Wew! New chapter here we go! Also I'm starting a bit of a review poll, people have suggested that I add another new dragon to the story, a girl dragon(I have set it up so that if you guys want I can add his past girlfriend into the story), not really sure how that would work out so review and let me know your thoughts and if I get enough feedback that it would be a good idea I will send a new character back into the story.

Chapter #5 The start of something new

Saphira and Eragon weren't quite sure whose head was pounding harder the next morning. They had managed to crack open their eyes only to find the banquet hall deserted except for themselves and Arya, who knelt by Eragon's side, shaking him gently.

"Eragon," she whispered. "You need to get up. Ajihad's funeral will be soon, and you need to make yourself presentable." As they young Rider slowly sat up, "Here, Orik left these for you." She pressed a bundle of fine cloths into his arms. As Eragon staggered to his feet, he noticed

Saphira who was looking around the room rather quickly. Eliot had disappeared, Arya told her that Eliot had gone to help the dwarves with lighting a large fire for the send off, apparently the young dragon had even greater knowledge of how to control aspects of fire. After Saphira had drank about half a barrel of water Eliot re-entered the room to only seal everyone from his mind, even Saphira was unable to gain any ground on entering into his mind. It was surrounded by an energy that led everyone to be more wary of entering into his mind. And the whole time spent waiting for Orik to get them was an uncomfortable silence, when he finally did come they were relieved.

Arya looked over at Eragon, who nodded back to signal he was ready. Together, the four of them followed Orik into the hall and towards the gate of Tronjheim were Ajihad's precession had stopped three days ago.

Unfortunately, the rest of the day wasn't much better than the night before. Ajihad's funeral had left them depressed and sorrowful, and Nasuada's ascension, although a success, caused more tension to plague the Riders. Adding to that were Eragon and Saphira's hangovers, their pounding heads and queasy stomachs not helping matters one bit. Abiding by their previous promise to Nasuada days before, Arya and Eragon pledged their fealty to her in front of the gathered Varden, much to the displeasure of the Council. Despite the Varden's apparent support of the whole thing, the two youths were distinctly aware of the increasing animosity coming from the elders. Even Orik seemed taken aback by their actions, warning them that despite what they thought was right, enemies had been made today, Arya simply nodded and continued walking.

If that wasn't bad enough that evening Eragon had returned from bathing to find a woman named Trianna in their quarters. The young sorceress had come under pretenses of asking Eragon to reconsider joining Du Vrangr Gata. However, she had used a serpent shaped bracelet on her arm to entice Eragon with some sort of spell, and was clearly interested in the young Rider for something other than simple conversation. This little meeting had thankfully been broken up when Eliot decided to break open the door, Saphira right behind him.

After the dragoness gave Trianna a not-so-subtle warning to leave, Eragon rounded on his companions, furious. He yelled at them for hindering his attempts to try and pursue a relationship, stating that he was not a little boy; he was a man, and capable of making his own decisions regarding women. The other three of them had vehemently protested that she was only trying to use Eragon because of his status as a Rider, that she really didn't care about him at all. Not only that, but Saphira pointed out that any feelings Eragon had towards someone would also involve her, due to their bond as Rider and dragon. Of course, this lead to Eragon reaming on them and the fact that their developing relationship had already affected the group dynamic.

The violent argument ended with Eragon leaving the room and spending the night away from Eliot, Arya and Saphira in one of the dwarves barracks. Even though the fight was long over from the previous night, tensions were still high between the dragoness and the drake, as they were still uncomfortable around each other after the events of the previous night.

They shared words of taught kindness before departing from one of the other.

The next morning, Eragon returned to their shared quarters. By unspoken consent, neither of them tried to discuss what had transpired, as neither side was willing to yield ground on the subject. The two of them were just happy to be reunited, and did not wish to risk endangering the close friendship that they shared.

It was during lunch that the young messenger, Jarsha, told them that they had been summoned by Nasuada. Finishing their meal, the two riders and dragons made their way to Ajihad's study, where Nasuada had taken up her father's office. Seating themselves in front of Nasuada's desk, they listened intently as she explained what she had planned for the Varden.

It came as a shock to all four of them and surprisingly even more to Arya to learn the Nasuada planned to relocate the Varden to Surda, now that the sovereignty had chosen to fully support the movement against the Empire. While Nasuada led her people south, Eragon and Saphira were to travel to Ellesmera to further their training with the elves. Eragon felt a small nudge in his stomach when she explained that Arya would be traveling with them, and tried to ignore the subtle poke to his ribs from Eliots talon. Orik would be accompanying them as well, so as to maintain a balance between all peoples involved with Eragon and his companions. After entrusting Eragon with a formal missive to the elven queen detailing the Varden's request for aid, Nasuada dismissed her vassal, Arya was truly a rider of the elves but she did swear to assist her and told them to prepare for their journey.

That evening saw a flicker of times past return to Eragon and the others. Dinner was finished and they sat happily conversing in their quarters along with Orik. The tensions and trouble of the last few days seemed to wash away in anticipation of traveling once again. "It'll be nice to get out in the open air again," Eragon mused, leaning back against Saphira's scaled flank.

"Aye, Tronjheim is a marvel, but after a while you miss the feeling of actually being outside," a new voice agreed, the four of them jumped, the messenger stood outside to tell them that Eliot would be expected, upon their next return to the Varden, to disclose certain information to the Varden to further their strategies.

It will be nice to actually see where I am flying, Saphira joined in, causing the four of them to erupt in laughter again.

Not to mention seeing the sunlight shine off your scales, I have not seen that before, Eliot said, rubbing her neck warmly. The dragoness hummed at his touch, and Eragon couldn't help but smile. The last couple of days had not been easy, nor enjoyable, and he was glad to see that the four of them were slowly getting back to how they had been; but it was now more like a little family.

Arya actually began laughing along with Eragon.

They sat in quiet companionship for a time, until Saphira nudged Eliot's shoulder with her snout. Would you like to go for a walk with me?

Eliot hesitated, and glanced over at Arya, her mental state was improving but he did not want to leave her alone. "It's alright Eliot," Arya read his friend's expression. "Just don't be out all night, we leave early tomorrow."

We won't, Saphira promised, giving her Rider a small lick. She stood up and padded towards the door, beckoning for Eliot to follow her. Saphira hummed happily as the silver dragon Stood up onto his feet. Stopping to give Arya a small nuzzle with his snout, he followed her out the door and through Tronjheim to the fields under the mountain crater.

He strode next to her for some time before he notated a small area where the moonlight fell into the crater, beckoning for her to lie next to him. She hummed warmly their tails circled each other for awhile before Saphira actually addressed the matter on her mind.

What happens now? She whispered.

Nothing, I was to frustrated and confused this morning so I went to talk with Angelina after helping the dwarves. He said before turning his head away, I am sorry about locking you out of my mind.

Saphira acknowledged his apology, are you up for another race?

That doesn't help us rest, He complained in a mock tone. The two dragons shared another laugh, then just lay there together for a while, before Eliot spoke up again. Saphira?

Yes?

You know that I care about you right? And what I did when you were drunk...I did because I care?

She nuzzled her snout up against his. Yes, I do.

She laid her head atop his for a few minutes before Saphira pointed out that they promised Eragon they wouldn't be out late. Climbing back to their feet, they began to make their way back towards the marble city. As they walked beside each other, Eliot moved his tail over and wrapped it around Saphira's, holding onto to her as they walked. She hummed and rested her head against his shoulder.

Yes, she definitely made the right choice, and in time maybe he would make his. For the first time since she had hatched, Saphira was actually glad there were no other dragons around.

Or so she thought…

Happy april fools day!

Review and enter the poll, new girl dragon or no!

~RiseOfTheShadow

(P.S. sorry for the short chapter! Trying some dragon fluff and its really not my talent)