Answers to reviews:
DireProphet: if he gets pissed, it won't end well for the one he's pissed off at.
Dreagon D. Dragon: Why does everyone think that black armour has to mean edge-lord? I could've had Daemon wear the Daedric armour for this story, but I didn't.
Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls or The Inheritance Cycle.
Shock.
That was the only word to describe that Daemon was feeling right now as he stared at Saphira, her words echoing through his head repeatedly, tauntingly, making him unable to get them out. Her words not only caused shock in him, but his stomach shifted with unease and nerves because she had brought this up... and he had been debating how to tell her how he felt about her. He thought he'd have more time, but he supposed he's already had enough time to pluck up the courage. And he did say to himself that the next time he saw her... he'd tell her how he felt.
You... what? Daemon shook his head, still trying to comprehend that this was really happening.
Saphira did not blink as she kept her stare lined with his, her nerves twisting. I am choosing you as my mate. She said, though her body was shaking because of how nervous she was as well as anxiety. I will no longer hide or deny how I feel about you. I love you, I want you... and now you must decide whether to accept me or not.
Saphira was nervous and afraid. She had confidence that Daemon felt the same for her, given the way he kept her close after they reunited, the way he showed affection to her when he nuzzled her, licked the blood off her snout, went out of his way to keep showing her affection every chance they got. But she was scared because... if he didn't accept her, didn't feel that way, then there was only one way for him to refuse her.
When a female bites the male's tail, it signifies that she has chosen him as her mate. It was then up to the male to decide to accept or not. If he accepts, then he would lean forward and nuzzle her neck. However, if the male rejected the female's advances, he would have to attack her to dissuade her.
Daemon stared at her, his instincts telling him exactly what he needed to know about this, what would happen should he choose either outcome. He had long come to terms and accepted that his feelings of Saphira were beyond close friends, that he loved her. But he was hesitant to take such a serious step. When dragons choose a mate, they do so for life. That kind of commitment is not something you take lightly, and this was all to clear in the silver dragon's mind. Not only that, but eventually they would want children of their own and with the land in the state it's in right now, at war... Daemon would rather than than bring children of his into a world at war, where they may be hunted and forced to serve some tyrant king. His heart told him this is what he wants.
But his mind pointed the flaws in this. If he rejected her, he'd have to attack her to show he did not feel that way... even though he knew how he felt about her. His mind kept pointing out the past relationships he's been in, that they failed badly and he was betrayed once by a woman he thought he could love. However, he knew one thing; Saphira would never do that to him. He ignored what his mind thought and... decided to go with what his heart wants.
He leaned forward and lovingly nuzzled his snout against her neck, humming softly. I love you too. I could never hurt you, Saphira... to do so would hurt me worse than a sword through the stomach.
Oh Daemon... Saphira sighed softly and nuzzled him back, the two dragons humming as waves of love and passion passed between them.
Daemon expected this to go from simple loving nuzzles to... well, the next stage in the mating courtship but he didn't feel his instincts surge, no urges or anything and it didn't seem the same for Saphira. So... what do we do now? He asked.
Now... Saphira shifted rather sheepishly. Nothing.
What? Daemon blinked at her in surprise. But, if we've accepted to be mates, shouldn't we... you know...
Saphira laughed, even as her cheeks turned red at his words, knowing what he was trying to say but refused to be so blunt. This... this wasn't actually a proper courtship. Daemon blinked at that, leading her to explain further. As your instincts will tell you, the dragon mating season is at the start of spring and autumn every year. This is the times of year the female enters her heat cycle and chooses a male to be her mate. After the courtship ritual, which is what we just did, they perform the nuptial flight which bonds them together as mates for life. And then...well, you can imagine what comes next,
Daemon tilted his head, then something occurred to him. it's the middle of spring. We missed it? He asked her.
Yes. Saphira said, a little bit embarrassed but she did not regret this. Only the courtship and the nuptial flight during the mating seasons can let us be official mates. Technically, we aren't mates yet. I can't even call you my mate until we're official. If we did, it would go against our instincts, and I'd rather it be true than not.
Daemon felt the hurt come from her at her words and comfortingly nuzzled her to ease her thoughts. So... I assume it's like how a human man and woman enter a relationship and take a while to get married. He said.
Saphira blinked, thinking about that then she nodded. Yes, like that. A proposal, I believe. Dragons mating for life could be similar to humans marrying one another... only dragons do it for life and don't separate from their partners.
Then that's fine with me. Daemon said happily as he licked her snout, making her purr in delight. Whether we're official or not, you are mine.
And you are mine. I couldn't wait any longer to see how you felt about me, that is why I did this early before the season hit. Saphira explained.
Well... I'm glad you did this. Daemon admitted, wrapping his long neck around hers and pulling her close while draping his wing over her. Saphira hummed as she licked at his neck, then let out a low, seductive purr as she began nibbling at his neck.
But just because we're not official... doesn't mean we can't still show our affection to one another. She pointed out. She continued to massage the skin with her teeth, and Daemon found himself purring back. It felt really good, and he began licking her cheek and neck in return. Their actions became more and more sensual and they felt the heat rising to their faces.
Suddenly, Saphira reared up and pushed Daemon onto his back. He landed with a soft thump and she climbed onto his chest, still purring. The sapphire dragoness mashed her chest against his and snuggled her snout up to the underside of his chin, her tongue flicking against his silver scaled jaw. Daemon wrapped his forelegs around her and pulled her close, their tails intertwining, and he twisted his neck down to lick her snout in return. Lost in each other, they continued like this for a while, then just lay there in each others embrace, staring at one another.
I love you, he whispered.
And I love you, she said back, elated they could finally say it to each other.
Then, Daemon lifted his head up and gently pressed his maw against hers. It took Saphira a few seconds to realize that he was kissing her, even though dragons do not kiss per say, she pushed back and deepened the kiss anyway. Their jaws opened slightly, tongues darting out to meet in a battle of dominance. As their heated and passionate kiss continued, Saphira found herself very much enjoying this display of affection and couldn't wait to keep doing it more. Bliss and passion radiated from them as they broke the kiss, staring at each other lovingly. Saphira then laid down on his chest, sighing in content.
it was then that Daemon realized something. We're gonna have to tell Eragon about this, aren't we?
Of course we are! Saphira lifted her head to look at him. He's my Rider and your best friend. He has a right to know about this, and he will find out even if we attempted to keep it hidden. The bond between me and him will key him in to our relationship.
True. Daemon nodded. This is going to be a weird talk. His best friend and his dragon are in love with one another.
I'm sure he'll understand. Saphira assured him.
"What the – what are you two doing?" The voice from the floor of the dragonhold caused both dragons to jerk up in surprise; they had been so lost in each other that they had never heard anyone approach.
Eragon stood at the mouth of the cave they were in, jaw dropped as he looked upon the scene. Daemon on his back, looking at him upside down, with Saphira on his chest. The two dragons quickly got to their feet, sharing glances as if trying to debate who speaks first before Saphira nipped Daemon on the shoulder and gestured her head at Eragon.
Um, Eragon... Daemon said nervously, unsure of how Eragon would think about this. Saphira and I have something to tell you. We... um... we-
We're going to be mates! Saphira said, rolling her eyes at Daemon's hesitance.
Eragon's eyes widened as he looked between them, causing the dragons to shift rather nervously as they waited for his reaction. However, a grin soon came onto Eragon's face. "I knew it! I just knew it! I knew things were getting serious between you two, ever since I held Daemon's shirt in front of your nose, Saphira!" He ran over and hugged them both by their necks, catching them by surprise. "Congratulations."
Wait, you... accept this? Daemon asked with surprise.
Told you he'd understand. Saphira said smugly before she looked at Eragon. But it's not quite as simple as you believe, little one. She proceeded to explain to him the dilemma Daemon and her were in, with them being unofficial until the mating season hits.
"It doesn't matter to me, you two deserve to be happy with one another." Eragon said with a smile, rubbing their cheeks and they hummed in gratitude at his words. "I had a feeling things were changing between you two since we left Teirm. Then you guys were a lot closer after Lenona Lake. I approve. Very, very much."
Thank you, little one. Saphira said, nuzzling her Rider.
Unable to help but tease them, Eragon grinned. "So will I be expecting nieces and nephews after you two become official?"
What? Daemon's eyes widened while Saphira laughed.
We'll talk about that closer to the time. She said to both of them.
The three broke away from their group hug then, and let themselves settle down from all the excitement. Feeling like he needed to change the subject from children, Daemon asked Eragon, So...what is the plan for tomorrow? I assume Ajihad is going to want your skills in combat and magic tested.
"Maybe, but he also wants us to take the chance to settle after our long journey to get here." Eragon told him. "I'll do some more exploring of this place tomorrow, I am quite curious about it."
Now you know how I feel when I find a new ruin or ancient place to be explored. Daemon snorted.
Come on, you two. Saphira walked over to the dais that served as the bed for dragons and laid down, making sure there was enough space for her and Daemon to lay on. It's late, and we should get some sleep.
"She's right." Eragon nodded and walked over to hi bed while Daemon went to join Saphira. Eragon smiled, watching as they got comfortable with each other. "Goodnight, you lovebrids."
Goodnight Eragon/little one. Daemon and Saphira replied.
Saphira looked at Daemon, then pushed him onto his back so she can lay on his chest like before, humming in content as Daemon huffed in amusement but allowed her to lay there. They nuzzled and licked one another, just sharing the feelings of happiness and love between them. As sleep started to settle in, Daemon spoke. Saphira?
Yes? She lifted her head to look at him curiously.
it may be early, but... you can still call me your mate if you want.
She gripped him tighter, unrestrained happiness flowed from her, and she felt him tighten his embrace on her as well, tears of joy falling from her eyes. For the first night a long time, Saphira slept in complete peace. Because she knew, that the first thing she would see when she woke up, was the one thing she had dreamed about waking up to since Teirm.
Him.
Her mate.
And they are together! Well, technically not official, but in human terms they are together.
