I apologize for not updating yesterday. I kind of struggled with this chapter due to its contents, but it turned out quite well. For this chapter and the next one, the plot slows down a bit in favor of some character development. After that, the interesting part picks up and will continue, much to your enjoyment. Without further ado, I present you this humble chapter.
As another note, I take every review into consideration. No matter if you are anonymous or not, your reviews gladden me. So keep them coming, and enjoy yourself.
It was quiet, so quiet compared to how the city buzzed with activity when Galbatorix himself walked to the gates of Feinster. The shouts, wails of pain and curses have all been reduced to a bad memory now, engulfed by the tranquility of the night.
A group of shady looking people mumbled something one to another, their rough voices probably expressing their displeasure, grief or sadness. Or maybe they were plotting on preying on their fellow kin to enhance their life. Their clothes betrayed them, but Eragon cared little about them as his head inclined towards an extinguished torch from a house next to him.
This analogy baffled him: the same way the torch was extinguished by the cold air, so was the hope of the people the moment when he failed to defeat Galbatorix. Increasing his pace, Eragon bit his lip in frustration. That is enough! What's done is done, and I can do nothing to remedy my ill fate now! He longed for the times spent with Saphira, when he would do something stupid and be put straight on the right path by her in a kind and gentle way. Well, at least most of the times.
Only the thoughts about his partner of mind and soul sent a wave of joy through his body in the form of a shudder. But the happy scenario taking place inside his head was way different from the real situation, almost like a mock directed to his recklessness. The sound of heavy footsteps, as low as soft thuds, came from the surrounding area, but Eragon was too absorbed in his own thoughts to care about it.
When the street forked and Eragon turned left to exit Feinster, he almost fell on his back when he saw a huge blue dragon a few feet in front of him, with a shady figure on her back. His shocked expression became even more obvious when Saphira snarled and dashed towards his location. Her front paw encircled his body, the iron strong grip drawing the air out of him. A faint cough escaped him, but it was soon covered by the flap of her strong wings as the dragoness took off to the skies, the ground dwarfing progressively from Eragon's imprisonment.
A dim scream, followed by a few unrecognizable words, reached Eragon's ears, but that was the least of his concern. .His vision flickered and darkness almost took over his conscience when a few voices messed around in his head.
Saphira, how can you expect him to apologize when he can't even breath? A feminine voice said, but the familiar roar belonging to Saphira cut her off, That is his penance for treating me so, Emerald-eyes, but I believe he owes us both an apology.
Eragon inhaled deeply when the grip exerted on his body lessened, allowing him to think clear again. His face was red like a hearty blaze and the bulging veins to his temples lessened their size slowly. Still, something gave him the impression that he was more of a trade object, as the two females paid more attention to each other than him right now.
You know I don't like when you do that Saphira. Unlike Eragon, flying makes me nauseous. The voice he heard moments before complained, but Saphira's grinding laughter did not allow Eragon even a moment to realize who that person was.
Then we should fly more often together. The skies are where I belong, and I expect you not insult my domain. The shock of revelation struck Eragon dead in the spot. Emerald eyes… If his arms could move, they would immediately engulf his face. Why was Arya present in such embarrassing moment? Still, he couldn't help but feel a wave of happiness and relief wash over him. She was safe, and this is all what mattered… except from his still quite embarrassing position.
With great effort, Eragon twisted his head so that his eyes met Saphira's chin and grinned stupidly, would a normal apology release me from your claws, o great queen of the skies? Saphira's eyes gazed into his, and then she craned her neck as to look at the one who was riding her.
Yes, NO! Saphira growled faintly at Arya, who dared interfere in her plans. Out of a sudden, Saphira descended, summoning a scream of terror from her passenger and an almost inaudible shout from Eragon who could see the ground approaching faster than ever.
The impact with the ground sent vibrations through Saphira's body, whose powerful hind legs dug into the soft soil. Without even having to ask, Eragon was dropped to the ground in a quite rude manner. The first thing he did was to roll out of Saphira's paw that connected with the floor shortly after.
Just when he thought it was over, Saphira's snout towered above him, her eyes staring at him menacingly, you haven't quite fulfilled your penance. This time, Eragon knew she meant it, and there was little he could do to stop Saphira's rough tongue from brushing all over his body. While the tip of her tongue was soft and barb less, the dragoness was smart enough not to allow Eragon an easy time.
"I aplo…apologize", Eragon barely said through a short break before the vengeful weapon brushed over his body, all the way to his face once again. Suddenly, a shocking and terror filled realization entered his mind. If Saphira would continue licking him this way, his clothes would not only turn to scraps, but…
As Saphira's tongue slid across his body once again, he felt the warm but not pleasant surface brush against his belly. The tunic started to give in already, and his leggings were not quite resilient. With an alarmed voice, he yelled, Saphira stop! I will face a penance worse than this one, but not in front of… The sly dragoness retreated her tongue, a sense of accomplishment emanating from her. Making him crack in such unreasonable way surely pleased her.
From the saddle, Eragon thought he heard a chuckle. Due to his lower position, he couldn't see anything, but his ears registered a soft thud. With the corner of his eyes, he saw Arya, whose green eyes bore into his for a short moment before she looked elsewhere. He almost froze in embarrassment were it not for Saphira, who laughed in her own throaty way.
Unable to take this anymore, Eragon got up and wiped his now wry face in disgust. Luckily, Saphira hadn't eaten recently, but he still felt uncomfortable to go anywhere near Arya. The perceptive dragoness was not sitting idly, staring dumbly at him, as she had her own mischievous plans.
Emerald eyes, Eragon looks scruffy in his current shape, and you already know that he cannot care for himself. The sulky Rider smiled wryly at Saphira, then looked towards Arya with embarrassment. He was immediately taken aback by what he saw. As soon as his eyes drifted towards her, Eragon could almost swear that she sketched a smile. With the usual serious expression on her face, Arya nodded.
Eragon felt a strange sense of peace when he looked into her eyes. His heart accelerated its beating and a sensation he was not familiar with crawled up his skin. Arya reciprocated this strange gaze, making Eragon feel even more uncomfortable. He wanted to end this, but at the same time, he wanted it to last forever.
Saphira was the one who ripped him from his pleasant trance as her paw grabbed him in a way Eragon was already familiar with. Arya shuddered at the sudden disturbance and smiled a half smile before she brought an arm to her face when Saphira's wings buffeted the air around her, raising dust and debris off the ground.
Time seemed to slow down around Eragon when Arya's smile sneaked through his senses, his thoughts, reaching one wound that even Saphira couldn't heal. It was the smile of a friend, who, despite the suffering and pain she endured, did not let darkness and desperation engulf her mind, like he did. Even if all seemed lost to Eragon after the harsh defeat, her smile was enough to restore hope to the hopeless. Life goes on, and such hardships would only strengthen the reciprocated bonds he established. Surrendering to his desperation was never an option, and he could see clearly now.
Eragon remembered where he was in a brutal way when Saphira's full of indignation voice entered his mind, how can Arya accomplish something I can not? Am I not important to you at all?
Try as he might to shift his body in a comfortable position, Eragon failed to do so. He felt like a helpless fawn on her claws, but getting used to this was way easier than a licking session. You are my half, Saphira. Without you, I am not complete. I came to realize that too late, and I deeply apologize for hurting you.
A low hum of joy came from his captor, at least you can still make amends for it. That's something I cannot say about your clothes. Both Eragon and Saphira started to laugh, enjoying each other's company while they flew across the cloudless sky, the silver moon shining bright as a silver eldunari.
The wind caressed Eragon's face, and when he looked above and saw the moon, the image of Glaedr's eldunari entered his mind. On one hand, he was not keen to share this information with Saphira, not when she finally decided that the punishment was over. Still, delaying it would lead to further complications, and the least Eragon wanted was to concern Arya even more.
As the ocean came into view, Saphira ceased flapping her wings and glided majestically above the shore, where she landed slowly. As soon as Eragon was free from her grip, he stretched his body and took off his boots, leggings and tunic and glanced back at Saphira with a frightened look on his face. Only the cold wind was enough to make him tremble heavily, and the water was probably frozen.
I'll keep you warm if you get out quick enough before turning into an ice block, Saphira teased and lowered her body onto the sand.
Why don't bathe with me? Eragon replied slyly, but she looked unconvinced. He knew that Saphira preferred warm spots, and cold water was one of her big dislikes. From her position, Saphira fixed one sapphire eye on him, snorting indifferently, I am not smeared in saliva from head to toe, little one.
The harsh truth hit Eragon harder than the biting wind that grew in intensity. His tremors were but a small of what was to come, but if he had to choose between a frost shock and a clean body, he preferred the latter. Gritting his teeth, Eragon stepped into the water with one reluctant step.
The ocean in autumn was as cold as he imagined, and his foot felt like it was penetrated by thousand of needles. He wanted to groan his displeasure, but that would only give Saphira pleasure. Deciding to end this torment as soon as possible, Eragon plunged into the water. The shock was so intense that he could not even scream, and his whole body seemed numb. Fighting against his physical condition, Eragon ran his hands across his body and cleaned himself as fast as possible.
Saphira, who sat on the shore, warm and dry, looked like a beacon of salvation from his. As if anticipating what he was about to do, she opened one wing, laughing a draconic laugh. Without further delays, Eragon shot towards the warm haven at a speed he did not deem possible.
Re…remind me n..not to… provoke you…again, Eragon babbled as he made his way towards her warm side. The heat radiating from her scales felt blissful to him, and the protective leathery surface that draped him was much welcomed.
You remind yourself, Eragon. How can I ever lick you if I do? He wanted to laugh, but his shivering denied him to do so.
After warming and drying himself thanks to Saphira, Eragon placed one hand on the leathery surface of her wing, I had to talk to Glaedr. Saphira almost growled in surprise, and he could feel her hind paw scratching the ground. Mixed emotions ran through her, the most predominant being sadness at such cruel reminded. He almost felt sorry for bringing this up, especially when Saphira was such in high spirits.
What was your reasoning for disturbing him? Eragon could feel her displeasure across their link, but that was inevitable. He was the only friendly dragon she had met, and now that he was no more, Saphira felt depressed whenever she would think about him.
I had to know if what Galbatorix said was true, but… Eragon trailed off when Saphira growled in protest and removed her wing, exposing his naked body to the chilling wind. Wanting not to play her game, he got onto his feet and tried to run towards his clothes, but Saphira's snout stopped him right away, and her sapphire eyes seemed like icy orbs, colder than the wind.
You allowed the egg breaker to twist your mind in such way as to doubt our masters? Saphira roared, massive drops of saliva flying from her mouth, straight onto Eragon's now clean skin. He never expected such a reaction from her, and Saphira seemed to understand that she too crossed the limit. Her snout approached his chest, nuzzling him gently.
I… I don't know what to think anymore, Saphira. All I ever wanted was to end this war, no matter the means I have to use, he said, placing both of his hands on her snout while lowering his brow on it. Her warm breath send shudders across his body, and Eragon found himself enjoying it immensely in contrast with the cold air around him.
That's the way his twisted mind works, little one. He wants you to doubt yourself so that he can strike while you are weakened. Eragon found it impossible not to trust the reality of this situation. Saphira was his partner of mind and soul, and not trusting her meant lying to himself.
You are right, as always. What would I do without you? He complimented Saphira, scratching her smooth snout scales hard enough to tickle her. As a reward to his way of thinking, the warm blanket that was Saphira's wing enveloped Eragon once again, but he had other plans, it seemed, when he crawled out of the warm shelter.
Thanks to you, I have to go through the trial of ice once again, Eragon lamented before he repeated the same agonizing bath as before. After warming up next to Saphira, he equipped his clothes and boots and got onto the saddle, a privilege that he hadn't had before.
What you humans do to impress your mates… it's not like you were dirty because of me, Saphira said mockingly, lifting onto her four. After she glanced one more time at Eragon, who smiled sarcastically at her, the dragoness roared and launched herself into the air, leaving deep gashes into the sandy shore.
For Eragon, flying back to the forest surrounding Feinster in the saddle felt like a distant memory that had finally repeated, much to his enjoyment. In the past few days, he almost forgot how relaxing a flight with Saphira can be, and one of his regrets was that he never paid attention to it. However, this was not the only reason Eragon felt happy and accomplished. His way back to the forest held another importance to him, one that Saphira knew all too well.
Saphira, what happened after you left me? He asked mischievously, almost hoping that she spent her time with Arya. It seemed logical, knowing that Arya was almost a part of their small family, and should Saphira feel the need to spend her time with someone she trusted, Arya was the best choice after him.
That's not something I have to reveal to you Eragon, Saphira sealed his hopes, almost in a brutal way. A slight feeling of envy crept inside Eragon, knowing that she was probably hiding a great deal of information from him. Still, insisting on invading her privacy would end up bad for the both of them, and as much as Eragon hated to give up, this was a fight he couldn't win. Displeased, he decided to approach another subject that kept nagging his mind ever since he talked to Glaedr.
Master told me something about unknown powers roaming around this land. Could that be a connection to something?
Saphira's answer was a total letdown, what does that have to do with your previous question? The way she said it, the sarcasm present in her voice, it almost made Eragon bit his lip in frustration. Why couldn't she, for once, provide a useful answer that would satisfy him? Adopting a sulky expression, he decided that a dialogue with Saphira would prove futile, and he was also too tired and not in the mood for her games.
When Saphira was right about the grove where she left Arya, her belly rumbled due to the lack of food, inevitably attracting a loud laugh from Eragon. Because of the recent events, she spent most of her time with Eragon, forgetting about the hunt and how beneficial it was to relieve some tension.
I want to see how you are fairing when we will fly through the desert, where your pitiful fruits are scarce, Saphira tried to defend her pride, but with Eragon, it never worked. The smug look on face became serious all of a sudden when he looked below. Arya waited there, she waited this whole time for him, even if her tired expression and drowsy eyes indicated the need to rest.
Disconnected as he was from the reality when he watched Arya, he did not even realize that Saphira just landed. Her furious snort made Eragon jerk his head around and glanced at Saphira questioningly.
Off my back, unless you want a branch to knock you down while I hunt, Saphira said with amusement, and Eragon smiled stupidly at her before he jumped down on the ground. Surely she had noticed that he was somewhat absent minded, but he did not even care.
As soon as the burden was relieved from her body, Saphira shook her head to one side and launched herself into the air, flapping her wings lazily as she disappeared past the canopy of trees.
Was it cute, at least? Eragon spends some time with Saphira, we see some ExA development, which will continue along the story, up to a point. I very much want to hear all of your opinions, and as you guessed, the best way to do it is in a review.
P.S: I apologize if there are spelling mistakes/typos/errors spread around. I had little time for this story this weekend, and even less time to edit.