Just so you know, this didn't turn out the way I had planned, it took me for the same twist as it shall throw you. Hopefully this will continue for many chapters before the end, I would love a few ideas here and there to help the… "creative juices" flow. Reader input is always appreciated. R&R Enjoy!

Eragon stroked Saphira's scaly snout with his marked palm. So you really think that we should go? We might not get back here. What about Thorn and Murtagh?

Who cares about Thorn! she snapped. Then her tone grew mystified. We could start a new life, away from the politics, away from the constant need. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

It would. Eragon sighed and continued to scratch her cheek. But at what cost? Do we really want to abandon all those who we love? What about Roran? He would be devastated if we just up and left. Between him, Katrina and Vanir, people would be crushed. You know that Vanir has come to be a good friend of mine. I don't know what to do. Maybe we should talk to them?

She blew out a puff of smoke. Maybe we should. If we are to leave, we should inform Nasuada as well. After all, she is the new queen. Saphira swung her head around to look across the small part of shore they were camped on at the two other dragons. Remare was curled protectively around Kirea and both were sleeping peacefully. Eragon was hit with a sense longing that radiated from his dragon and followed her gaze.

You envy them, don't you? She bobbed her head in acknowledgement. I do too. I'd give anything to be with you like that. If only… He wrapped his arms around her neck. I love you, Saphira.

She hummed softly. And I you, little one.

He fell asleep with his head resting against hers and she lovingly covered him with one of her wings. A final thought came to her just before she gave in to slumber as well. Maybe Glaedr will know…

Remare awoke first and uncurled from around Kirea and stretched his claws out in front of him. At the loss of his warmth, Kirea awoke as well. She stood up beside him and shuffled her wings. Good morning, Rem. She extended her neck and rubbed his cheek with hers. What are we going to do today?

Perhaps we should ask our new friends. They stayed up later than us, talking. They might have a plan for today.

Right on cue, Eragon and Saphira woke up to a curious dragoness.

Eragon, did you and Saphira have something planned for today?

Eragon rubbed his eyes. "Well we were going to go back to Ellesmera to talk to some friends about leaving. You're welcome to come with us. I'm sure the elves would love to see another rider, no matter where they came from."

Let's go then. Kirea was very impatient. She wanted to go somewhere, but she didn't know why. Eragon climbed up onto Saphira's back and she leapt into the air.

Follow me, and try to keep up! Saphira pushed herself to her limits and sped out over the forest in an attempt to reach the Elven capital that day. Remare and Kirea kept pace, albeit with difficulty, and were too focused on keeping up with the sapphire dragon to talk.

They flew into Ellesmera as the sun was nearing the horizon. Saphira headed straight for the house of Vanir for the first stop.

As Kirea touched the ground, she morphed into her elf form and ran to a stop. Eragon jumped from Saphira and walked up to the door. He was about to knock on it when it opened and he was nearly run over by Vanir. He jumped back as Vanir did the same.

Vanir chuckled. "Well, greetings Eragon. What can I do for you?"

Eragon was not as cheerful. "Vanir, I just learned of a new land beyond the Beor Mountains and there are dragons there. I'm thinking about leaving Alagaesia for this new place. But I don't want to crush my friends with a unannounced departure. So I guess I came to say goodbye."

The elf lost his smile. "Eragon, are you sure? You would be sorely missed."

Eragon nodded. "Yes, I am sure. I'm tired of being Nasuada's errand boy for settling towns 'issues.' Saphira and I want to be free."

"I regret hearing that from you, but I understand your reasons. Very well. I am going to miss you friend." Vanir clapped him on the back. "Stay strong rider and may your sword stay sharp!"

Eragon pulled the elf into a manly hug. "I shall miss you too, Vanir. I want you to tell Roran for me, though. I think that he would be able to convince me to stay against my will with that silver tongue of his." They laughed.

Vanir suddenly noticed Kirea and Remare behind him and smiled. "Hello there. Who might you be?"

Kirea stepped forward. "I am Kirea and this is my dragon Remare."

Vanir bowed to her. "I am humbled to be in your presence, rider."

Kirea giggled. "Why thank you, Vanir. It is nice to meet you as well."

"I am sorry Vanir, but we must be going." Eragon shook his hand heartily. "Farewell, my friend."

"Farewell, Eragon. Farewell, Kirea. I wish you luck on your way!"

Eragon and Saphira began walking to a small shrine built near Oromis's hut. On a pedestal in the shrine there sat a golden orb. As soon as Remare saw it, he gasped. An Eldunarí!

A what?

The heart of hearts! It allows a dragon to live on after a body death.

Doesn't help. Let's talk about it another time.

Remare nodded. Very well. But whose Eldunarí is this? He moved closer to the orb and his snout brushed against it. Immediately a loud voice boomed into their minds.

Released ones! How did this come about? No never mind that. Eragon! Have you achieved your full potential like these two yet?

Saphira cocked her head to the side. Released ones? Full potential? What are you talking about, Master?

The dragon within the orb growled. When a dragon and rider bond together closer than before, then the true meaning of being a rider is released within them both. These two have been released already why haven't you?

Kirea stepped forward. Umm…if I may…?

Glaedr, young rider. Go ahead.

Yes, Glaedr. Well my dragon and I were given this ability by spirits, not by nature.

Are spirits not part of nature? It was fate for you to receive it this time. As it is Eragon's to find his. Do not fret young one. Your time is soon approaching.

Eragon's eyes widened in joy. Do you mean…?

Yes my student. You will be released into the shapeshifting ability.

How do I do it?

A chuckle sounded through their minds. Why don't you ask ones who have gone through that change already? I was not that fortunate, but partners like Oromis and I often were not. I know why you are here, Eragon. You wish to say goodbye. You are leaving for Ansteir are you not?

Remare and Kirea gasped at the mention of their homeland.

Did you think that my rider and I merely stayed in our own lands for so long? Of course not. I traveled to Ansteir many times. Tell me, is Vorand still doing well?

Kirea bowed her head. He is, Master Glaedr. He is the one who taught us in our years of training.

Then go, Eragon, Saphira. Go with my blessing, and my message. Please take my greeting to Vorand.

Eragon sighed. I will master. You do not wish to come?

I would…no, my place is here. Murtagh and Thorn still need guidance, and with you gone it is left to me. Do not dally here any longer, young ones. I grow anxious to leave the longer you stay. Please, be gone.

Saphira inclined her head to the orb. As you wish, Master. Come, Eragon. Remare, Kirea, we must be off.

Kirea stretched her arms above her head. "Okay then, where shall we go first? We definitely want to avoid the Unending Desert. We could visit the wild dragons in the Ormantu Range, though that could be dangerous if you can't become a dragon by then." They started walking down the path back to the city. "There's the Hill Country and the Southern Sea. Oh and the people there! The Orlassians, the Fulkor, the Vuls; oh they are all so interesting! Come on, I can't wait!" She morphed into dragon form and let out an excited bugle.

Remare shielded his words from the others and laughed. It sounds like my dragoness is anxious!

Your dragoness? Do I sense a bit of lust in your voice?

He nuzzled her neck. Maybe…but you are mine.

Oh am I now? She took off, bursting out into the open air. Then you'll have to catch me!

Eragon watched as Remare quickly followed the green dragoness, the white dragon's eyes emerald eyes shining. Couldn't make it easy for me, could you?

Another bugle sounded out. You have to earn it!

Eragon and Saphira gazed upwards at the two dragons as they chased each other across the sky. Shall we go little one?

Eragon nodded. That will be us soon. I can't wait. He climbed up onto her shoulders and she leapt into the air.

Higher up, Remare had started catching up with Kirea and as she spun in another aerial roll, he sped up and caught her forearms in his claws. Gotcha!

Rem… They pulled closer together and began to dive, spiraling as they went. Just before hitting the ground, they pulled apart and rose into the air again. Pieces of dragon lore rose into Kirea's mind and she realized what had just happened. Rem, that was…

He bobbed his head. Yes it was the courting dive. We are official mates now, love.

She shuddered in happiness at the word "mates." After so long…

They flew close to each other as they made their way eastward, away from the setting sun. When they landed, Eragon cuddled up against Saphira's chest. A question popped into Kirea's head and she voiced it to the two. How long have you been bonded?

Saphira looked up from her rider to Kirea. We have been as one for two years. What about you and Remare? You seem very close.

Remare stepped forward. We have been bonded for just over seventeen years.

Eragon's eyes widened and he thought of how old Kirea appeared as a human. "But you can't be a day over twenty!"

Kirea laughed. I am not. I was almost three years old when Remare hatched for me. We grew up together, and he looked after me when my parents were away. We have had a long time together. She licked Remare's cheek. But now we are truly together.

They took a few steps away from the two and lay down, with Remare curled around Kirea. I love you so much Kirea. More than life itself.

The green dragoness sighed and squirmed in the embrace of her mate. I feel the same, Rem. Her eyes narrowed and she licked his cheek again. But we are mates you know…

He shivered as he lost himself in thoughts kept to himself. He ran his tail over hers and laid his head over her neck. Not with Eragon and Saphira here, love. It would make them uncomfortable. He growled softly in anticipation. Just you wait, my dragoness. We will in time. We simply need to get those two away for a while…

She hummed contentedly. Hmmm…good night, my handsome dragon.

Sleep well, Kirea.

Eragon watched their actions through half closed eyes but dare not intrude upon their words. He closed his eyes and drifted into sleep's grasp, thoughts of dragons gracing his dreams.

He sighed quietly in his rest and Saphira raised her eyes to the stars. As she stared, she felt something deep within her change. Startled, she arched her neck to look down on her rider. He started to growl softly, causing Saphira to smile to herself. Maybe… She centered an image of what she believed she would look like as a human and she wished with all her heart to become it. She felt something give within the depths of her soul. She felt her body change and it altered until she was sitting with Eragon's head resting in her lap. She lifted her delicate looking hands up to her face and ran it over the unfamiliar angled features and pointed ears. She ran her hand through her hair and brought a lock of it around her neck to gaze at its beautiful blonde color. A soft sapphire tunic adorned her form, completing the transformation in her eyes. With tears of joy springing to her eyes, she gently shook Eragon awake.

He quickly sat upright and glanced around. His gaze landed on her and a shocked smile formed on his lips. Saphira?

She nodded and he threw his arms around her, burying his head in her long hair. Yes, Eragon?

He pulled his head away from her shoulder to gaze into her deep sapphire eyes. You look beautiful, my dear dragon.

She giggled. I'm not a dragon anymore Eragon! I'm a human like you.

You're more stunning than any human or elf. And you'll always be my dragon, sweet Saphira. He held her tight and inhaled her exotic aroma. My Saphira…

There ya go, a nice fluffy ending to something neither of us expected. Hope you enjoyed it, cuz I sure did.

Laters!