Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls or The Inheritance Cycle.
"What have you done?" Arya asked with hostility as soon as Daemon and Eragn met up with her.
Eragon frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
She lifted her chin. "What have you promised the Varden? What have you done?"
The last part even reached Eragon mentally. He realized just how close the elf was to losing control. A bit of fear touched him. "We only did what we had to. I'm ignorant of elves' customs, so if our actions upset you, I apologize. There's no cause to be angry."
"Fool! You know nothing about me. I have spent seven decades representing my queen here—fifteen years of which I bore Saphira's egg between the Varden and the elves. In all that time, I struggled to ensure the Varden had wise, strong leaders who could resist Galbatorix and respect our wishes. Brom helped me by forging the agreement concerning the new Rider—you. Ajihad was committed to your remaining independent so that the balance of power would not be upset. Now I see you siding with the Council of Elders, willingly or not, to control Nasuada! You have overturned a lifetime of work! What have you done?"
"Enough." Daemon said, though he did not raise his voice, it had a level of sternness and firmness that directed attention to him as he stepped forward. He proceeded to explain to her how they and Nasuada planned to circumvent the Council's intentions, and she relaxed somewhat, although she still seemed disturbed about something.
She questioned Daemon on him not giving fealty, and he told her the same thing he told Nasuada, to which she agreed at that point. Daemon was not of Alagaësia, but she warned him that some may try to control him in some form. Daemon only snorted and said it's his close friendship with Eragon and his relationship with Saphira that keeps him in Alagaësia, as he was here to ensure they were protected and to bring Galbatorix down. Both her and Daemon agreed that Eragon will go to the elves for his training.
The next day, Daemon and Eragon met with King Hrothgar, who wanted to discuss the appointment of Nasuada to lead the Varden. Saphira then surprised them all when she promised to repair the broken star sapphire that had been sacrificed in the battle with the Urgals. The Dwarf King's face lit up with joy at this promise and he thanked Saphira, proclaiming that no matter how long it took, the dwarves would rebuild Isidar Mithrim so that Saphira would return and make it whole again.
it was this news that caused the dwarves to celebrate with drinking, and they wanted Daemon, Eragon and Saphira to join them in their celebrations. Eragon was nearly deafened by the cheers and shouts that followed. Each of the dwarves insisted on coming to Saphira and kissing the floor as Orik had. When that was finished, they abandoned their food and filled their stone tankards with beer and mead.
Eragon joined the revelry with an abandon that surprised him. It helped to ease the melancholy gathered in his heart. However, he did try to resist complete debauchery, for he was conscious of the duties that awaited them the following day and he wanted to have a clear head.
Even Saphira took a sip of mead, and finding that she liked it, the dwarves rolled out a whole barrel for her. Delicately lowering her mighty jaws through the cask's open end, she drained it with three long draughts, then tilted her head toward the ceiling and belched a giant tongue of flame. It took several minutes for Eragon to convince the dwarves that it was safe to approach her again, but once he did, they brought her another barrel—overriding the cook's protests—and watched with amazement as she emptied it as well.
Soon enough, Saphira was drunk out of her mind, which was a rather humorous and amusing sight for everyone since they had never seen a dragon drunk.
Recalling the last time he got drunk, Daemon did not drink as much as his companions did and merely took small sips of mead. However, he soon found a tail wrapping around his waist and pulling him flush against a certain dragoness' side.
Hello, my mate. Saphira purred, eyeing his form and stumbling a little.
Saphira, how much have you had- Daemon was stopped by Saphira pressing her maw against his and pinning him against a wall, trying to force her tongue into his mouth. Now, Daemon wouldn't mind kissing his mate-to-be, but not when she's completely drunk and not in her right state of mind. That... and he can feel how forceful she was getting with her actions as her caressed his body, going lower and lower before reaching a certain part of the body between his legs. Daemon quickly broke the kiss and held her cheeks, pushing her back a bit as best as he could. Okay, enough of that.
Why? Saphira frowned. You're to be my mate. I want to show you my love for you... in more ways than just one. Why won't you reciprocate my love for you? Have your feelings for me changed?
Saphira, you're drunk. Daemon said with a sigh.
She gazed at him for a moment, then snorted, Yes, I believe I am. But that does not answer my question. She leaned in closer, her front legs wobbling a bit as she dragged her tongue across his neck. Do you not feel for me anymore?
Enough, Saphira. Daemon pushed her away. You know how I feel about you and that won't change. But I know what you're trying to do, your tail is proof of that. You know we can't do... that until autumn.
Saphira growled angrily. How long must I wait before I can make you mine? Can't we just-
Saphira, no! Daemon shot her a firm glare. You're only acting this way because you're drunk. I refuse to take advantage of you in such a state.
Saphira snapped her jaws together angrily and withdrew her head from him, giving him a cold stare. Some mate you are turning out to be. You refuse to even return the affection I give you!
In case you've forgotten, we have to wait until autumn to be official. We're not mates, yet. Daemon countered harshly. While he didn't want to speak to her like this, she was really starting to grate on his nerves in her current state. Until we're official, I will treat you with respect and not overstep bounds. You are not in your right mind, the drink had clouded your judgement.
The response he got was a deep snarl as Saphira narrowed her eyes back at him. No, you are not my mate, she said with a clear hint of venom in her voice. Never has that been clearer than at this moment. With that, she turned and stalked back to Eragon, not once glancing back at him.
Daemon just sighed and shook his head. He knew she wasn't in control of herself thanks to the mead. He sat down, rubbing his forehead. This is why he never drank as much as he did when he was in his late teens, being drunk can cause a whole mess of problems. The incident with Sanguine had reminded him to never get drunk, lest he has a repeat performance of that night.
Can't get any worse than this, I suppose. Daemon immediately regretted those words when he saw Eragon make a bow, and that caused Saphira to rear up and swing a foreleg across her chest, attempting to duplicate his move. She tottered, and the dwarves, realizing their danger, scrambled away from her. They were barely in time. With a loud whoosh, Saphira fell backward, landing flat on a banquet table, her tail smacking Eragon and knocking him out.
Daemon just facepalmed to himself. "Lightweights..."
"Oi! Wake up, you buffoon."
Eragon forced his eyes open, conscious of an aching head and sore body. He was lying on a cold stone table. "What?" He grimaced at the sick taste on his tongue.
Daemon stood over him, arms crossed and a slight smirk on his face. "And here I thought you and Brom getting drunk at Dras-Leona would be the first and only time you'd get drunk, seeing as you two were out of your minds. Anyway, you need to get dressed and quickly. Ajihad's funeral will be beginning soon."
As Eragon slowly get up, wincing at the headache he had, Daemon pointed out some fresh clothes for him to wear. A billowy white shirt and red vest embroidered with gold trimmings looked back at him, along with shiny black shoes and a swirling crimson cape fastened with an ornate brooch.
"Where did you get these?" Eragon asked quietly, wincing at his hangover.
"Orik." Was the Dragonborn's answer. It was then that Eragon noticed Daemon was in much more casual wear than his usual Nightingale armour or his Dragonscale armour. He wore clothes suited for a funeral.
As Eragon got dressed, Daemon made his way to Saphira, the dragoness already awake. Without a word, he placed a barrel of water in front of her. It'll help with the headache.
Thank you. Saphira said quietly, recalling what happened last night and guilt flared up inside her at how she acted, how she spoke to Daemon as he tried to preserve her honor... it made her want to cry. She felt like a disgrace to herself, to their kind, to what makes them dragons. She was disgusted with herself, trying to force herself onto Daemon or force him to mate with her earlier than they should. She never thought herself capable of saying those things to the dragon she loved, regardless if he appeared human. Because that is how Saphira now saw him constantly; as a dragon. Yes, he may take on the guise of a human from time to time, but in her eyes, he would be nothing but one of her kind. And to treat one of her own in such a way...
She glanced at him to see her already looking at her. I'm sorry. She quietly whispered to him, nearly breaking down in tears.
You're not to blame, Saphira. It was the mead. Daemon said in a level tone, but his voice was as soft as he could make it to show he didn't hold it against her. Now drink your water.
Saphira said nothing and just drank the water. However, she refused to meet his eyes from then on, just staring at the ground. Through their link, he could feel her regretful feelings and how disgusted she was with herself. He sighed. Saphira, stop with that.
How can I? She replied softly in a whimper. I disgraced myself. No amount of words or good deeds can forgive my behaviour towards you. Why was he so calm with her? She wanted him to shout at her, curse her, to get it over with. Saphira knew what she had done was wrong, and knew that had he been any other dragon, he would have reprimanded her harshly in a heartbeat.
Instead, she was shocked to feel something warm press up against her maw, and her eyes flew open to see Daemon kissing her gently. No, but this does, he said, pulling away.
W-Why? After what I-
Saphira, you were drunk and people can say the stupidest and meanest things when they're drunk. You weren't in your right mind. Daemon said softly, holding her cheeks and stroking them with his thumbs. I love you, so damn much. And nothing, not even you drunk, will change that. Besides... He gave her one of those smirks she just loved so much to see. I think the headache and the tumble you took last night is punishment enough for you.
Saphira pressed her snout into his chest and he hugged her as best as he could, feeling her humming.
A knock came at the door then, and Orik stuck his head in. "Ah, good, Daemon managed to rouse the two of you. We must go, the precession will start soon." Daemon looked over at Eragon, who nodded back to signal he was ready. Together, the three of them followed Orik into the hall and towards the gate of Tronjheim were Ajihad's precession had stopped three days ago.
The rest of the day did not go as well as Daemon, Eragon and Saphira wished. Ajihad's funeral had left them with a feeling of depression and sorrow, as all funerals do. And Nasuada's ascension, although a success, caused more tension to plague the trio. Adding to that were Eragon and Saphira's hangovers, their pounding heads and queasy stomachs not helping matters one bit. As planned, Eragon swore fealty to Nasuada before the entire Varden, which greatly displeased the Council. Orik had claimed Eragon had made enemies today, but Daemon simply said. "If they try anything, it'll be the last thing they ever do."
Not only was the day proving stressing on the trio, but a fight broke out between the three of them. Not between Daemon and Saphira this time, oh no, this one was Eragon against Daemon and Saphira. This came about when Eragon encountered a woman named Trianna, who asked Eragon to join Du Vrangr Gata. However, she had used a serpent shaped bracelet on her arm to entice Eragon with some sort of spell, and was clearly interested in the young Rider for something other than simple conversation. This was broken up when Daemon and Saphira arrived, clearly seeing what was going on.
Daemon gave the woman a glare that told her to leave, and Eragon exploded on his companions. He yelled at them for hindering his attempts to try and pursue a relationship, stating that he was not a little boy; he was a man, and capable of making his own decisions regarding women. Daemon merely scoffed and told him that she was only interested in him because he was a Rider, and he would know since he had women coming after him in Skyrim because he was Dragonborn. Trianna didn't care for Eragon as a person, just his status.
Not only that, but Saphira pointed out that any feelings Eragon had towards someone would also involve her, due to their bond as Rider and dragon. Of course, this lead to Eragon reeming on them and the fact that their relationship had already affected the group dynamic, not to mention the permanent bond that the three of them now shared.
The argument ended with Eragon storming out and sleeping in another room, leaving an uncomfortable silence between Daemon and Saphira as they were still reeling from the incident the previous night when Saphira was drunk.
The next morning, Eragon returned and it was silently consented that neither of them bring up the past couple of days. The three of them didn't want to strain their close friendship because of a couple of arguments, not when all they had was each other.
They were eating lunch—Saphira tearing at a bloody haunch—when Jarsha trotted up. Like before, he stared wide-eyed at Saphira, following her movements as she nibbled off the end of a leg bone.
"Yes?" asked Eragon, wiping his chin and wondering if the Council of Elders had sent for them. He had heard nothing from them since the funeral.
Jarsha turned away from Saphira long enough to say, "Nasuada would like to see you, sirs. She's waiting in her father's study."
Daemon and Eragon shared a look and nodded. Eragon glanced at Saphira. "Are you done, or should we wait a few minutes?"
Rolling her eyes, she fit the rest of the meat into her mouth and split the bone with a loud crack. I'm done.
"All right," said Eragon, standing, "you can go, Jarsha. We know the way."
It took almost half an hour to reach the study because of the city-mountain's size. As during Ajihad's rule, the door was guarded, but instead of two men, an entire squad of battle-hardened warriors now stood before it, alert for the slightest hint of danger. They would clearly sacrifice themselves to protect their new leader from ambush or attack. Though the men could not have failed to recognize Daemon, Eragon and Saphira, they barred the way while Nasuada was alerted of her visitors. Only then were the three allowed to enter.
Eragon immediately noticed a change: a vase of flowers in the study. The small purple blossoms were unobtrusive, but they suffused the air with a warm fragrance that—for Eragon—evoked summers of fresh-picked raspberries and scythed fields turning bronze under the sun. He inhaled, appreciating the skill with which Nasuada had asserted her individuality without obliterating Ajihad's memory.
She sat behind the broad desk, still cloaked in the black of mourning. As the Rider and Dragonborn seated themselves, Saphira behind them, she said, "Eragon. Daemon." It was a simple statement, neither friendly nor hostile. She turned away briefly, then focused on them, her gaze steely and intent. "I have spent the last few days reviewing the Varden's affairs, such as they are. It was a dismal exercise. We are poor, over-extended, and low on supplies, and few recruits are joining us from the Empire. I mean to change that.
"The dwarves cannot support us much longer, as it's been a lean year for farming and they've suffered losses of their own. Considering this, I have decided to move the Varden to Surda. It's a difficult proposition, but one I believe necessary to keep us safe. Once in Surda, we will finally be close enough to engage the Empire directly."
Even Saphira stirred with surprise. The work that would involve! said Eragon. It could take months to get everyone's belongings to Surda, not to mention all the people. And they'd probably be attacked along the way. "I thought King Orrin didn't dare openly oppose Galbatorix," he protested.
Nasuada smiled grimly. "His stance has changed since we defeated the Urgals. He will shelter and feed us and fight by our side. Many Varden are already in Surda, mainly women and children who couldn't or wouldn't fight. They will also support us, else I will strip our name from them."
"How," asked Eragon, "did you communicate with King Orrin so quickly?"
"The dwarves use a system of mirrors and lanterns to relay messages through their tunnels. They can send a dispatch from here to the western edge of the Beor Mountains in less than a day. Couriers then transport it to Aberon, capital of Surda. Fast as it is, that method is still too slow when Galbatorix can surprise us with an Urgal army and give us less than a day's notice. I intend to arrange something far more expedient between Du Vrangr Gata and Hrothgar's magicians before we go."
Opening the desk drawer, Nasuada removed a thick scroll. "The Varden will depart Farthen Dûr within the month. Hrothgar has agreed to provide us with safe passage through the tunnels. Moreover, he sent a force to Orthíad to remove the last vestiges of Urgals and seal the tunnels so no one can invade the dwarves by that route again. As this may not be enough to guarantee the Varden's survival, I have a favor to ask of you both."
Daemon and Eragon shared a look, Daemon gesturing for Eragon to speak. "I am yours to command." Eragon said.
"Perhaps." Her eyes flicked to Saphira for a second. "In any case, this is not a command, and I want you to think carefully before replying. To help rally support for the Varden, I wish to spread word throughout the Empire that a new Rider—named Eragon Shadeslayer—and his dragon, Saphira, have joined our cause. I would also like your permission, Daemon, to spread word that the Dragonborn has joined our cause."
It's too dangerous, objected Saphira.
Word of our presence here will reach the Empire anyway, pointed out Eragon. The Varden will want to brag about their victory and Durza's death. Since it'll happen with or without our approval, we should agree to help.
And not many will know what the title of Dragonborn means, but word of my power and abilities will spread. Daemon pointed out.
She snorted softly. I'm worried about Galbatorix. Until now we haven't made it public where our sympathies lie.
Our actions have been clear enough. Eragon pointed out.
Yes, but even when Durza fought you in Tronjheim, he wasn't trying to kill you. If we become outspoken in our opposition to the Empire, Galbatorix won't be so lenient again. Who knows what forces or plots he may have kept in abeyance while he tried to gain hold of us? As long as we remain ambiguous, he won't know what to do.
The time for ambiguity has passed, asserted Eragon. We fought the Urgals, killed Durza, and I have sworn fealty to the leader of the Varden. No ambiguity exists. No, with your permission, I will agree to her proposal.
She was silent for a long while, then dipped her head. As you wish.
He put a hand on her side before returning his attention to Nasuada and saying, "Do what you see fit. If this is how we can best assist the Varden, so be it."
Daemon nodded. "I'm not one to hide who and what I am. Word of my title and power will end up spreading in some way, it always does."
"Thank you. I know it is a lot to ask. Now, as we discussed before the funeral, I expect you to travel to Ellesméra and complete your training, Eragon."
"With Arya?" Eragon asked, feeling his heart skip a beat at the thought of the elf. Daemon glanced at him with a smirk and Saphira snorted. Eragon ignored them.
"Of course. The elves have refused contact with both humans and dwarves ever since she was captured. Arya is the only being who can convince them to emerge from seclusion."
"Couldn't she use magic to tell them of her rescue?"
"Unfortunately not. When the elves retreated into Du Weldenvarden after the fall of the Riders, they placed wards around the forest that prevent any thought, item, or being from entering it through arcane means, though not from exiting it, if I understood Arya's explanation. Thus, Arya must physically visit Du Weldenvarden before Queen Islanzadí will know that she is alive, that you and Saphira exist, and of the numerous events that have befallen the Varden these past months." Nasuada handed him the scroll. It was stamped with a wax sigil. "This is a missive for Queen Islanzadí, telling her about the Varden's situation and my own plans. Guard it with your life; it would cause a great deal of harm in the wrong hands. I hope that after all that's happened, Islanzadí will feel kindly enough toward us to reinitiate diplomatic ties. Her assistance could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Arya knows this and has agreed to press our case, but I wanted you aware of the situation too, so you could take advantage of any opportunities that might arise."
Eragon tucked the scroll into his jerkin. "When will we leave?"
"Tomorrow morning…unless you have something already planned?"
"No."
"Good." She clasped her hands. "You should know, one other person will be traveling with you." He looked at her quizzically. "King Hrothgar insisted that in the interest of fairness there should be a dwarf representative present at your training, since it affects their race as well. So he's sending Orik along."
"I've no problem with that." Daemon said, having developed a friendship with the dwarf after fighting side-by-side with him in the battle. "Unless we're stopping at places between here and the home of the Elves, Saphira and I could fly our companions straight."
Nasuada snorted a little. "I don't think any dwarf would be too happy with riding on the back of a dragon."
"Would speed things up though, but if we have to confine ourselves to the ground then so be it." Daemon said, sending Eragon a look and the Rider nodded in agreement.
"To tell the truth, I'm glad Orik is coming." Eragon said. "Crossing Alagaësia with only Arya was a rather daunting prospect."
Bet you wish it was just you and her, though. Daemon said teasingly.
Shut up! "She's…"
Nasuada smiled too. "She's different."
"Aye." He grew serious again. "Do you really mean to attack the Empire? You said yourself that the Varden are weak. It doesn't seem like the wisest course. If we wait—"
"If we wait," she said sternly, "Galbatorix will only get stronger. This is the first time since Morzan was slain that we have even the slightest opportunity of catching him unprepared. He had no reason to suspect we could defeat the Urgals—which we did thanks to you two—so he won't have readied the Empire for invasion."
Invasion! exclaimed Saphira. And how does she plan to kill Galbatorix when he flies out to obliterate their army with magic?
Nasuada shook her head in response when Eragon restated the objection. "From what we know of him, he won't fight until Urû'baen itself is threatened. It doesn't matter to Galbatorix if we destroy half the Empire, so long as we come to him, not the other way around. Why should he bother anyway? If we do manage to reach him, our troops will be battered and depleted, making it all the easier for him to destroy us."
"You still haven't answered Saphira," protested Eragon.
"That's because I can't yet. This will be a long campaign. By its end you might be powerful enough to defeat Galbatorix, or the elves may have joined us…and their spellcasters are the strongest in Alagaësia. And with Daemon's power, we may just have a chance. No matter what happens, we cannot afford to delay. Now is the time to gamble and dare what no one thinks we can accomplish. The Varden have lived in the shadows for too long—we must either challenge Galbatorix or submit and pass away."
The scope of what Nasuada was suggesting disturbed Eragon. So many risks and unknown dangers were involved, it was almost absurd to consider such a venture. However, it was not his place to make the decision, and he accepted that. Nor would he dispute it further. We have to trust in her judgment now.
"But what of you, Nasuada? Will you be safe while we're gone? I must think of my vow. It's become my responsibility to ensure that you won't have your own funeral soon."
Her jaw tightened as she gestured at the door and the warriors beyond. "You needn't fear, I am well defended." She looked down. "I will admit…one reason for going to Surda is that Orrin knows me of old and will offer his protection. I cannot tarry here with you three and Arya gone and the Council of Elders still with power. They won't accept me as their leader until I prove beyond doubt that the Varden are under my control, not theirs."
Then she seemed to draw on some inner strength, squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin so she was distant and aloof. "Go now. Ready your horses, gather supplies, and be at the north gate by dawn."
They bowed low, respecting her return to formality, then left with Saphira.
Evening came, and the companions had their dinner before returning to their quarters, happily conversing. The tensions and trouble of the last few days seemed to wash away in anticipation of traveling once again. "It'll be nice to be back out in the open air again." Eragon admitted
"I've missed travelling on the road every day." Daemon agreed.
At least I could actually see where I'm flying. Saphira huffed, causing the three of them to share a laugh.
Not to mention, how beautiful you look with the sun shining off your scales. Daemon said, stroking her side and the dragoness hummed at his touch. Eragon smiled as he watched them. It had been a few troubling, stressing and challenging days, but it seemed the tension between the trio was dwindling away and things were going back to normal. Them. The family of three.
After conversing a bit more, mainly talking about the future and what lies ahead of them, as well as other things to keep their mind off it, Saphira leaned down and nudged Daemon's arm. Would you like to take a walk with me?
Daemon glanced at her, then looked at Eragon. While he would love the chance to spend time with Saphira, alone, to try and make things the way they were before, he also wanted to repair the holes in the friendship between them as well. "It's okay, Daemon." Eragon put his friend at ease, seeing his expression. "Just don't be out all night, you hear? We're up early tomorrow."
"Yes father." Daemon said sarcastically, getting a chuckle from the Rider. Daemon stood while Saphira waited by the door, watching as Daemon stripped to just his pants and changed into his dragon form for the first time since after the battle. He had not had the chance to take his dragon form again, on account of Ajihad and Murtagh's deaths, the funeral, the incident with Saphira, among other matters that got in the way. Now that he was back in dragon form again after a while, he could only think of one thing.
Feels so good to be back in this form. Daemon said, stretching his wings and body like a cat before righting himself. Daemon gave Eragon a nuzzle with his snout. We won't be gone too long. We'll be back as soon as we can and-
Just go, Daemon! Eragon laughed. It may have been a few hard days for us three, but we're still family and close as one.
Indeed. Saphira nodded and nuzzled Daemon. So stop your worrying.
I always worry about my family. Daemon told them, to which Eragon sent him reassurance and brotherly love which Daemon returned before he left with Saphira. He followed her out the door and through Tronjheim to the fields under the mountain crater. So, are we going flying?
No. Saphira shook her head, surprising him. She pressed her side against his and nuzzled him, to which Daemon draped his wing over her. I just want to walk with you.
Daemon hummed and nuzzled her. They strode side-by-ide together for a while, before coming up on a small knoll a few miles away from the city. There, they stopped and laid together, tails brushing against each other lovingly while they looked at the many lights of the marble mountain-city.
Saphira laid her head on his silver shoulder and nuzzled him, content. Daemon gave a soft hum and rubbed his head against hers in return. I'm still sorry about how I acted.
Daemon sighed. Saphira-
No, Daemon. I should've kept a clear head, I should've- She was cut off when Daemon pushed her onto her back and basically straddled her, his legs on either side of her before he leaned down and pressed his maw against hers. He held it there until he felt Saphira kiss him back, their tongues darting out to meet each other. After a few minutes, they broke for air.
Saphira, enough of that. I've forgiven you for what happened. So stop worrying that I'll stop loving you because you got drunk and forceful. Daemon said with a chuckle and nuzzled her. I'd question myself if I stopped loving you simply because of that one incident. It's in the past, forget it and look forward to what's in store for our future. And just enjoy the moment right now. I missed you.
I missed you too. Saphira said, feeling comforted and reassured by his words. She leaned up and nibbled on his neck, purring softly and Daemon growled back just as softly while his tail brushed against her repeatedly, one of his front paws running down her side.
Gods, you... you are so beautiful. Daemon said and locked his maw with hers again in a more heated, passionate kiss that Saphira returned. They held it for a long time, enjoying the pleasure of their tongues meeting one another, pouring their love into each other across their link and humming all the while. Soon enough, the need for air came and they broke away, panting. Daemon stared into her eyes with such softness, love and adoration that Saphira's heart melted. I know we are not yet mates, Saphira, And I know that the road ahead is not going to be easy. But I swear; I'm going to do whatever it takes to be the mate you deserve.
Saphira felt a tear fall from her eye at his passionate words, knowing he meant every single word. She could hear, she could feel, and she could sense the passion and truth in his words, his drive to be the mate she wanted, to be worthy of her love. You already are. She whispered and licked his cheek. Daemon hummed and nuzzled her, he went to move so she could get up when she surprised him by locking her two back legs around his hips, causing his underbelly to meet hers and make this a much more intimate position that Daemon knew.
Saphira, what are you-
I could get used to you being on top of me. Saphira purred seductively. I may very well enjoy this position... or you on top of my back.
Let's not talk about that just now. Daemon said with flushed cheeks at her bringing that up so casually, making her chuckle at his embarrassment. He got off her and she pushed him down onto his back, allowing her to sprawl herself across his chest, intertwine her tail with his. She sighed and just laid there, content. Saphira?
Yes?
You know that I love you right? And what I did when you were drunk...I did because I love you?
She nuzzled her snout up against his. Yes, I do. And that proves to me I made the right choice. I love you, Daemon.
He growled amorously, and pushed his mouth to hers again in a soft kiss, using his thoughts and actions instead of words to respond. They cuddled for a moment more, before Saphira pointed out that they promised Eragon they wouldn't be out late. Climbing back to their feet, they began to make their way back towards the marble city. As they walked beside each other, Daemon moved his tail over and wrapped it around Saphira's, holding onto to her as they walked. She hummed and rested her head against his shoulder.
Yes, she definitely made the right choice. For the first time since she had hatched, Saphira was actually glad there were no other dragons around.
Hee hee... yeah, about that...
Anyway, that's it for this chapter so I hope you enjoyed it.
