"Shadowslayer?"
"What is it, Bloëdhgarm?"
"I just wanted to inform you that our supplies are running low. If we don't find a suitable place for the dragons soon, I'm afraid we'll have to switch to animal food."
Eragon noticed the disgust that Bloëdhgarm desperately tried to hide. They had been at sea for nearly nine moons now, without any sign of land in sight. While they occasionally spotted smaller islands, they had always turned out to be a collection of sharp rocks. During this time, Eragon and the elves traveling with him had become more and more friendly. They had long abandoned the lengthy elven formalities, as Eragon saw it, as a sign of bonding. They often organized competitions and games, where they measured their strength, agility, dexterity, and magic against each other. They owed this idea to the Urgals. In order to be less hated by other races and to earn honor, they regularly held such games based on Eragon's advice.
When it came to mental duels, no one could match Eragon except Saphira, his blue dragon companion. In all other disciplines, Eragon was increasingly becoming a master, as he more frequently emerged as the victor and slipped into his waking sleep. After just six moons, he had surpassed everyone except his soulmate. This earned him additional respect. Some of his companions were not initially pleased with his presence. They constantly claimed that Eragon could only defeat Galbatorix with the help of elven knowledge and wouldn't have been able to do it alone.
"Thank you for the information. I will consult with Saphira later when she returns from her scouting flight."
Eragon desperately pondered on how to proceed. They couldn't survive for long without provisions, and he didn't want to force the elves to rely on sea creatures for sustenance. While the energy of the Eldunarí would keep them alive, they would eventually starve without solid food. As Bloëdhgarm left his cabin, Eragon decided to complete his self-made records of his knowledge. The Dragon Rider believed that transcribing his thoughts and information helped him better memorize them. After what felt like an eternity, Eragon collapsed onto his bed. He desperately needed rest and recovery, as a few of the Eldunarí had interfered during his records. It was mostly Umaroth who provided the Rider with unsolicited support in areas of knowledge gaps. Eragon didn't consider this negative at all; on the contrary, he found it very helpful. However, he involuntarily received more information than he needed. The Eldunarí often drifted away from the topic and told anecdotes, experiences, and other things from their physical lives.
I gazed at a secluded clearing. Saphira and I were on our way back to Ellesméra. After the victory over Galbatorix, we had greatly enjoyed the freedom of flying without being pursued. As I tried to return my gaze to the horizon, a figure entered the clearing. With my improved vision, I could recognize who it was. My heart skipped a beat as Arya looked up at us and waved. I returned the friendly gesture and couldn't help but admire her figure once again. In my eyes, Arya was the most beautiful living creature that existed. She had black hair cascading like a curtain behind her. Her figure had perfect proportions, in my opinion. Gentle feminine curves and legs that were more than just enticing. Arya's face resembled a work of art. Eyes as green and deep as the forest itself, and a smile that could melt the peaks of the Beor Mountains.
A wave of happiness and joy flooded my mind as Saphira sensed a dragon's roar. Firnen, Arya's green dragon and Saphira's nesting partner, soared above the treetops in front of them. They circled each other for a while, while I could hardly take my eyes off Arya. Oh, how wonderful it would be if she could just reciprocate my feelings...
"Little one, wake up! You must accompany me!"
A wave of excitement and unease pulled Eragon out of his waking sleep. Surprised, he found himself fallen from his bed. The condition of his cabin made him more alert. Every object that wasn't securely fixed had fallen and slid to the right side of his cabin.
"Eragon! Hurry up. I absolutely have to show you something!"
"What happened, Saphira? Are we being attacked?"
"No. Just come up to the deck and bring the saddle. We need to leave."
After confirming to Saphira that he was on his way, Eragon couldn't help but examine the state of the ship more closely. Loose objects were scattered everywhere, just like in his cabin. Saphira, who had been following his thoughts, sent him a series of images and sensations that almost overwhelmed him. Saphira approached the Thalita in a state of excitement. She was in the middle of a steep dive, roaring with excitement. She struck the water like a lightning bolt, causing a large wave to approach the ship. As if that wasn't enough, upon resurfacing, she accidentally clung to the railing, causing the ship to tilt significantly. Embarrassed, she let go of the ship.
"Calm down now. It can happen to anyone!"
"Alright, my beautiful one. What has gotten you so excited that you put aside your wise and razor-sharp mind?"
"I'll show you once you're here and we can take off!"