"Another time then." He said.

Saphira!

What is it, little one? Make it quick, I am hunting.

I thought that you were hiding.

I can hunt and hide snarled Saphira.

We must leave as soon as we pack our bags. We are going back to Ellesmera to continue training. Calmly, Eragon relayed the message Lazuli had passed to him. Because of the mind connection, his thoughts on Lazuli were revealed to Saphira.

She is part-elf? Saphira was surprised, curious, and astonished. Well, it is not that surprising that she is capable of magic, but why is she here? Why have we not seen her before? Is she representing the elves by working with the Varden? Does she remain young like Arya? I have so many questions… I am starting to sound like you, Eragon.

Eragon chuckled. I like her, but I don't know if I can trust her yet.

If Nasuada sent her to accompany us, I am sure that we can trust her to some extent. Saphira broke the mind connection temporarily to bring down a deer. Taking advantage of this temporary silence, Eragon quickly pulled on his boots, and snuck out of King Orrin's palace to join Saphira.

Lazuli bit her lip, surveying her small chambers, deciding what to and not to bring.Ellesmera. She thought. I wonder if they will welcome me… my mother was shunned as a traitor for the man she fell in love with. Perhaps I will be able to learn more on this journey. My ignorance is bothering me… I know less of the ancient language than an elf, less of dragon lore than an elf, less of magic, fighting, literature, less of everything! What will my kin think of me? A mutt? An outcaste's daughter? The last time I went, they sent me straight back to the Varden, with a promise spoken in the ancient language to keep their location a secret, and to not tell anybody. It is only recently they have contacted me… since I was but four years old. Fourteen years of silence…

Lazuli rapidly blinked away tears. After all, why should she care? The elves had contacted her for her help. That should flatter her, make her think she was competent, and trusted. But no… she was just a pawn. A pawn that could be sacrificed to clear way for larger, more important pieces. Rider Eragon.

She was terrified of how her entrance to Ellesmera would be perceived. Would the elves be so focused on Rider Eragon that they would ignore her? Possibly. She was a dreadful combination, however. She was the daughter of an elf, and a man so terrible her mother had to run, escape form Ellesmera to be with the man she loved. Everything was so confusing, so jumbled in her brain, and she was so frustrated. She had not been anticipating this trip so soon… but she had to be strong. She could not falter in front of Rider Eragon. That would be inexcusable… she was his guide.

There was a knock on her door.

"Come in."

"Lady Nasuada requests an audience with you in the garden." A dirty little boy stood in front of her, then scurried away as he finished his message.

"Lady Nasuada." Lazuli curtsied.

"Lady Lazuli." Nasuada curtsied, and Lazuli knew, sadly, it was only because of her elven heritage that Nasuada extended this courtesy—not wishing to offend the elves… like the elves would ever be offended by rudeness to a mutt.

"I understand your ache, but Lazuli, know this. By safely escorting Rider Eragon to Ellesmera, the elves would view you in a new light…" Nasuada trailed off, remembering the treatment Murtagh had given. "But you must submit whatever they ask for… your life, your mind… though, no offense, I doubt you could defeat the elves if you tried to turn on them…"

Lazuli smiled. She was not offended. She knew all too well…

Lazuli's POV (For those who don't know what that means, it's Point Of View)

I waited, right outside the gates of Surda. In the distance, I could make out the shape of a flying dragon, but that shape slowly descended into the forest. I was confused—I was sure it was a dragon—my inhumanly good eyesight told me so. Then, I felt a presence prickling at my mind. It felt powerful, so I assumed it would be Eragon, and I took the risk.

It is I, Eragon. You should be more careful in letting people into your mind, but in this case, I shouldn't complain. Saphira and I will be waiting for you in the large clearing, he informed me, sending me an image of his location.

I hiked to the clearing (it was not a long walk, especially for a half-elf. Having magic blood certainly did come with it's benefits).

I looked around the clearing, but there were no horses in sight. Just Saphira and Eragon. I curtsied, and mumbled my greeting.

"Argetlam, and Saphira, the mighty dragon. I am honored by your presences, but…"

Eragon chuckled. "No horses?"

I nodded, blushing.

"Well, if you don't mind, we have Saphira." He smiled, and I blushed.

Saphira puffed a plume of smoke towards me. I giggled, batting it away. Then, she picked me up with one of her horns and dropped me onto her back, using her wing to nudge me into place. I stifled my scream.

"She likes you." He told me. "Hold on."

I wrapped my arms tightly around his waist and shut my eyes.

I felt a sudden lurch—but of exhilaration, not fear, as I had anticipated. I cranked one eye open, and laughed, as the trees became smaller beneath us.

Please review this! 30 hits since eleven last night (it is 6pm now), and one review. Reviews are the fuel that fanfic authors run on... thanks to rtd, my first review ever.