Eragon PoV

He has changed! He has changed! The voices rang through his mind as he slowly awoke. He was vaguely aware of a soft hand brushing a strand of his hair out of his face. He stirred, and the hand immediately retracted. His eyes drearily opened, and he looked around him. Saphira's head loomed above him, and Arya sat next to him. Saphira spoke,

Be careful, little one. Saphira said, he nodded, slowly sitting up. He turned to Arya; his voice was hoarse as he asked,

'Are you ok?' she looked at him oddly, and she replied in a soft voice,

'You just tackled a bear, changed into a bear, then healed a bear, and you are worried I might be hurt?' she shook her head, and he smiled wryly. He slowly started to stand, and was startled as his tunic tore open at the sleeves. He looked at himself and frowned. Something was wrong. The shirt was too tight. He flexed for a second and his shoulders and back tore open the fabric. He grimaced as he wriggled out of the remains of his shirt, and looked at Saphira.

That is not normal. Thick muscles wrapped around each inch of his body, but not so much that it was cumbersome. Blood stained his stomach and back, and he went to Saphira's saddle to get loose clothing. He drew out a black pair of trousers; they sat loosely and fluttered in the soft breeze. He reached in again and drew out a soft black shirt, much like the one he wore on his trip back. He turned around and looked at Arya, and asked

'Do you mind if I change for a second?' she shook her head, studying his frame. The tattoo had changed; instead of snapping at Eragon's face, it had its head turned to the side, a peaceful expression on its face.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Arya PoV

Saphira brushed against her mind, and she let her in.

you know, sooner or later he is going to see it. He is not totally oblivious. She placed her head next to Arya, and Arya frowned,

I know. But how can I tell him? He is fighting for the whole of Alagaesia, and you saw what he did. He threw a bear twenty yards, just so I wouldn't be hurt.She looked at Saphira, who let out a snort of laughter.

Small one, if you had been hurt, he would have fallen apart. And if only you knew, he would immediately stop fighting for Alagaesia if you died. It is better to enjoy love while it lasts, instead of not letting your emotions flow. It hurts him more than anything else; because he thinks you have no want for him.She stopped as Eragon appeared, and settled as his hand scratched her scales lightly. He looked at her, and smiled,

'We are marching in two days,' he said in a somber voice, she nodded, understanding his fear.

'Only a few more fights, then everything we have been fighting for comes to a head.' she settled next to him, sighing as his shoulders slumped miserably.

'Two free dragons fighting against the most powerful man in Alagaesia.' His eyes studied the sky, calm acceptance in his gaze. She looked at him, and despised the thought of him failing after so much, after what they had been fighting... She replied in a determined voice,

'You will win. You have the elves, humans, dwarfs, urgals, and now, I think, the animals. You have everyone you need, but we have to find hope.' She hugged him tightly, unwilling to let go. He bowed his head, and wrapped an arm tightly around her. Nothing compared to how she felt, the soft warmth of his muscled arm calmed her, and lit a fiery desire in her heart.

I told you. Said the smug voice of Saphira in her head. Arya turned her head and laughed. Eragon looked at them both and asked, puzzled,

'What?' they laughed harder, the grating sound of Saphira's laughter bouncing off the trees.

Eragon PoV

He crossed his arms, frowning slightly, and then finally gave up, standing, and brushing of his trousers. He gave an amused look at Arya's look of dismay, and said in a casual tone,

'I wonder if I can change again.' He gave a thoughtful look, trying to picture a mountain cat. Saphira cocked her head, going deeper into their bond.

Try a bear again; it seems much easier for you. She said thoughtfully, he replied by nodding his head, and delving again into his mind. He pictured a bear, jet black and muscled, and grabbed delved again into the new space in his conscience. He felt his body again heave forward, as if his stomach felt as if it was coming up his throat and the sound of his bones popping out of place and muscles tearing and reasserting themselves engulfed his ears, then everything went quiet. He moved. Front paw, then back paw to take half a step. He unsheathed and sheathed his claws, marveling at how easily they fit into his flesh. He gave a toothy grin towards Saphira and Arya, and playfully bonded from side to side, keeping his back legs planted firmly on the ground. Apparently that seemed comical, because they both let out a short burst of laughter.

Arya PoV

He tried to take a step towards them, but couldn't navigate his feet correctly, and stumbled slightly. He tried again, successful, and slowly started to speed up as he skirted the trees surrounding them. He reared upwards, balancing on his back paws, and landed with a thud against the ground. He snorted, attempting a laugh. And he casually strode towards them, curling into a ball next to Arya. She laughed, and gently patted his fur, running her fingers through the fur near his head she said,

'Why don't you try something else?' he looked at her through one eye, and nodded slightly, he got up, and she felt him touch her mind.

Don't you like me? He said in mock horror, and she smiled at his wide eyes.

Maybe, but lets see. She replied seriously. Amusement flickered in the link as he withdrew, and he shook his fur, growling softly. He closed his eyes, and he straightened up, his shoulders popping and his muscles reopening. She shuddered, imagining if it hurt, but she stopped as the sounds stopped, and she looked at him with a smile. A horse stood in his place, and it neighed softly. He tested each foot against the ground before attempting to take a step. He failed. Lifting a hoof forward off the ground sent him sprawling, and she laughed as he tried to stand, and as he neighed victoriously as he stood straight.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eragon PoV

He lifted a hoof again, this time successfully taking a step towards them. He suddenly understood what a calf would feel like, and he laughed to himself. Saphira's amusement bubbled into his mind, and he slowly started to walk, gaining speed with each step. Soon he was galloping, running back and forth between the clearing, going faster and faster. Soon he stopped, and changed back to himself. He smiled as he sat back down, next to Arya, and he said in a happy voice, excited,

'Maybe tomorrow we can try a bird! Saphira, maybe you could teach me how to fly." He smiled as she looked at him oddly,

Maybe we won't try flying until you are comfortable with walking, hmm?Projecting her thoughts to both of them. He smiled, and replied in submission,

'We should probably get that under control.' He smiled and leaned against a tree, imagining the things he could do. Arya looked at him with amusement and said,

'What are you doing tomorrow?' she asked, he replied in a grudging voice,

'Well, in the morning I have a meeting, nothing special, just quantities and things. What about you?' he smiled, answering her question. she pursed her lips, thinking,

'Actually, I am totally free tomorrow, maybe I will come see you practice, where will you be?' he thought for a moment, considering, then replied,

'Here, at about noon.' They sat in silence for a moment, enjoying the close proximity. But soon, as the sky dimmed further, Arya had excused herself, a thoughtful look on her face. So Eragon settled next to Saphira as she began to hum softly, and Eragon smiled, his eyes drifting closed. He dimly heard Saphira say in his mind,

Goodnight, little one. She nudged him gently, and he placed a hand on her head, enjoying the warmth.

Saphira? You know I love you more than anything else, right? He asked, groggily.

Ofcourse, little one. She replied, realizing the affects of the alcohol she had been drinking were taking affect on her partner.

Hmm… he trailed off, leaving the sentence empty. So they slept, under the moon and stars, together, peaceful, and content.