
"I am ready."
- - - - - - - - - -
"Eragon!" Saphira practically screamed as her husband walked through the door. He dropped his sword and outstretched his hands to embrace Saphira. Tears fell from her cheek, but Eragon lifted his marked palm up to wipe them away.
"I was only gone for a few hours," Eragon pointed out. Saphira released the grasp on her husband and looked up at him.
"I have fought beside your for years, Eragon. We have always been together. My love, this was the longest time I had spent away from you and I hated it."
"Are you pregnant?" Eragon asked. She nodded and rubbed her stomach, for emphasis.
"I never thought I would say this, but I do not want a child anymore. I never knew that it would lead to us separating like this." Eragon placed his lips against hers and gently caressed her side with his left hand.
"Do not worry," he comforted. "I missed you too." She placed her chin against Eragon's shoulder while he placed his marked palm over the back of her head to hold her close. "I am going to be a human father, Saphira! This is a joyous moment indeed."
"I told you, Saphira," Angela suddenly emerged from the kitchen. Eragon nodded in thanks and turned to take a seat in the chair nearby with a bright smile plastered on his face.
"I have to build another room."
- - - - - - - - - -
"Do you know what we must do?" Covin'thra asked nervously to her future spouse. He shrugged his giant shoulders, shifting his wings upwards as he did so.
I will do what I must to make you happy, Thorn replied. We have not done the courting dive and we have done the nuptial either.
"What are those?"
The dive is where we bond in spirit, but the nuptial is where we physically join together. It is the customs of the dragon race.
"I have never been accustomed to rules, Thorn," Covy chuckled.
But what of our offspring, Covin'thra? If we do not remain…?
"I take it you did not hear my parents correctly? Our offspring will be like me because of my mother and father. Nothing can take it away, so why should we stick to these customs when we are not even seen in the eyes of the elders as dragons?"
I do not understand.
"Thorn, my mother hatched me and created me like this. My traits will pass to my offspring, and theirs will go to their children. Do you not see, love? No matter what we do, it is bound to happen." Thorn looked down in apology, but she nuzzled him. "Let us be different, Thorn. Why must we do some silly dive to declare our love when it is already obvious?"
You are right, Thorn agreed. Why must we follow rules if we are not…?
"Oh Thorn," Covy chuckled. "You are still a true dragon…so is Lunalese. It is just me, Darken, and Equinox who has this burden on them."
So will breaking the custom affect me?
"You ask too many questions," she chuckled to him. "Let us just live in the moment." Thorn gingerly licked Covy's cheek.
What do you truly want? Covy looked up into the sky and let out a pleasing growl.
"To be different." Thorn looked up to follow his mate's glance. She was watching two eagles during their first nuptial.
We should give them privacy, Thorn whispered. Covy dropped her gaze to look into his ruby eyes.
"So that is why it is done in the air! Thorn, all who look to the heavens will see the love they have for each other."
Yes, my dear Covin'thra. This is what nature intended. Covin'thra looked down to see that she was kneading the ground again.
"Then let me proclaim it!" Suddenly, Covin'thra rose up on her hind legs, stretching her neck out and up towards the heavens. She opened her maw and let out an exciting roar that Thorn had never heard before. "Thorn is my life partner!" She shouted with the roar. "May the entire world we exist on know the love we have." Thorn was dumbstruck. He watched with wide eyes as she gently placed her forearms back to the ground. "There, now the world knows."
I cannot believe that you did that! Thorn said with a hearty chuckle. Covin'thra, your actions are making it harder to resist you.
"Then stop resisting."
- - - - - - - (Graphic for those who want it)- - - - - - -
Covin'thra gently placed her muzzle underneath Thorn's taking in his strong scent. Her mind was clouded, but she was more than happy to lose herself next to him. Thorn was feeling the same way. Covin'thra's scent had driven him to the verge of losing control yet again, but his mate had given him permission. Covin'thra's lips were quivering as she stayed close to her love. For some odd reason, she felt as if she had not said enough to the the dragon that was going to take the most precious thing of her life away, so she looked up at him and bowed her head humbly.
"Thorn, dragon of Murtagh and beloved Scarred One, I give myself to you as your loving mate from this life on to the next. Please, my darling mate, will you accept my offer?"
How could I not? Thorn gently nibbled on the top of her forehead and wrapped his neck around her own. Covin'thra shuttered at his touch, but quickly shook it off. Nothing was going to get in the way of their magical moment. Covin'thra moved first, turning her backside towards Thorn and smashing her tail against his forelegs. He followed her closely, enticed by her husky movements. She found a shady area underneath a large ash tree and threw herself down onto her wings. Thorn lay beside her and let out a pleasing growl.
"I am nervous," Covy admitted.
So am I, my darling. We love each other and nothing can go wrong. She growled again and rolled over to face him. Shall we plan for younglings?
"Why can you not live in the moment, Thorn? We will worry about that when the time comes."
Very well, he chuckled. I love you, Covin'thra, daughter of the rider Eragon. She shuttered again as the red dragon drew closer to her. I will until the last breath I take. Closer he pushed towards her until their snouts touched. Covy gazed lovingly at her mate while he began the process that would combine the two. It was an incredible, blissful feeling that Covin'thra felt rush over her body, forcing her to roll on top of Thorn to where he was lying on his wings; he didn't complain. Now the two were bonded as lovers and mates, and they did not care for anything else. Thorn stayed gentle with her, nibbling on the back of her neck as they made love together underneath the ash tree.
How is it? Thorn whispered lovingly to her. She shuttered again while he made his movements.
Perfect, she murmured in between breaths. I could not have imagined this better. Thorn looked up into her sapphire eyes and showed her his teeth.
You are beautiful, my goddess, he cooed. I look forward to the lives we will lead together.
So do I. They picked up their pace while the sun began setting in front of them. It was a very romantic scene for Covin'thra as she was able to be pleased in a different colored atmosphere. The sky was in its hues of pink and orange, but she was mainly focused on the red scales of her lover. Finally, after several hours, Thorn and Covy finished their bonding act and rolled over to face each other.
"Incredible," she panted. Thorn turned to watch the sun go down.
We cannot return home this late, especially with you so exhausted.
"You can wear me out very well, mate!" Covy said with a laugh. "Even though I would never mind doing that again. I do wonder how it would have felt if we flew."
We will find out in time, Thorn replied. Just rest here, my love. I shall watch over tonight.
- - - - - - - - (End Graphic)- - - - - -
It was late at night at Eragon's home, and all of the dragons were home except for Thorn and Covin'thra. For some very strange reason, Equinox felt driven to go for a night flight. She told Saphira and silently padded outside.
"I wonder why I feel like this," she asked herself. Equinox jumped into the air and lazily flapped her wings to climb up into the starry sky. Suddenly, a voice called out to her.
Help me.
Expect a surprising chapter next. Also, the ThornxCovy will be the LAST love scene in this story because I am having so much difficulty explaining what happens without too much detail (notice the difference from the first one on chapter 15 up to the present one and you will see why.) I am actually ashamed of myself for it, but all good stories need some type of description, right?
PEACE!