DISCLAIMER: The Inheritance Cycle is not owned by me. Christopher Paolini owns that universe which he created.

Edge of Oblivion

Chapter VIII - Rider and Dragon

Eragon went through the first level of Rimgar as part of his morning routine. Oromis had told him he was nearly ready for the second level, and true enough after many weeks now of doing the first level he was getting quite adept at it. No longer did he have to strain every muscle and will himself to complete certain poses - though he balked at the thought that this was only the first level. A minor sweat began to form on his skin, but his breathing remained smooth and calm as he finished. Resting on his bum as he sat on the stone floor of his room, he reached out with his mind to Saphira.

Good morning, little one, she replied to his mental touch with affection.

Good morning! he replied back cheerily, Where are you?

She sent him images of flying over Doru Araeba and he marveled at them. She was supposedly big enough for him to ride, but he was still skeptical about it. Nevertheless, he imagined what it was like at times and wished he could be out there gliding through the vast sky with her. His mind formed quick questions: how fast could she fly? how far? could she do any aerobatics? All questions that he knew would be answered once he could fly with her.

He went to the dining hall where he ate alone - there were few people there, none whom he knew. Satisfied with his breakfast, he cast out his mind to Saphira once more. He found her again, high up above the city.

Can you meet me out in the courtyard? he asked.

I will be there soon.

About ten minutes later Eragon walked into the courtyard in front of the Citadel. The main gates of the walls loomed ahead of him, and Saphira was there waiting. She was much bigger now, already larger than Eragon himself, and still she was growing. And it was not only the physical aspect of her that he watched blossom, for so had her mind. And that what had impressed her rider even more: her quick intelligence as well as her strong personality made him love his dragon even more. It felt like it was really meant to be, and in a way it was.

I've been waiting here for five minutes, she stated indignantly, though in a joking tone.

Eragon smiled, I cannot fly as you can. I am confined to walk upon the ground, and that takes longer than soaring in the air.

She snorted at that, but did not respond. Then she spoke, What did Oromis-elda instruct for you today?

He shrugged and said out loud, "I have not seen him yet. I was going there next, if you wanted to come with me."

She gave a large nod of her head and they headed for the Training Hall. Although she was large, she could still fit through the massive doors of the Training Hall - just barely slipping by. She would not be able to in another week or so, but thankfully she could still do so and not get stuck. That would have been quite embarrassing.

Oromis was there, practicing the Rimgar himself. Eragon and Saphira chose not to disturb him, watching from a distance as their master performed highly complicated stretches and moves that made Eragon wince. Saphira chuckled inside her head loud enough to go through their mental link and he glared at her.

Finally, the elder finished and wiping a thin coat of sweat off of his face with the back of his hand he stood and greeted them with a smile.

"Oromis-elda," Eragon greeted him in return, bowing his head. Saphira repeated the same to Oromis through a mental link.

"Well, Eragon. Today will be quite exciting for two things: one, you shall ride Saphira at the end of the day and two: I shall teach you the next level of the Rimgar," said Oromis, his smile still fixated upon his face.

Inwardly Eragon groaned. When he had learned the first level, he was a wreck after he had gone through only a few of the moves. He imagined it would be quite the same with the next level, as they got progressively more challenging. He hoped, at least, the effects would not be as strong as that first time. He hurt for days.

A bit delayed, his mind finally processed the first thing his master had said: he would fly Saphira. The prospect was both daunting and exciting. He wanted to fly with her, as he had thought about for many weeks now and as he had been thinking just earlier. But leaving the safety of the ground and hurtling through the air at such speed and at such heights struck fear in him. Mainly the fear of falling.

Saphira snorted again as those thoughts flooded through their link, You are not supposed to be afraid of heights! You are a rider!

Eragon looked at her, I may be a rider, but one who has yet to fly. So I think m fears are warranted! he defended himself, And just because I'm afraid doesn't mean I'll not do it... besides, you won't let me fall, right?

She did not answer him.

RIGHT? he asked again, a little panicked.

She gave him an amused look, Perhaps.

Eragon groaned and shot her a weak glare.

Oromis proceeded to instruct him in the next hour on the moves of the second level of the Rimgar. After watching it a few times and mentally going over the specific moves and steps in his head, he proceeded to go through it himself. To his surprise, he actually performed the first few without too much difficulty. His body was still not that flexible or strong, but it was getting there and he definitely felt great improvements. Nevertheless, about halfway through he began to struggle as he had the very first time.

Panting, he dropped to the ground, unable to complete it.

Oromis smiled, "A valiant effort, Eragon. You have improved much, but there is room to grow, as always."

"Yes, master."

"Now that you know that, we shall go through the new names you've learned in the ancient language. I trust you've studied them?" His look was more of a statement than a question, but Eragon responded in the affirmative just the same as if he had genuinely asked. There was no slacking with Oromis, stern as he was, but he was fair and nice. After going through what he had learned, they finished by having Eragon perform some magic to test his energy reserves. He was tired afterwards, but elated that he was able to do much more than that first time when Oromis had asked him to levitate a stone.

It took him three hours, and Oromis had been patient with him the whole time. Coaxing him and explaining to him how to call forth the energies within.

"Like any muscle, the more you use magic the more your body will get used to it and the stronger you will get. Thus, no matter where you are you must always try and practice magic if you wish to be stronger," explained the old elf, "You will not see immediate results, but after some time you will begin to feel the strength grow within you and spells that once took a lot of energy will be no harder than jumping into the air."

Eragon nodded, intrigued.

"Of course, there is a limit to this, but until you discover it I suggest you keep practicing magic," he added pointedly.

Eragon nodded again, then asked, "Is there any other way to increase magical power or energy reserves?"

Oromis thought for a moment, and Eragon wondered if it was because he was debating what specifics to tell him and what to omit or if he was actually trying to recall an answer. "There has been a close link to physical fitness and magical ability, but that has not been established as fact as of yet. There are, of course, jewels imbued with power that you may draw upon. And there are other ways," he paused, "Ways that you are not ready to hear or understand."

"Yes, master," responded Eragon. Yearning to ask what those ways were, he restrained himself and thought of the upcoming flight with Saphira. "Master, how am I to fly Saphira? I do not have a saddle." He looked at his blue-scaled bond-mate as he spoke. She too was curious.

The elder smiled, "That is why I said at the end of the day you shall ride her. I have already commissioned for a saddle to be made for you, and it should be ready by mid-afternoon."

The next two hours were spent learning about some different herbs and their respective properties as well as where to find them. Useful knowledge for a rider who traveled around Alagaësia who may be in need of an herbal remedy. Also in that time Oromis spoke some more about healing magic, which was important should any injuries to both Eragon or Saphira arise. Talking about that, however, made Eragon a bit more apprehensive about the impending flight. It was almost as if Oromis purposefully added this part to make sure that if he got injured or Saphira did he could take care of them. Hoping it would not have to come to that, he listened intently and carefully ran it through his mind several times to commit to memory Oromis' teachings.

Another hour was spent sparring with wooden swords. Although Eragon was for all intents and purposes highly skilled with the sword, he was still not a master. And against an elf, he was no match, but Oromis slowed his movements for Eragon to make it somewhat fair. Even then the elf was still faster and stronger than Eragon, and though the elder did not press his attacks too hard, Eragon was still irritated by his inability to breach the elf's defense and the few small welts he received on his arms, shoulders, and legs.

A small boy ran in then, about the age of twelve Eragon reckoned, and he told them that the saddle was finished and would be delivered to the courtyard soon. Thanking him, Oromis turned to Eragon as the little boy left. "Well, are you ready, Eragon?"

Breathing in deeply, Eragon let out a slow breath, "I guess," he said.

Saphira's amusement through their link only made matters worse.

-xxx-

Stop fidgeting! you're making ME nervous, she scolded him lightly.

After showing Eragon the saddle and explaining its different parts, he went through the steps of putting it on Saphira. Then he undid it and told Eragon to repeat what he did and commit it to memory - "Every rider needs to know how to mount a saddle on their dragon," he explained. Then he proceeded to tell Eragon how to get on and strap himself in securely. Though the young rider already knew how to do so after having ridden on Sephyr a few times already in the past, he silently observed his master in case there was anything his father had not explicitly explained to him.

And speaking of which, did you not ride with Sephyr already before? she asked, confused as to why he was so apprehensive of their soon coming flight.

Eragon gave a mental shrug, It was different then. Besides, Sephyr was much bigger and I had no misgivings he could carry me safely, not to mention my father was always there and all I had to do was hold on to him.

Eragon could feel her roll her eyes in his mind. Whatever. I hope this flight of ours will cure you of your fears. I wish for us to fly often, she said seriously.

Her rider agreed. He wished he was not so wary, but he really did not want to be the first rider to die from falling off his dragon during a peaceful flight. Trying to get those thoughts out of his head, he looked at Oromis who he realized had stopped talking by that point. He looked at Eragon, then at Saphira, then back to Eragon.

"This flight will be most... eye-opening for you both," said Oromis rather cryptically, and Eragon did not like it at all for it made him feel uneasy again. "Now, whenever you're ready." He pointedly looked at Saphira.

She growled and then leaping forward she unfurled her wings.

Saaphiraaaa! he yelped in his mind as they took flight. His knuckles grasped the handles of the saddle tightly as the wind blew into his face. Another beautiful day in Vroengard allowed Saphira freedom to fly wherever she wished without worrying about being buffeted by any strong winds or being struck by lightning. Though she was not worried about that prospect, had there been lightning she was sure Eragon would not only be afraid but if they had been struck he might have been hurt. They would have to talk about that later, perhaps Oromis had suggestions.

After about a minute or two, Eragon finally opened his eyes and loosened his grip. They were flying steadily across Vroengard, away from the city. The feel of the wind blowing past his skin and through his hair was unbelievable. He felt so... free. And so very much alive. His mouth widened into a smile as he let out a whoop, which Saphira laughed at.

So, little one. You are no longer afraid? she asked.

Eragon's smile widened even further, Not anymore! We're flying Saphira! We're flying!

Thank you for clarifying, I wasn't aware of what this was... she said sarcastically, and he sent her the equivalent of a mental glare. She laughed again.

I could get used to this, he said softly through their link. It was very peaceful up here, especially since they were cruising along nice and straight in a flat trajectory.

Saphira suddenly tucked her right wing in and twisted to the right. Eragon's stomach lurched as the world spun around. They straightened out again after spiraling three times, and the young rider felt like he was going to puke. Thankfully, they had trained straight through lunch and so he had little food left in his stomach. Still, he dry heaved a little but thankfully it was not so bad.

Don't! Do! That! Again! he said adamantly.

What? she responded innocently, You mean this? and she proceeded to repeat the move towards the left.

Again Eragon's world spun. His head and eyes hurt and his stomach lurched.

I hate you, he said weakly through their link.

Saphira laughed, highly amused. I love you too, little one.

For the remainder of their flight she made sure to keep things simple and fly in straight lines and turn in shallow angles. She did explain to him, however, that he would have to get used to such maneuvers. It is part of being a dragon rider. You must be as comfortable in the air as I am, so that when you are riding me it will feel as natural to you as if you were on land.

Eragon agreed with her again. True, but I doubt I can be as comfortable flying as YOU. I could get more used to it, of course. And it would be especially useful if ever there was a battle. Looking around he realized they were over ocean that stretched to the edges of the world. He wondered if they could one day fly across it.

Perhaps some day, many many years from now, she said to him, equally as intrigued by the seemingly endless sea. Behind them, Vroengard jutted out of the sea as if the Dragon Riders had specifically summoned the island into existence just to be their home. It seemed so out of place, not to mention from up their vantage point the island looked like a giant dragon claw.

Saphira banked and turned around and they fast approached Vroengard. As they flew, Saphira told him of all the things that she saw and he was amazed at her amazing eyesight. Here, let me show you, she said and before he could ask her how she meant to do that he felt his consciousness completely engulfed by Saphira's. He initially resisted, as his training taught him in such situations, but since it was Saphira he forced his resistance down and allowed her to... pull him in. Yes, that was the right word. He felt his consciousness drift into hers and it was quite a strange feeling.

He could feel his body and yet also hers. It was then that he realized he could see through her eyes, as well as sense through her other senses. Saphira saw in shades of blue, which he was astonished to discover, and everything looked quite beautiful. Though he also thought it seemed rather boring to have only one color, however many different shades of it there were. Still, he was amazed again by her incredible eyesight and how she perceived the world around her. He could smell many different things in the air, none the least of which were other birds nearby - some of them had flown away in fear while others flew as if they were used to dragons flying about. Through her his sense of hearing was also amplified, and he could if he concentrated hear the the crashing of the waves onto the rocks many hundreds of feet below them

They stayed like that until they were near the city, seemingly melded into one entity. Then Saphira released him and he was able to pull himself back into his mind. He felt dizzy and lightheaded, but it was not the same as he had felt earlier when she had done barrel rolls. It was a far more agreeable and pleasant sensation this time around. He was in awe at what had transpired, and he wondered if perhaps that was what Oromis had hinted at earlier. He definitely now felt much closer to Saphira, having basically been within each other's consciousness for a seemingly long time.

Affection poured through their link with each other, and he rubbed the scales on her back as they began to descend. Slowly, of course.

Oromis was where they had left him, though he was on the ground with his legs crossed. His eyes were closed and his slightly outstretched arms rested on his legs. His eyes fluttered open as Saphira landed with a thud, her legs bending as they absorbed the shock and her wings widening before she folded them back. Lowering her front legs to make it easier for Eragon to dismount, she straightened again. Humming a tune in her head the whole time.

Eragon was grinning as he bowed his head, "Master Oromis," he greeted the elf.

Oromis took a deep breath and then stood up, brushing some dust off of his robes. "I trust you had a good flight?"

"Not just good, master. Excellent," he said and he proceeded to explain to the elder what had occurred.

The elf was amused at the sudden enthusiasm Eragon had, having moments before taking flight been rather wary of the flight. It was quite the contrast.

"Yes, that happens quite often on the first flight together of a rider and his or her dragon," explained the elder, "It further cements the bond between you two. And the stronger the bond, the stronger you two shall be both together and apart."

Saphira nudged Eragon with her snout, and her rider rubbed the top of her snout in response.

I love you, little one, she said.

He looked directly into her sapphire-blue eyes and responded in kind, And I love you, Saphira.

The young rider felt so very much at peace. Everything was right in the world.

-xxx-

At dawn the next day, Eragon was up and about. The activities of the previous day still energized him, and he hummed a happy tune to himself as he began to do the first level of the Rimgar. Unlike before, however, as soon as he finished the first level he proceeded unto the second. By that time he began to feel the strain on his muscles already, and he knew he would not finish yet again. Still, it was better to do what he could than to not attempt it at all. Sure enough, less than a quarter through the moves he relented and sat down to catch his breath.

Good morning again! he cried through his mental link towards his partner-of-mind.

He could feel her smile, at least mentally, through their link. And a good morning to you as well, young one.

As usual, Eragon quickly went to get his breakfast and then proceeded to the Training Hall. Oromis was not there however. Instead, Arven waited for him with a soft smile on her lips. The sight of her made him think of Arya, and he suppressed the thought immediately lest he be so distracted in his training, especially for the first day with Arven. He had to make a good impression.

He bowed his head as he approached, "Atra esterní ono thelduin."

Her smile widened a tiny fraction as she responded, "Mor'ranr lífa unin hjarta onr."

He completed it by saying, "Un du evarínya ono varda."

She inclined her head, "You need not be so formal, Eragon."

Nodding, he replied, "Very well, Arven-elda. However, this being the first time I will train with you I thought it would be more appropriate to begin with that."

The elf observed him for a moment and then she let out a "hmmm" sound before saying, "You show great promise, Eragon. As your father before you."

Eragon thanked her, "You are kind with your praise, Arven-elda. I can only hope to achieve as much as my father."

"You may yet surpass him," she whispered, almost too softly for Eragon to not hear it. He did not know what to say so he kept silent. No pressure at all... he thought to himself.

She shook her head as if waking up from a dream and her eyes widened before settling onto Eragon again, "Now, let us begin. Oromis informed me that you are studying a book on names in the ancient language. Now let us hear what you have learned so far and see if we can ensure you remember not only the words but how to pronounce them properly."

"Where is Oromis-elda?" he asked curiously.

"Busy," was all the elder said in response.

Again he recited the names in the ancient language that he was learning and it went on for over an hour before he had to perform some magic simple magic drills. Then Arven tested his swordsmanship. Again Eragon could not best an elf, but he did well considering. Arven then asked Eragon something he had not done in a while: to fight using weapons other than the sword.

"It is important to know how to fight with other weapons. Should you ever lose yours or leave it behind somewhere and you needed to fight, it is important to learn other arts of war. I know you are good with a bow, so let us begin with that," she said. Along one of the racks were many quivers filled with arrows as well as an assortment of bows. His bow in particular was nice, but these were of excellent make and he could feel the power in them as he tested each one. Finding one that suited him, he followed Arven down the Hall to where there were cloth dummies filled with hay.

They spent the next half hour with Eragon shooting at the targets. He was an excellent marksman thanks to his many hunts, and the majority of his arrows were on target. The only times he missed were when Arven made things challenging by making him move as he drew the bow or by having him shoot two arrows at a time.

The next hour was devoted to spear and pike handling, which Eragon found to be quite difficult. He was not strong enough to handle the pike for long periods, and the spear while not as heavy was still more cumbersome than he was accustomed to. Brom had tried to teach him a few things about these other weapons, but it was the bare minimum. Arven told him to try to practice when he could find the time so that he would not be confined to merely a sword and bow. Daggers came next, and this was tricky since they were shorter and smaller, and required far more dexterity than Eragon currently possessed. They also tried axes, which proved easier than the others thanks to its similarity to blade-wielding, though they were also somewhat different. Enough so that it was still quite challenging.

Finally, as their last lesson, Arven tried to teach him how to properly throw a spear. She had demonstrated by throwing one perfectly through the chest of one of the dummies from a few dozen feet away. Upon trying himself from that distance, he could not even get the spear to fly halfway before it clattered to the ground. A few pointers later, and he managed to get it a little farther, but still not even halfway to the dummy.

Eragon rolled his right shoulder several times, loosening it as it had started to feel sore and tight from the throwing.

"It will come in time. You merely need to be stronger," she reassured him when he let out a frustrated sigh. On his last attempt he managed to get it at least halfway before it clattered to the ground.

Upon reviewing what they went over, he and Arven parted ways.

Walking outside, he felt Saphira's presence nudge at his mind. How are you, little one?

Tired, he grumbled, Arven taught me today. We did some new things.

Saphira was curious, Oh? Like what?

He proceeded to share with her what he had done for the last few hours. And as he did so, she flew overhead and landed close by him. Walking up to her, he hugged her upper neck, her jaw coming over his left shoulder and she nestled a bit against him. Then he let go and asked her what she did all day.

Oh, not much. I flew around here and there, but for the most part I was in the forest napping, she said with a bored voice. I cannot wait until I can train myself.

Eragon made a note to ask Oromis when he returned when Saphira would train with Glaedr. He wondered what the dragon looked like, for he had never seen him. Though he knew he was golden-scaled from what his father had told him.

Have you seen Glaedr around at all? he wondered, thinking that she must have seen him what with all her flying.

Yes, but only from a distance. He seems to have a knack of hiding where he cannot be seen, she responded.

Eragon grinned, Isn't that the point of hiding? Not to be seen? Why would you want to hide where you could be seen?

Bah! she scowled, You know what I mean.

Later that night, as he drifted off into sleep, his thoughts turned to Arya. He wondered what she was doing, where she was, and if she was anywhere he was going to be in the near future. And as he dreamed, she became the focus of unconscious mind.

-xxx-

Stretching, Eragon yawned as he awoke. He had had a good dream, though he could not quite remember what it was about. Rolling out of bed, he went through his usual morning routine. As he entered the Training Hall, he noticed that Arven was not alone. Another woman, her back to him, was talking to her. She looked rather familiar to Eragon as he walked up to them.

Turning around, he realized it was his mother, Selena.

"Oh Eragon! You never visit the house anymore! Have you forgotten about us?" she said in pretend dismay, though he could tell she was a little hurt.

Sheepishly, he grinned at her and said, "Sorry, mother. I've been... distracted with my training lately."

She hugged him tightly for a few long seconds before letting him go and stepping back to take a look at him. "You are filling out now. You are bigger than I remember, and taller too!" she exclaimed with a smile of delight. "Elder Arven has agreed to let you spend the day with me, seeing as how you have not been able to speak with me for quite some time.

Eragon looked to Arven, who inclined her head, "Family is important, Eragon. You must not forget that." She then bade them a good day and said, "May the stars watch over you," before she left.

His mother tidied up his hair, which had grown a bit longer and unruly and then proceeded to drown him in a hug once again. He did feel very guilty for not having passed by the house at all throughout his training. He vowed from then on to regularly visit, as he should have done since the beginning.

Later, they were strolling around outside the Citadel and found themselves walking along the parapets of the high stone walls that surrounded the Citadel in a crescent shape. The city of Doru Araeba stretched out before them, its many buildings like jagged rocks protruding from the ground.

"So how are you, dear?" asked Selena as she leaned against the parapet.

Eragon looked around, "Well, mother."

"And your training?"

"It's tough... but I like it. And I am doing fine according to my masters," he answered, shifting to turn to her. "And you, mother? How are you?"

She let loose a long sigh, "Tired, Eragon. And lonely. Both you and your father are constantly away."

Eragon had wondered about that. He had not seen his father for some time. His father usually stopped by every now and then to check on him, but it had been about a week since he had. He wondered what he was up to.

"I'm sorry I've neglected you, mother. I... I will do better," he assured her as reached over and pulled her into a one-armed hug.

There were tears in her eyes, and he felt terrible that he should be the cause of them. How could he have forgotten someone so important to him? Everything that has happened has caught me up in a whirlwind so I have been very distracted, he told himself. Still, he did not like that he had so easily let his mother slip from his mind. She deserved more than that.

"And how is your dragon, Eragon?" she asked.

"Saphira? She is doing great. If you would like to meet her... well, I suppose you should meet her. You are my mother after all." With that he called out to his mind-bonded-other-half.

I come, she said simply.

With a whooshing of wings she flew over them, much to the delight of his mother. Her blue scales glittering in the sun as she executed a graceful spin and then landed with a slight thud as her wings caught the air to break herself. She had landed on the wall a few feet away, her forelegs up on the parapet as her claws gripped the sturdy stone. He approached her, closely followed by his mother who looked at Saphira with wonder.

"She is magnificent!" Selena exclaimed honestly.

Saphira's chest rumbled at the praise as her mind reached out to her. As was natural for any skilled in the art of mental defense, she recoiled at first, but then allowed Saphira a connection to her mind. Well met, Selena, mother of my rider. I thank you for your praises, you are too kind.

Selena smiled and said aloud, "Well met, Saphira."

The blue dragon turned to Eragon then and said, I too am at a loss as to why we did not visit your mother sooner. We are both at fault in this, and I will remind you when I can to visit her if we have the opportunity.

Eragon was quick to agree to that. They spoke for a few more minutes before promising his mother that they would see her again soon. With that, Selena bade him one last goodbye with another tight hug before she left them at the top of the walls.

Looking down, they watched as she worked her way towards their house, disappearing from view as she rounded a corner. They stood in silence for several minutes afterwards, before Eragon stirred and looked up at Saphira with a grin.

How about we fly around for a while and then watch the sunset... from the sky, he suggested.

Saphira liked the idea. So he went to get her saddle and, meeting up with her down in the courtyard, he put it on. Satisfied that it was secure, he climbed up onto her back and strapped himself in. They were in the air a moment later, and again the feeling of total freedom engulfed Eragon just as the wind wrapped around and blew against his body.

They flew around for a while, before Saphira got very tired, still not used to extended flights with her rider on her back. Deciding to land somewhere in the mountains of Vroengard so that they could still watch the sunset from a higher elevation, Saphira found a good-sized plateau that would suit them perfectly. They spent the next few hours watching as the sun slowly set, content to be with each other. They spoke for a while, but as the sun dipped low on the edge of the world they were wrapped in silence. Both rider and dragon needing no words as they enjoyed each other's presence.

A/N: As always I appreciate your reviews. They never fail to encourage me to write more and also faster. :) It further makes me feel good inside knowing how my writing has positively affected others. Thank you! Atra du evarínya ono varda.