*I do not own the Inheritance Cycle…Also, koalas.*

All is Fair in Fun and War

She should be thanking me for saving her life! Instead she blames me for the deaths of others when many more have been lost in other battles. Eragon huffed and sat down angrily on his cot.

Saphira poked her head into Eragon's tent. You know as well as I do that Arya is under a lot of stress right now. Do not go complaining to me that she is not paying attention to you. Black smoke curled out of her nose as Saphira gave a pointed look of hurt towards Eragon, closing off her mind to his.

"Saphira…" Eragon trailed off and walked out of his tent. "I did not mean for it to sound as if I cared for Arya more than you." He placed his hand on her elegant head, stroking it soothingly.

She turned her head to the other side, not quite forgiving Eragon. He took a step towards Saphira, raising two hands in a threatening manner, and dived, attacking her unprotected belly, and tickling her with all his might.

Eragon! What are you-?

Saphira didn't get to continue as Eragon commenced his attack and she laughed her dragon-laugh of grating stones.

With a look of concentration Eragon said, "Do you forgive me now?"

N-ha-ha-never!

"Very well then, I suppose I will just have to torture you until you yield," he proclaimed with a smile.

Please! No-ha-ha-ha-ha-no more! I think my sides are about to burst! Saphira tried to wriggle out of Eragon's grasp, only to fail miserably in a fit of draconic laughter.

"Do you yield, Queen of the Skies?"

I submit! Now would you please stop tickling me, I may just die of laughter! Saphira pleaded.

Eragon stopped and smiled at her once more. I did not know that you were jealous? It sounded more like a statement than a question.

I am most certainly not jealous of Arya, thank you very much. I simply just miss the old days where we played together with no worries or interruption. Saphira sighed, causing smoke to come out of her mouth. Now with this harsh war, we hardly spend much time together anymore, and you are always in those pointless war meetings when the council does not even need your opinion!

Oh Saphira, Eragon said morosely, you should have said sooner. He wrapped his arms around her neck, and squeezed her reassuringly. After this war is over, we will stay in the Hadarac (sp?) Desert as long as you want, and I will even give up trying to woo Arya.

Would you really? She asked meekly, feeling like a hatchling again.

"Really, really." Eragon said, fully confident.

I do not want to make you suffer any more than you have to, little one. I am sure Arya will come around eventually, Saphira smirked a little, Though, I am not sure she will be able to keep up with all the danger you attract.

I do not attract danger; most people just don't like, or are too blind to see that I am trying to fight for the freedom of Alagaësia. Eragon replied, a slight hint of sarcasm entering his voice.

Whatever you say, Eragon.

It's the truth, and you know it!

Saphira ignored him and instead asked, Would you like to experience the exhilarating feeling of flight?

Are we one then? Eragon inquired while jumping onto her back.

We are one! Saphira hummed with content, and jumped into the sky before flying thousands of feet into the air and plummeting down towards the earth, snapping her wings open at the last second.

Eragon whooped with joy as Saphira performed more complex maneuvers, putting strain on her wings while suddenly floating upwards from a warm draft of air. They flew for hours, enjoying each other's company and relishing the time they had together before inevitable battles to come.

Suddenly, Saphira said, Are you getting heavier, little one?

Are you suggesting that I am fat, Saphira? Eragon questioned in a teasing tone.

Oh no, not at all, little one, the winds are just not in my favor today.

I can tell. You're straining your wings, why don't you take a nap and rest while I sort out some issues at hand?

Hmm, that sounds very tempting. But I wouldn't want to leave you all by your lonesome, though.

He patted her back comfortingly, Do not worry about me, I will have plenty of company if all goes according to plan.

Saphira craned her neck to look back at him. And what exactly are you planning to do on this fine day?

You might want to turn your head around before we crash, Saphira. He grinned widely, knowing that his evasive tactic worked.

I will eventually find out, you know. You cannot keep anything from me for long.

That is true, friend of my heart, but I would like to try something on my own before any consultation.

Are you sure that that is wise, little one? Remember what happened last time when you acted out of rashness before thinking? Saphira pointed out, thinking back to the Agaetí Blödhren.

Yes I have, but I did think this out, even though it may not go as planned.

Saphira sighed, gliding slowly towards the ground in lazy circles and landing with a thump caused by her enormous girth. Eragon jumped off skillfully, dropping to the ground softly while Saphira curled up into a tight ball.

I love you, Saphira. Eragon said tenderly.

I as well, Eragon…She echoed sleepily, drifting off into the world of dreams.

*Keep on reading.*