AN: Wow! 90 hits, and one review? Come on, you guys. Just one review would really help crank some more chapters out of me, assuming you enjoy my writing.

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.

Lazuli's POV

I drew upon my memory. I knew the directions to Ellesmera, and to remain inconspicuous, flying on dragonback the whole way was not an option. Nobody wanted anybody from the Empire to spot Eragon and start plotting an ambush. Therefore, we had to take the long route to Ellesmera, considering the fact that the shortcut involved flying over Helgrind and Uru'baen.

Once we were over the first few craggy peaks of the massive Beor Mountains east of Surda, Saphira landed.

"For now, we should rest, eat, drink, and when night falls, we will be able to travel again." I said. Eragon nodded his head in agreement. Saphira flew at an incredible speed. Reaching Ellesmera, even with a stop at Du Wendelvarden, in about a week would be no problem. As Saphira hunted again (for she had only one deer before—she needed another one) Eragon and Lazuli sat on a large rock, eating bread and cheese, and drinking water. Eragon broke the silence first.

"So, what's it like being part elf?"

Lazuli instantly stiffened, thinking of her parents.

Eragon noticed and quickly directed the conversation into a different branch. "So do you retain the elf-like qualities? Such as strength, grace…" He trailed off, hoping he had not gone in the wrong direction.

"Yes… but of course, I haven't received any formal training."

"I noticed that you can use magic."

"Yes… but not much. If I had the training, I could do more." Lazuli was glad Eragon did not question her lack of formal training.

"May I test your proficiency at magic?" He asked, hoping for a yes.

Lazuli laughed, and she saw a pink tinge spread over the Rider's cheeks. "Of course. If you don't mind disappointments."

Eragon picked a pebble off the ground, and handed it to Lazuli. Their hands brushed, and Lazuli's cheeks burned. She distracted herself from the minor contact that had affected her so by placing the pebble in her hand. She knew what to do.

"Stenr reisa." The pebble rose.

"Hold it at eye level for as long as possible." Instructed the Rider.

Lazuli complied, holding the pebble there for five silent minutes, then sank back, exhausted.

"Very good." Lazuli detected sincerity in Eragon's voice.

"Thank you." She said it like a question.

For the rest of the day, Eragon taught Lazuli a few ancient words, and Lazuli helped Eragon practice his elf manners. Soon, the sky was dark, and Saphira returned from her excursion to fly with the two newly made friends. Lazuli clutched Eragon's waist once more, and with two powerful beats of her leathery wings, Saphira took off into the night sky.

Eragon's POV

Lazuli, the beautiful half-elf fell asleep with her arms wrapped tightly around me. Saphira was flying smoothly, so I didn't need to worry about her falling out of the saddle. Our first stop would be Farthen Dur, because I required a weapon other than my bow. Murtagh had taken my blade, and I felt vulnerable. I had already told Lazuli I knew the direction, so I let her go ahead and sleep. I felt oddly protective of her…

Oh no, not again. Saphira's voice was mocking. Our dear rider has fallen in love again. Must he be wooed so easily?

Saphira! I don't like her that way. We've only met for about two days.

Yet your face is burning crimson. She teased, causing Eragon to scowl.

Saphira was getting tired, so the party of three landed by the Beartooth river for an hour or so, letting Saphira rejuvenate, fill their water skeins, and pick out any water herbs that could be useful.

Saphira wandered into the forest, a woozy, but awake Lazuli on her back, legs strapped into the saddle. The two females gave Eragon privacy as he bathe—then in turn extended the same courtesy to Lazuli.

Eragon and Saphira chatted as they looked for various edibles in the forest. Before long, their talk wandered back to the topic of Lazuli.

I think she is hiding something. Eragon mused as he popped some mushrooms into a sack. Saphira craned her head to look at him.

I concur, but what is she hiding? She looked extremely uncomfortable when we asked her about being part elf. I can understand why… for example, she must be very rare—because Arya told us having a child was the ultimate show of love in an elf's point of view. I wonder if her mother was human, or her father was. I must also question her proficiency in magic.

Yes. Eragon agreed. She is quite strong, for one who did not receive any formal training. I wonder why she didn't—is it because she is only part elf? She doesn't look the part though. She is very—Eragon stopped abruptly, blushing.

I think she is intrigued by you as well. Saphira teased.

Eragon was quite surprised. The last few times he showed any attraction for a woman, Saphira had shown jealousy.

Y-you're not jealous?

No. I was surprised too, but there is something about her that is very warm and kind. She is not unnaturally graceful like a full elf. She has excellent poise, but in case you haven't noticed, she is a little awkward, and falls down sometimes. I feel protective of her… not jealous. Happy?

Eragon smiled. So I have your permission to pursue her?

Saphira stared with one large blue eye. Unless it interferes with your duties as a rider. But, you are only like the rest—you cannot shun feelings forever.

Thank you, Saphira. It makes it much easier to woo a woman, especially when there isn't a dragon trying to snap her head off.

Saphira snorted a plume of smoke over some medicinal herbs, and Eragon scurried over to pick them, using his magic to test if they were the right kind.

Eragon, I feel like she is a good person, and even if you were not a rider, she would have been interested by you.

Suddenly, Eragon and Saphira heard a piercing shriek—Lazuli. Eragon jumped onto Saphira, not even bothering to strap his legs in, and flew two miles to where Lazuli was. But it wasn't just Lazuli—there was a man holding a glinting red blade, eyes flickering between Lazuli, Eragon, and Saphira. Something massive moved behind him.