Answers to reviews:
Spedyalarm: Okay, okay... little dark there, don't you think?
thefallenediting: Thanks.
Dreagon D. Dragon: Never piss of a dragon.
Greed720: He only tells those he KNOWS he can trust. Besides, he doesn't tell everyone, else he wouldn't told the Twins right there and then.
wlukas949: Thanks.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls or The Inheritance Cycle.
Before anyone could comprehend the roar, or even let their ears recover from the sound of it, a fury of fire descended upon the Urgals, causing a large line of fire that burned several Urgals while a winged creature flew over then came landing in with a huge thud, kicking up water and stones. The creature had landed before the fire, casting it in a terrifying, sinister glow as it's wings spread in an intimidating display.
The dragon – yes, dragon – let our a furious roar before it descended upon the Urgals in a battle of tooth and claw, snarling viciously as it caught an Urgal in it's mouth and crushed it with it's sharp teeth. As it spat the body out, a familiar voice rang through Eragon, Murtagh and Saphira's heads, one that made their eyes widened.
Must you three always get into trouble when I'm not there?! The silver dragon spun, tail smacked an urgal into the cliff wall hard, the impact killing it instantly. Then the dragon whirled around and unleashed a torrent of fire from his mouth, burning more of the Urgals as their screams echoed and the smell of burning flesh filled the air. Beside him, Eragon felt a rush of emotions from Saphira.
Daemon! She shouted, pure unrestrained joy emitting from her at seeing him again after several days. DAEMON! She crouched low, prepared to pounce and join in to aid him against the Urgals when a roar from him stopped her.
Get inside! Now! He swung his long tail and smacked several Urgal archers off a ledge, watching them fall before going back to clawing and ripping apart the one son the ground with him.
Inside? Eragon looked around, before he soon noticed, at the cliff face, was a tunnel where only solid rock was moments before. Out of the opening streamed a dozen or so archers, and they began firing arrows at the advancing Urgals. A short, broad man wearing mail and brandishing a war-axe furiously waved at them to come inside. With a shocked mental stumble, Eragon realized that it was a dwarf. He turned back to the scene in front of him.
Stop standing there like daft idiots! Run! go! Daemon shouted at them upon seeing them still there. Another Urgal met it's demise at his claws.
Murtagh was the first to make for the tunnel with Tornac, Eragon and Saphira soon following but their attention was firmly on the silver dragon fighting the Urgals off, watching until they could no longer see him and the sound of battle was drowned out by the waterfall. Murtagh rushed up ahead, causing Eragon to call out for him before he and Saphira moved on ahead. Just as Eragon rounded a corner and passed under an arched doorway, he found himself in a large room face to face with several armed soldiers in fine armor, and a tall bald man was holding a dagger at Murtagh's throat. A bead of sweat dotted the young man's brow and his eyes narrowed. Eragon reached for the magic, but the bald man shot him a glare.
"Stop! If you use magic, I'll kill your lovely friend here, who was so kind as to mention you're a Rider. Don't think I won't know if you're drawing upon it. You can't hide anything from me." Eragon tried to speak, but the man snarled and pressed the dagger harder against Murtagh's throat. "None of that! If you say or do anything I don't tell you to, he will die."
Eragon saw the dwarf curse to himself and step forward, most likely to tell the bald man off for his actions, when a growl from behind them stopped them.
Harm any of them and you will have me to answer to, wizard. Daemon had returned, ripping a spear out his shoulder and spitting it onto the floor before looking at the bald man. Not this again, I have already told you who they are and Ajihad was already informed of their coming by me. Let them go, and be done with all this bother.
"Forgive me if I do not take you at your word, half-breed." The bald man said with a cold sneer. "But you were pretty withholding on the secrets you carry, and unlike you, these two will be tested!"
Silence filled the air as the dragon and mage stared each other down, everyone else looking back and fourth between them.
Finally, Daemon relented but reluctantly. Very well. But if you so much as harm them- He was cut off by Saphira jumping at him and rubbing her body against his affectionally. Although caught off guard at first, mostly out of surprise at the suddenness, Daemon quickly responded by returning her affection with a hum to match her own. And for the first time in a while, Eragon got a good look at Daemon's dragon form.
His shoulders, once dead even with Saphira's, were now a good several inches taller than hers. His large, angled body rippled with muscle, and his massive wings were tucked firmly against his broad back. The scales that covered his body no longer had the ice-blue tinge to them at the edges, they were completely silver-gray, although his wing membranes still had a blue coloration mixed into the dominant gray tone. His chest and shoulders were broader and wider than before, and his muscular tail lay behind him like a large fallen tree. His eyes, once brown, then became mixed with silver... were now fully silver like his scales, no sign of the dark brown he used to have. His proud, silver head sat atop his thick neck, high enough that the top of Saphira's head brushed under his chin...and this was exactly what the dragoness was attempting to do.
Saphira rubbed her head against Daemon's head and neck happily, even licking his cheek. Eragon could feel the emotions coming from her, she was happy and overjoyed to see Daemon again, and when he connected to Daemon's mind the feelings doubled. Daemon's right wing draped itself over Saphira's back in what Eragon assumed was Daemon's attempt to pull her close as the silver dragon nuzzled the sapphire-scaled dragoness. Daemon then paused, saw the blood on her nose and growled a little before he softly began to lick and clean the blood tenderly. Eragon thought Saphira would melt right there, judging by the wave of emotions he felt from her, and she shivered happily at his soft touch.
"Enough!" The bald man snapped, dragging Eragon's attention back to him. "You will be examined, now!"
Eragon did not want this hairless threatening man inside his mind, laying bare his every thought and feeling, but he knew that resistance would be useless. The air was strained. Murtagh's gaze burned into his forehead. Finally he bowed his head. "I am ready."
"Good, then—"
He was interrupted as Orik said abruptly, "You'd better not harm him, Egraz Carn, else the king will be the least of your worries." A glance at Daemon showed he was watching closely.
The bald man looked at him irritably, then faced Eragon with a small smile. "Only if he resists." He ignored the warning growl from Daemon, bowed his head and chanted several inaudible words.
Eragon gasped with pain and shock as a mental probe clawed its way into his mind. His eyes rolled up into his head, and he automatically began throwing up barriers around his consciousness, but the man told him not to resist. The probe stabbed at his mind again and Eragon fought the urge to scream in pain as the man began tearing through his memories. His childhood, the death of Garrow, fleeing the Ra'zac – it all flashed before him. Eragon grew angry as more sensitive memories were probed.
Suddenly, two minds entered his own and gave him strength as he recognized Saphira and Daemon's minds connecting with his own. We are here. Saphira told him.
We can keep him from certain things, but you must quickly show us the image for us to install a barrier around that he cannot get into. Daemon informed.
Eragon raced through his memories, starting from when he had found Saphira's egg. He hid sections of his discussions with Brom, including all the ancient words he had been taught. Daemon's Dragonborn lineage as well as how he came to be a dragon. Their travels through Palancar Valley, Yazuac, Daret, and Teirm he left mostly untouched. But he had the dragons conceal everything he remembered of Angela's fortunetelling and Solembum, as well as his thoughts on Daemon and Saphira's growing relationship. He skipped from their burglary at Teirm, to Brom's death, to his imprisonment in Gil'ead, and lastly to Murtagh's revelation of his true identity.
Eragon wanted to hide that as well, but Saphira balked. The Varden have a right to know who they shelter under their roof, especially if it's a son of the Forsworn!
Wait, what? Daemon blinked in surprise at that.
I'll explain later. Saphira told him.
With the most important information hidden, there was nothing else for Eragon to do but wait for the bald man to finish his inspection. It was like sitting still while his fingernails were extracted with rusty tongs. His entire body was rigid, jaw locked tightly. Heat radiated from his skin, and a line of sweat rolled down his neck. He was acutely aware of each second as the long minutes crept by.
The bald man wound through his experiences sluggishly, like a thorny vine pushing its way toward the sunlight. He paid keen attention to many things Eragon considered irrelevant, such as his mother, Selena, and seemed to linger on purpose so as to prolong the suffering. He spent a long time examining Eragon's recollections of the Ra'zac, and then later the Shade. It was not until his adventures had been exhaustively analyzed that the bald man began to withdraw from Eragon's mind.
The probe was extracted like a splinter being removed. Eragon shuddered, swayed, then fell toward the floor. Strong arms caught him at the last second, lowering him to the cool marble. He heard the dwarf exclaim from behind him, "You went too far! He wasn't strong enough for this."
"He'll live. That's all that is needed," answered the bald man curtly.
There was an angry grunt. "What did you find?"
Silence.
"Well, is he to be trusted or not?"
The words came reluctantly. "He... is not your enemy." There were audible sighs of relief throughout the room. The bald man turned to Murtagh, who was still being held at sword point. "It's your turn now."
Murtagh stiffened and shook his head. The sword cut his neck slightly. Blood dripped down his skin. "No."
"You will not be protected here if you refuse."
"Eragon has been declared trustworthy, so you cannot threaten to kill him to influence me. Since you can't do that, nothing you say or do will convince me to open my mind."
Sneering, the bald man cocked what would have been an eyebrow, if he had any. "What of your own life? I can still threaten that."
"It won't do any good," said Murtagh stonily and with such conviction that it was impossible to doubt his word.
The bald man's breath exploded angrily. "You don't have a choice!" He stepped forward and placed his palm on Murtagh's brow, clenching his hand to hold him in place. Murtagh stiffened, face growing as hard as iron, fists clenched, neck muscles bulging. He was obviously fighting the attack with all his strength. The bald man bared his teeth with fury and frustration at the resistance; his fingers dug mercilessly into Murtagh.
Orik scowled darkly as he watched the combatants. "Ilf carnz orodüm," he muttered, then leapt forward and cried, "That is enough!" He grabbed the bald man's arm and tore him away from Murtagh with strength disproportional to his size.
The bald man stumbled back, then turned on Orik furiously. "How dare you!" he shouted. "You questioned my leadership when you and the silver beast opened the gates without permission, and now this!" he ignored the growl Daemon let out at being called a beast. "You've shown nothing but insolence and treachery. Do you think your king will protect you now?"
Orik bristled. "You would have let them die! If I had waited any longer, the Urgals would have killed them." He pointed at Murtagh, whose breath came in great heaves. "We don't have any right to torture him for information! Ajihad won't sanction it. Not after you've examined the Rider and found him free of fault. And their silver companion brought us Arya just days ago!"
"Would you allow him to enter unchallenged? Are you so great a fool as to put us all at risk?" demanded the bald man. His eyes were feral with loosely chained rage; he looked ready to tear the dwarf into pieces.
"Can he use magic?"
"That is—"
"Can he use magic?" roared Orik, his deep voice echoing in the room. The bald man's face suddenly grew expressionless. He clasped his hands behind his back.
"No."
"Then what do you fear? It's impossible for him to escape, and he can't work any devilry with all of us here, especially if your powers are as great as you say. But don't listen to me; ask Ajihad what he wants done."
The bald man stared at Orik for a moment, his face indecipherable, then looked at the ceiling and closed his eyes. A peculiar stiffness set into his shoulders while his lips moved soundlessly. An intense frown wrinkled the pale skin above his eyes, and his fingers clenched, as if they were throttling an invisible enemy. For several minutes he stood thus, wrapped in silent communication.
When his eyes opened, he ignored Orik and snapped at the warriors, "Leave, now!" As they filed through the doorway, he addressed Eragon coldly, "Because I was unable to complete my examination, you and... your friend will remain here for the night. He will be killed if he attempts to leave." With those words he turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, pale scalp gleaming in the lantern light.
"Thank you," whispered Eragon to Orik.
The dwarf grunted. "I'll make sure some food is brought." He muttered a string of words under his breath, then left, shaking his head. The bolt was secured once again on the outside of the door. Eragon sat down, drained, and his attention shifted to the dragons. Saphira had yet to leave Daemon's side, constantly nuzzling and rubbing her body against his with Daemon returning the affection just as strongly.
A large sigh then left the silver dragon as he reluctantly pulled himself away from Saphira. I had better go and speak with Ajihad before that bald-headed bastard tries to twist the story around, Ajihad will listen to reason, so don't worry. He leaned his large head down and nuzzled Eragon warmly. I missed you, brother, he said softly, and Eragon hugged his snout in response. He had missed Daemon greatly over the past week, and was not far off from Saphira in his elation to see him again. As he turned to leave, Saphira reached out for him with her mind.
You're leaving again? She asked, her feelings of joy and hope turning to ones of sadness and despair as she looked at him with wide, wet eyes.
Daemon felt what she was feeling and turned back to her, nuzzling her snout with the bridge of his nose. Don't worry, I won't be gone long nor will I be far. And I will come back.
You had better. She whispered though her tone held a warning, and softly licked his snout.
Giving Eragon another small nuzzle, Daemon tapped the large door with his claw and it opened for him. As soon as his silver tail disappeared through it, the door was slammed shut again. Eragon sighed and leaned against Saphira's side, the dragoness curling around him as they comforted each other and were happy to see Daemon again after several days.
Murtagh, eyes glazed and empty, leaned against the far wall and slid to the shiny floor. He held his sleeve against the cut on his neck to stop the bleeding. "Are you all right?" asked Eragon. Murtagh nodded jerkily. "Did he get anything from you?"
"No."
"How were you able to keep him out? He's so strong."
"I've... I've been well trained." There was a bitter note to his voice. He then gestured to the door. "That dragon... was that really Daemon?"
"Yes." Eragon chuckled at Murtagh's wide-eyed look. "It's a long story, and I hope you share yours in return."
Murtagh grunted before he nodded. "You have a right to know. But you go first."
And so, Eragon and Saphira proceeded to explain about Daemon, where he comes from, what he is, and how he came to become a dragon.
Eragon jolted upright as a growl sounded in his ear. Saphira was still asleep, her eyes wandering sightlessly under her eyelids, and her upper lip trembled, as if she were going to snarl. He smiled, then jerked as she growled again.
She must be dreaming, he realized. He watched her for a minute, then carefully slid out from under her wing. He stood and stretched. The room was cool, but not unpleasantly so. Murtagh lay on his back in the far corner, his eyes closed.
As Eragon stepped around Saphira, Murtagh stirred. "Morning," he said quietly, sitting up.
"How long have you been awake?" asked Eragon in a hushed voice.
"Awhile. I'm surprised Saphira didn't wake you sooner."
"I was tired enough to sleep through a thunderstorm," said Eragon wryly. He sat by Murtagh and rested his head against the wall. "Do you know what time it is?"
"No. It's impossible to tell in here."
"Has anyone come to see us?"
"Not yet."
They sat together without moving or speaking. Eragon felt oddly bound to Murtagh. I've been carrying his father's sword, which would have been his... his inheritance. We're alike in many ways, yet our outlook and upbringing are totally different. He thought of Murtagh's scar and shivered. What man could do that to a child?
Saphira lifted her head and blinked to clear her eyes. She sniffed the air, then yawned expansively, her rough tongue curling at the tip. Has anything happened? Eragon shook his head. She then looked around and growled when noticing a certain silver-scaled companion did not come back. He said he would be back!
The sound of the door opening caused her to perk up, only to be disappointed when she just saw a dozen warriors who marched inside. The first man gulped when he saw Saphira. They were followed by Orik and the bald man, who declared, "You have been summoned to Ajihad, leader of the Varden. If you must eat, do so while we march." Eragon and Murtagh stood together, watching him warily. Saphira stood behind them, craning her neck and head to see if Daemon was among the warriors.
"Where are our horses? And can I have my sword and bow back?" asked Eragon.
The bald man looked at him with disdain. "Your weapons will be returned to you when Ajihad sees fit, not before. As for your horses, they await you in the tunnel. Now come!"
They had made their way through the same path Daemon had been led when he first came to Tronjheim several days ago, and arrived outside of Ajihad's study. the bald man pushed the doors open, and Eragon, Saphira and Murtagh entered first. They examined the room, before paying attention to the two figures standing at a desk, deep in conversation, but it halted at their entrance and Daemon turned to greet his friends with a small smile and a nod.
Eragon was stunned by his friend's appearance. His hair had been cut short, with the silver tips having returned and become more pronounced and noticeable. Most of him was covered by armour Eragon hadn't seen before. It had a cloak attached to the back of it, with the hood currently down, Daemon's sword sheathed at his hip. The armour was a deep, dark silver like Daemon's scales in dragon form, in fact it seemed made of scales now that Eragon thought about it. Not a single piece of skin was shown except for Daemon's face.
Before anything could be said, the other man cleared his throat to gain their attention. "Welcome to Tronjheim, Eragon and Saphira. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves." Eragon slipped into an armchair next to Murtagh, while Saphira settled protectively behind them. Ajihad nodded at Daemon, who walked over to stand behind Eragon and Murtagh's chairs, beside Saphira who immediately nuzzled him and he rubbed her neck.
I missed you. She purred, causing him to smile at her and lean his forehead against her jaw.
Ajihad raised his hand and snapped his fingers. A man stepped out from behind the staircase. He was identical to the bald man beside him. Eragon stared at the two of them with surprise, and Murtagh stiffened. "Your confusion is understandable; they are twin brothers," said Ajihad with a small smile. "I would tell you their names, but they have none."
Saphira hissed with distaste. Ajihad watched her for a moment, then sat in a high-backed chair behind the desk. The Twins retreated under the stairs and stood impassively beside each other. Ajihad pressed his fingers together as he stared at Eragon and Murtagh. He studied them for a long time with an unwavering gaze.
Eragon squirmed, uncomfortable. After what seemed like several minutes, Ajihad lowered his hands and beckoned to the Twins. One of them hurried to his side. Ajihad whispered in his ear. The bald man suddenly paled and shook his head vigorously. Ajihad frowned, then nodded as if something had been confirmed.
He looked at Murtagh. "You have placed me in a difficult position by refusing to be examined. You have been allowed into Farthen Dûr because the Twins have assured me that they can control you and because of your actions on behalf of Eragon and Arya. I understand that there may be things you wish to keep hidden in your mind, but as long as you do, we cannot trust you."
"You wouldn't trust me anyway," said Murtagh defiantly.
Ajihad's face darkened as Murtagh spoke, and his eyes flashed dangerously. "Though it's been twenty and three years since it last broke upon my ear... I know that voice." He stood ominously, chest swelling. The Twins looked alarmed and put their heads together, whispering frantically. "It came from another man, one more beast than human. Get up."
Murtagh warily complied, his eyes darting between the Twins and Ajihad. "Remove your shirt," ordered Ajihad. With a shrug, Murtagh pulled off his tunic. "Now turn around." As he pivoted to the side, light fell upon the scar on his back.
"Murtagh," breathed Ajihad. A grunt of surprise came from Orik. Without warning, Ajihad turned on the Twins and thundered, "Did you know of this?"
The Twins bowed their heads. "We discovered his name in Eragon's mind, but we did not suspect that this boy was the son of one as powerful as Morzan. It never occurred—"
"And you didn't tell me?" demanded Ajihad. He raised a hand, forestalling their explanation. "We will discuss it later." He faced Murtagh again. "First I must untangle this muddle. Do you still refuse to be probed?"
"Yes," said Murtagh sharply, slipping back into his tunic. "I won't let anyone inside my head."
Ajihad leaned on his desk. "There will be unpleasant consequences if you don't. Unless the Twins can certify that you aren't a threat, we cannot give you credence, despite, and perhaps because of, the assistance you have given Eragon. Without that verification, the people here, dwarf and human alike, will tear you apart if they learn of your presence. I'll be forced to keep you confined at all times—as much for your protection as for ours. It will only get worse once the dwarf king, Hrothgar, demands custody of you. Don't force yourself into that situation when it can easily be avoided."
Murtagh shook his head stubbornly. "No... even if I were to submit, I would still be treated like a leper and an outcast. All I wish is to leave. If you let me do that peacefully, I'll never reveal your location to the Empire."
"What will happen if you are captured and brought before Galbatorix?" demanded Ajihad. "He will extract every secret from your mind, no matter how strong you may be. Even if you could resist him, how can we trust that you won't rejoin him in the future? I cannot take that chance."
"Will you hold me prisoner forever?" demanded Murtagh, straightening.
"No," said Ajihad, "only until you let yourself be examined. If you are found trustworthy, the Twins will remove all knowledge of Farthen Dûr's location from your mind before you leave. We won't risk someone with those memories falling into Galbatorix's hands. What is it to be, Murtagh? Decide quickly or else the path will be chosen for you."
Just give in, Eragon pleaded silently, concerned for Murtagh's safety. It's not worth the fight. He glanced at Daemon pleadingly, but the Dragonborn sadly shook his head. He could not help Murtagh.
Finally Murtagh spoke, the words slow and distinct. "My mind is the one sanctuary that has not been stolen from me. Men have tried to breach it before, but I've learned to defend it vigorously, for I am only safe with my innermost thoughts. You have asked for the one thing I cannot give, least of all to those two." He gestured at the Twins. "Do with me what you will, but know this: death will take me before I'll expose myself to their probing."
Admiration glinted in Ajihad's eyes. "I'm not surprised by your choice, though I had hoped otherwise... Guards!" The cedar door slammed open as warriors rushed in, weapons ready. Ajihad pointed at Murtagh and commanded, "Take him to a windowless room and bar the door securely. Post six men by the entrance and allow no one inside until I come to see him. Do not speak to him, either."
The warriors surrounded Murtagh, watching him suspiciously. As they left the study, Eragon caught Murtagh's attention and mouthed, "I'm sorry." Murtagh shrugged, then stared forward resolutely. He vanished into the hallway with the men. The sound of their feet faded into silence.
Ajihad said abruptly, "I want everyone out of this room but Eragon, Daemon and Saphira. Now!"
Bowing, the Twins departed, but Orik said, "Sir, the king will want to know of Murtagh. And there is still the matter of my insubordination..."
Ajihad frowned, then waved his hand. "I will tell Hrothgar myself. As for your actions... wait outside until I call for you. And don't let the Twins get away. I'm not done with them, either."
"Very well," said Orik, inclining his head. He closed the door with a solid thump.
After a long silence, Ajihad sat with a tired sigh. He ran a hand over his face and stared at the ceiling. Once he looked at Eragon, he requested the young Rider tell him everything from the start of his journey to now. Eragon talked for hours, often pausing between his words. Once he was done, he and Ajihad discussed was was to be done with him and Saphira now that they were here. Time seemed to melt away as they talked and talked. Ajihad even addressed Saphira, and she relayed through Eragon that she was impressed with him and Tronjheim...but had they harmed her Rider, she would have not taken it very well.
Once he finished speaking with Saphira, Ajihad straightened with a lordly air and called, "Orik!" The dwarf hurried into the room and stood before the desk, crossing his arms. Ajihad frowned at him, irritated. "You've caused me a great deal of trouble, Orik. I've had to listen to one of the Twins complain all morning about your insubordination. They won't let it rest until you are punished. Unfortunately they're right. It's a serious matter that cannot be ignored. An accounting is due."
Orik's eyes flicked toward Eragon and Daemon, but his face betrayed no emotion. He spoke quickly in rough tones. "The Kull were almost around Kóstha-mérna. They were shooting arrows at the dragon, Eragon, and Murtagh, but the Twins did nothing to stop it. Like... sheilven, they refused to open the gates even though we could see Eragon shouting the opening phrase on the other side of the waterfall. If I hadn't taken action, or Daemon attacked the Urgals, the three of them could've died."
"Ajihad, the fault is mine as well. Orik is not to blame. I was the most persistent." Daemon said as he stepped forward.
Ajihad glanced at him, then questioned Orik. ""And later, why did you oppose them?"
Orik raised his chin defiantly. "It wasn't right for them to force their way into Murtagh's mind. But I wouldn't have stopped them if I'd known who he was."
"No, you did the right thing, though it would be simpler if you hadn't. It isn't our place to force our way into people's minds, no matter who they are." Ajihad fingered his dense beard. "Your actions were honorable, but you did defy a direct order from your commander. The penalty for that has always been death." Orik's back stiffened.
"Hold on-" Daemon began.
Eragon cut in. "You can't kill him for that; he was trying to save me!"
"It is not your place to interfere," Ajihad said to the two sternly. Orik broke the law and must suffer the consequences." Eragon started to argue again, but Ajihad stopped him with a raised hand. "But you are right. The sentence will be mitigated because of the circumstances. As of now, Orik, you are removed from active service and forbidden to engage in any military activities under my command. Do you understand?"
Orik's face darkened, but then he only looked confused. He nodded sharply. "Yes."
"Furthermore, in the absence of your regular duties, I appoint you Eragon and Saphira's guide for the duration of their stay. You are to make sure they receive every comfort and amenity we have to offer. Saphira will stay above Isidar Mithrim. Eragon may have quarters wherever he wants. When he recovers from his trip, take him to the training fields. They're expecting him," said Ajihad, a twinkle of amusement in his eye.
Orik bowed low. "I understand."
"Very well, you all may go. Send in the Twins as you leave."
Once they left the study, Eragon turned and apologized to Orik for getting him into trouble, but Orik told him that it was merely Ajihad giving him what he wanted. At Saphira and Eragon's looks, Orik explained that he was ultimately under the rule of King Hrothgar, he was still free to do as he wished. It was only under Ajihad that he had been "punished". They left the halls of Tronjheim and entered the open air of Farthen Dur.
Once Orik was done explain, Eragon finally turned to Daemon and gave him a brotherly hug. "I've missed you, brother!"
"Yeah, same here. It was quite lonely after I left you guys." Daemon chuckled, smiling as Saphira leaned down and nuzzled him close. "I missed you, all of you."
You better not leave us ever again for a while. Saphira warned him, and the tone really meant it.
"Don't worry, I won't." Daemon reassured her.
"So, what has happened to you this past week?" Eragon asked curiously. "When you got here, and... what about this armour you're wearing?"
Daemon chuckled. "What I'm wearing... is Dragon-scale armour. Of course, the scales are from me. You would not believe how skilled the dwarves are at forging."
Orik chuckled. "We are quite well known for our forging skills."
"Because of it being made with my scales, enemies will have a tough time even trying to pierce through." Daemon explained. "Helps that it's not affected by my transformation when I change into a dragon, and when I change back the armour is still on me, intact."
"Amazing." Eragon said, staring at the armour in awe.
Saphira hummed and nodded. I approve.
"I figured you would." Daemon chuckled and rubbed her snout, making her lick his cheek in return.
"So, what now?" Eragon asked, looking between Daemon and Orik.
"Well, you must be hungry." Orik noted and then looked at Saphira. "Your dragon will also need to get settled in."
"I'll handle that." Daemon said instantly. "I'll take her to where I've slept since my first day here, the dragonhold."
"The what?" Eragon frowned.
"It's where the Riders of old and their dragons would sleep. perfectly big for Saphira and I, got a bed for her, and a bed for you. I happen to have taken the biggest one and reserved it for all three of us." Daemon explained.
I would very much like to see it. Saphira said, wanting to see the place Daemon had chosen as home for them... and she was eager to spend some time with him alone.
Once he transformed into his dragon form, Daemon took off with Saphira beside him. He led the way to the dragonhold, flying over the marble city, then they landed atop the star sapphire that formed the floor of the hold. They walked side-by-side, Daemon happily showing Saphira around before they came onto the cave he had chosen for the.
the look on his face was one of satisfaction, thinking Saphira would approve greatly of the place he had chosen for them, but what happened next was unexpected for the both of them.
Now that she was alone with him, Saphira's stomach tightened with nervousness. She no longer denied what her heart truly wanted, what she herself desired. They had past the point of friendship, far passed it, and it all began that time in Teirm when they spent the day together. The obstacles since had merely brought them closer together, even when they tried to just stay close friends. As much as they wished for that, things had gotten really serious between them, their actions in the tunnel were proof of that. Daemon's absence had caused Saphira to come to a realization of her feelings for him, and now that they were together once more, those feelings came back with a vengeance.
She loved him. She truly, deeply loved him.
And it was then that Saphira realized that Daemon had unknowingly done the dragon mating rights in order to impress a female. There was those times he had brought her food, showing he can provide food for her when she'd need it. There was his display of strength at Gil'ead when he slaughtered waves and waves of soldiers, showing he had the strength. There was him attacking the Urgals outside the mountain, showing he could protect her and any hatchlings she may bear, and now he had completed the third requirement by bringing her here, to the dragonhold, proving he can provide shelter for them. Saphira's heart beat faster than normal, and her emotions erupted.
As Daemon led the way, he came to a halt when he felt something seize his tail and whirled his head around only to see Saphira with his tail in her mouth. Saphira, what are you doing?
Look into your heart, your instincts, Daemon... you know what I am doing. Saphira said seriously, staring him in the eye even as her heart beast faster than normal, especially when seeing the realization dawn in his eyes as his instincts told him exactly what this was, what it mean.
Daemon, I am choosing you, I want you... as my mate.
And that's it for this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. Now, to Daemon's armour, think of a dark silver, dragon-scale version of Talion's Nazgul armour in Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, the armour in the game is called Servant's armour, and the cloak is called Dark Embrace. It's the Ringwraith armour you unlock after completing the main storyline and proceed into Shadow Wars.
Just think of a silver, dragon-scaled version of that armour and you've got what Daemon is wearing.