Chapter 7

AN: I had multiple Ideas for first contact. Some were bland, some were outrageous but then I thought, why settle for just one when I could do Two? First would be Saphira only, then the second would be the official group meeting. Not all would be peachy clean though, Afterall Trust had to be earned and there will be chances

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inheritance Cycle or the original characters

Contrary to what I thought, I hadn't died, yet. Although I did keep some distance from as she started to stir and don my wolf illusion again even if It'd trigger her rage again. My eyes remained on her while she groaned and rubbed her head before opening her eyes. I do not know what part of me that moved to catch her attention, but the moment that it happened she bared her teeth and her body stiffened. I'm pretty sure every creature within a mile heard her mental growl of "YOU!" but I didn't flinch.. Ok maybe a little bit. I risked taking my eyes off of her to look at Garrow who was idly carving a piece of a branch with his belt knife. It seemed Saphira didn't care who heard her because he stopped what he was doing and looked up when he heard her mental gasp.

She remained frozen and ignored me completely in favor of what she thought was a dead man.

"You.. b-but we, he, the bones! The gore!"

She cried, her head jerking from him to me and back.

Sheathing his blade, the man stood, and approached her, and with such gentleness not mentioned in the books, placed his hands on her snout. Like a spell that had been broken, she pressed her muzzle against him, radiating relief, joy, and confusion. So much so she actually shed tears. The scene lasted for a while until some thought jolted her and she pulled free of him and looked away, crouching low now looking so much smaller than she was. Now all we felt was shame, guilt, and fear. Gone was the strong, fierce dragoness and in her place, a scared hatchling and it reflected in her mental voice, you could barely hear her.

"I.. I always imagined.. What it'd be like when Eragon finally introduced me to you and his cousin. T-then when we saw the farm, a-a-and the remains I was devastated and so ashamed.

Devastated because I had lost the chance and guilty because it was all my fault, Eragon had pleaded to me to save you but I was.. Afraid. I fled like a coward to save my own tail!" She went down onto her belly and covered her head with her paws as she cried. It pulled at my own heart and I could tell that Fiori wanted to comfort her as well. But right now this was between her and the man who raised her rider. I remember in the book she often thought of Garrow as her own father for that reason and she carried her guilt. It made what I chose to do all the more worth it.

He approached her again and began to pet her neck.

"There, there, While I would've appreciated Eragon telling me much sooner, I can understand why. I know anything dragon Is sure to draw the king's attention, and you, my dear, are very much worth protecting." She had moved a paw to peek at him when he finished, sniffing while she searched his eyes for sincerity. I however was looking at him for a different reason. The Garrow from the book was gruff, shrewd, and prideful. If it wasn't worth anything then he didn't care. This one still had those but he was also softer, more paternal. Was it because Saphira was a girl and only about a month or two old? All these reveals made this world seem that much real to me. I Rather liked that. I refocused on the conversation right as Saphira asked "How did you get away?"

He chuckled and gestured at me. "One of your kin was warned of them and staged my so-called death, tricked them right and proper. Though I do not think many can out-think a dragon, Ha!" He patted her cheek and nodded at me. She frowned looking at me then back at Garrow.

"But, That's a wolf.. I'm the dragon." I snorted and laughed in the way dragon's do and that only confused her more.

"Come now, didn't your Dam ever teach you not to be rude to such charming Dragonesses?" I laughed again and mentally spoke out to them both, relishing on her shocked reaction.

"Indeed, that she did, and I do apologize for the deceit." I hoped a little bit of charm would soften the anger she might direct at me as I shook off the illusion and sat proudly before her with my wings spread.

She was staring at me, still with shock and maw hanging slack.

"I-I'm not alone?" We heard her whisper in our heads.

I shook my head and, pretending to be much more mature than I really am, said, "Nay, You are not."

Her gaze was taking in my appearance, noting how she lingered on the runes, my deadly horns, and then my saber fangs. Her body gave a shudder from nose to tail whenever I talked and when her eyes finally met mine properly, They had a gleam. I couldn't tell what it was but I had a nagging feeling it could be trouble for me.

"I saw you, during my first flight.. How long have you been here?"

I nodded "I arrived shortly after your rider arrived at the village with your egg."

Garrow glanced at me as he continued stroking her neck but remained silent.

"My purpose here was to keep you out of the black king's grasp and I am glad my efforts have been a success so far but he knows where both of you are now. I'm afraid we must flee to safer skies when your rider wakes. I know I'm no match for those Ra'zac and would be our end if the king and his traitorous dragon decided to fly here to fetch us himself.. Or his shade. We're putting the entire valley at risk." With each point Garrow became paler, likely imagining the scenarios and he agreed with a grimace.

"He's right, I Understand the need for it."

I looked up and around, noting the time and got to my feet. That was when I noticed Saphira only reached my chest, I didn't realize how big I was. Neither did she, for she suddenly got nervous and took a few steps back but I pretended I didn't notice.

"It is getting dark, lets return to the watch, get my bag, then move to my camp near the falls, That way we can be close to the village. You need a lift?"

The last part was directed to Garrow, old men just not meant to go tramping through a dark forest but I never voiced that thought. He came across as someone who'd take it as a challenge. He said it would be welcome, and Saphira immediately offered to carry him, which I found amusing. As we made it back to my camp with me taking point, Introductions were finally made. Of course I knew who she was but she didn't know that and I told her my name was Wrathion. She seemed to be lost in thought the entire time we made it to the cliff, got my bag once more around my neck, then the trek to the falls. I did feel her eyes on me the entire time.

None of us even looked at the ruined farm.

No one really talked that night, Saphira volunteered to hunt for Garrow but I declined politely for a kill myself. He went about gathering wood and I dug a pit for the fire which I was lighting when she returned. She had a wistful look about her when I cut my flames then busied herself with her own meal. I had helped skin the doe meant for Garrow and since I felt it was a waste, devoured what was left after he cut all he wanted.

I guess everyone had things on their minds. Garrow might be trying to already plan on how to rebuild on his own with Eragon having to leave and Roran working in another town. Saphira could be trying to grasp the fact she was no longer the only dragon and the fact the man her rider saw as a father was actually still alive. My thoughts were chaotic. I did a good thing but also completely altered the reason and plot of the first book, or did I? Privately I asked Saphira If she'd keep the truth about Garrow and my presence a secret from anyone else including her rider. She was appalled but I quickly told her we will reveal ourselves when she and her rider go to leave so I would join and Eragon would have peace of mind. Eventually she agreed but promised if I didn't then she'd hunt me down and told her that was fine. Was late as I drifted to sleep.

It took two days for Eragon to wake up from his fever. During that time Saphira got to know Garrow, He shared stories about her rider growing up and when she wasn't paying attention, I shared my coveted baby Saphira memories I memorized during my watch. Even Fiori chipped in through me that she got from animals when she tracked the dragoness mentally. Like the one where she chased a squirrel up a tree and onto a branch that was able to support the rodent but not her, dumping her into a snow drift. We both stifled our laughs while she looked back and forth between us in confusion. Outside our little camp, We watched Horst, his sons, the tanner, Sloan who made both me and her growl, and Morn trek out to the farm and looked it over.

I sighed as they found the remains of my decoy, wrapped them up and made a solemn train back to the village. I can only guess the rumors that would arise, and the shock when they see the real Garrow stroll back into town.

"You never said who it was we found."

I turned to the dragoness next to me at her comment, her eyes following them as well.

"A soldier of the king.. The rest of his squad lie deep in the forest charred and buried. He was the only one amongst them similar to the old man's height and body type, not age though." I told her privately and she looked appalled. She'd have to get used to it, we'll both have to kill countless before the story is through. My only remark was "they were a threat to you and your rider, I merely allowed one to save an innocent before meeting his end."

She just huffed, turned and left, leaving Garrow to give me a questioning look. I snorted and simply said females. He seemed to buy it and gave an amused chuckle. We didn't see her again except when she took flight from the other forest and that evening we watched Eragon sneak around. Garrow grunted his disapproval when he snuck into the tannery and filched some hides, I told him I'll hunt a bear and some deer, to replace those. We saw Brom meet up with him and then after talking, went to join Saphira where she waited at the farm then pick through the burnt remains. The next morning I awoke to find that Garrow made his own trek to the farm, a very old set of saddlebags ment for a draft and a coil of thick rope rested by him where he watched the sun rise with his back to me.

He must have heard me stir because he started talking.

"I do not know what the future holds, but because of you I will get to find out. This old man's life isn't worth much but don't let it be said that Garrow Cadocson never settles his debts."

He gestured to the two things beside him without facing me.

"I don't have much to my name now but I found these in what's left of my barn. I saw you were using some strange vines to carry your bag and that they were drying out and starting to fray so I offer you this rope to replace it. It's a good sturdy rope I managed to get from traders last year, who said it's a rope all mariners use in coastal cities so it should last longer. The bags once belonged to my father when he had his draft mare Esma. I know the bag you have now must have some meaning to you from how worn it is but it looks full so thought you'd like a bigger carrying capacity." He turned then and stared directly into my eyes, a firm if not sad smile on his face. "I hope you'll Accept these as payment for an old man."

I guess it was my turn to be stunned, Because I was. I didn't expect this but there wasn't a way I could say no, I could see it in his eyes. He wasn't asking me to accept, he was telling me and so I gave a nod which he returned. For rest of the day we looked for a good comfortable spot for the saddle bags and finding the only good place was my back just in front of my rear legs. Let me just say, having a man touching and buckling things in 'that' area when I used to be human myself? Embarrassing! I was glad he had turned to my bag if only to not see me shudder violently.

Fiori found it Ironic I was being fitted for saddlebags at the same time Saphira was for her saddle. Garrow was very surprised to watch me tie the rope with the same knot then slipped my head into it to see if I had got it right. Even though I decided to make it bigger, it still wasn't loose. Proof myself was still growing. He then had me sit on my haunches and pointed out how I could take the bags he gave me off and wanted to see if I could do it on my own. It was awkward, and I had to be careful that my talons didn't cut the straps but it was doable. We spent the rest of the day talking about the ones that attacked, their weaknesses and their strengths.

I took off the next morning to follow through with my promise and several hours later I returned with two bears over my back and a buck dangling by its neck in my jaws. The pack had returned since Saphire left and I grinned. Little Saphy made one hell of an impression on them despite her being half my size. He said the two bear pelts would be more than enough and Gedric would be ecstatic to have them, so I helped to work on the two massive things, throwing one to the pack and telling them I had to leave. The second bear I ate myself. Garrow field dressed the buck then tossed it onto my back then climbed on himself, remarking how it was strange he could feel my scales even though he saw fur when I used the glamour. When I stood and began to make my way to the meeting spot the forest filled with howls as my message spread and I was touched. The wolves with me followed but by the time I got halfway, the whole pack was with me.

Fernora Was on my left, and on hers was her fully grown pup that I saved what felt like ages ago who I named Ryka. Even though I am a dragon they'd accepted me as part of their pack. The now forty wolves escorted me and my passenger to our destination and once there, all gave a final howl, which I tried but didn't quite work, then withdrew to their den. I gave a sigh and joined Garrow just in the treeline with the buck hanging from a limb.

"Have to say, That was a tall tale if I heard one, and I saw it with my own eyes." Garrow shook his head, arms crossed in front of his chest as he leaned against a tree.

"I agree, it was something else. Not something I'd ever forget. Felt nice while it lasted."

"Back before the blood pact, dragons lived in packs as well called a Thunder. Even when we fought amongst ourselves we ultimately acted as a group and a family. If one was threatened, then all would act.. As the elves learned. It's instinctual to be drawn to one, another reason we respected the wolf." My mentor informed me as I listened to the voices coming our way. Upon seeing Brom and Eragon approach with Saphira padding behind them I reached out to both her And Garrow, stating, whatever happens, do not interfere. He nodded to me and I felt acceptance from her. Taking a deep breath, I padded out and sat on my haunches In the middle of the trail facing them. Still concealed with the illusion.

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AN: From now on, these things will be down here, It helps you to get to the story faster and over the evilness that is cliffhangers. Speaking of, I KNOW I said I'd get to the meetings in this one and I tried, but my claws got away from me haha. I DID get Saphira's done though. Took three attempts until I felt it was somewhat like their personalities. For Garrow, there wasn't much of him really in the books. Yes he was gruff, very prideful, and thought the bottom dollar was important. Growing up with a grandfather that was similar, I guessed that he was only like that to make sure the boys he had to raise on his own could make their way in the world. That had he been there to really meet Saphy, he'd treat her with kindness while laying into Eragon for his stupidity and recklessness and he'd welcome Katrina like she was his own daughter. So yeah. He got more page time in my story.