Alright! Stryker here answering mo- wait a sec… we broke 100 reviews? Swick. Anyway… I'll take over answering the reviews since wolfie hasn't smacked me in the face with a brick yet. So I must be doin' somethin' right!

Dragomancer (Chapter 28): Oh yeah. I'll wager $5 USD that you won't be able to guess how this story is going to turn out. Wolf and I are twisting the plot while keeping its destination true to the original, canon story.

Guest: She won't be. I won't allow it. She'll still be harsh, but she'll be nowhere near as cold as she is in the books.

Laplase: Thanks and it was essential to let Saphira vent her anger. How would YOU feel if the person you loved lied and/or hid their true selves from you for months? You'd be pretty pissed right? And as a dragon, that multiplies her anger levels tenfold and dragons, as you know, are rather… physical beings. They speak more with actions than with words to make their point known and remembered.

Dragomancer (Chapter 29): Thank you! And I look forward to reading and answering more reviews from you in the future. Hope you enjoy this chapter bub.

Yubel578: AYEEEEE! It's my favorite fan! Uhhhhh it isn't his true name. More like… his true self. You kinda have the right idea but… I can't confirm without spoiling it. As for the elves… you'll see. :)

heroflow1000: No. Fuck off. Lmao

Alright. With the reviews outta the way, let's dive in.

Dawn was a half hour away when Ancalagon, Eragon and Saphira arrived at Tronjheim's north gate. The gate was raised just enough to let Saphira pass, so they hurried underneath it, then waited in the recessed area beyond, where red jasper pillars loomed above and carved beasts snarled between the bloody piers. Past those, at the very edge of Tronjheim, sat two thirty -foot-high gold griffins. Identical pairs guarded each of the city-mountain's gates. No one was in sight.

Eragon held Snowfire's reins. The stallion was brushed, reshod, and saddled, his saddlebags bulging with goods. He pawed the floor impatiently; Eragon had not ridden him for over a week.

I'm going to miss this place. Ancalagon said as he looked around. It's been the one place we've stayed at long enough since Teirm, and it was almost starting to become like…

Home. Eragon finished, understanding and feeling the same feeling.

Yes. Ancalagon nodded. Perhaps we'll be back here, one day.

Seeing as Nasuada plans to relocate the Varden to Surda, we may not be back here for a long time.Saphira pointed out.

Before long Orik ambled up, bearing a large pack on his back and a bundle in his arms. "No horse?" asked Eragon, somewhat surprised. Are we supposed to walk all the way to Du Weldenvarden?

Orik grunted. "We'll be stopping at Tarnag, just north of here. From there we take rafts along the Az Ragni to Hedarth, an outpost for trading with the elves. We won't need steeds before Hedarth, so I'll use my own feet till then."

He set the bundle down with a clang, then unwrapped it, revealing Eragon's armor. The shield had been repainted—so the oak tree stood clearly in the center—and all the dings and scrapes removed. Beneath it was the long mail shirt, burnished and oiled until the steel gleamed brilliantly. No sign existed of where it had been rent when Durza cut Eragon's back. The coif, gloves, bracers, greaves, and helmet were likewise repaired.

"Our greatest smiths worked on these," said Orik, "as well as your armor, Saphira. However, since we can't take dragon armor with us, it was given to the Varden, who will guard it against our return."

Please thank him for me, said Saphira.

Eragon obliged, then laced on the greaves and bracers, storing the other items in his bags. Last of all, he reached for his helm, "You should be thankful to Lord Stargazer and Lady Almandine for persuading King Hrothgar to not adopt you as one of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum, as a member of his own family."

"He was what?" Eragon's eyes widened.

Orik nodded. "For your service in defending the Varden as well as Tronjheim, but Lady Almandine pointed out that you'd have to remain independent, and being adopted into a dwarven clan is just the same as swearing fealty. And a good thing too, not all of the clans would've accepted this."

"I am honored anyway." Eragon said with a nod.

Sitting against a pillar, Orik shrugged off his pack and drew his ax, which he proceeded to twirl between his palms. After several minutes, he leaned forward, glaring back into Tronjheim. "Barzûl knurlar! Where are they? Arya said she would be right here. Ha! Elves' only concept of time is late and even later."

"Have you dealt with them much?" asked Eragon, crouching.

The dwarf laughed suddenly. "Eta. Only Arya, and then sporadically because she traveled so often. In seven decades, I've learned but 1 thing about her: You can't rush an elf. Trying is like hammering a file—it might break, but it'll never bend."

A short while later, Arya joined the group, as well as Nasuada who came to bid her friends farewell.

"I wish you safe passage on your journey, Eragon," Nasuada said. "Know that the Varden eagerly awaits the day you and the others return to us."

"As do I," he bowed in return.

Turning to Ancalagon and Saphira, Nasuada smiled. "Take care of him, you two. And take care of yourselves."

You can count on us to keep him safe… if he doesn't go walking into trouble willingly. Ancalagon said cheekily, getting a smack on the leg from Eragon while Saphira chuckled.

Cheeky aren't you? Alma must be rubbing off on you. A familiar voice said before Stargazer and Almandine appeared before them.

The crystal dragon's mate nudged him a little roughly, but playfully. What was that, dear? She asked with a growl.

Well, you both can be cheeky at times. Stargazer said with amusement.

I'm just going to take that as a compliment. Ancalagon said with an eye roll, getting chuckles from everybody.

We best get moving. It's a long way to the forest of Du Weldenvarden, and that's not counting how long it will take to traverse through the forest to reach the capital. Stargazer said, as he walked onward, taking the lead. Almandine fell into step with him, taking up her position at his side as a show of her status as his mate.

"He is right." Arya said, gliding past them into the darkness of Farthen Dûr. "It is time to leave."

Long trips across the land? Oh, have I missed this. Ancalagon remarked to Eragon and Saphira, who chuckled.

Nasuada looked them over once more. "Very well. Eragon,Saphira and Ancalagon, you have the Varden's blessings, as well as mine. May your journey be safe. Remember, you carry the weight of our hopes and expectations, so acquit yourselves honorably."

"We will do our best," promised Eragon.

Gripping Snowfire's reins firmly, he started after Arya, who was already several yards away. Orik followed, then Saphira and Ancalagon. As the two younger dragons passed Nasuada, Saphira paused and lightly licked Nasuada on the cheek, while Ancalagon gave her a gentle nudge and nuzzle. Afterward, the two resumed their stride after their companions.

As they continued north along the road, the gate behind them shrank smaller and smaller until it was reduced to a pinprick of light—with two lonely silhouettes where Nasuada and Jörmundur remained watching.

When they finally reached Farthen Dûr's base, they found a pair of gigantic doors—thirty feet tall—open and waiting. Three dwarf guards bowed and moved away from the aperture. Through the doors was a tunnel of matching proportions, lined with columns and lanterns for the first fifty feet. After that it was as empty and silent as a mausoleum.

It looked exactly like Farthen Dûr's western entrance, but Ancalagon knew that this tunnel was different. Instead of burrowing through the mile-thick base to emerge outside, it proceeded underneath mountain after mountain, all the way to the dwarf city Tarnag.

"Here is our path," said Orik, lifting the lantern.

He and Arya crossed over the threshold, but Eragon held back, suddenly uncertain. While he did not fear the dark, neither did he welcome being surrounded by eternal night until they arrived at Tarnag. And once he entered the barren tunnel, he would again be hurling himself into the unknown, abandoning the few things he had grown accustomed to among the Varden in exchange for an uncertain destiny.

Ancalagon and Saphira came to a stop on either side of him. What's wrong? Saphira asked, concerned for her Rider's sudden stop.

Nothing, just… He couldn't speak, slightly shy of admitting his fear of traveling in total darkness with only a single lantern for light.

Stargazer stopped and glanced back, seeing what was happening. He snorted softly, then his scales began to glow until they were glowing bright blue, engulfing the tunnel in light and shoving away the darkness. Bright blue and purple lightning bolts flickered over his body and he strode forward into the tunnel. Everyone stared in shock and disbelief.

Wish I could do that. Ancalagon muttered, a little jealous. However, he thought about it then snorted in amusement. But I'm not a nightlight.

What was that? Stargazer snapped his gaze to the younger male, eyes narrowed.

Nothing! Ancalagon quickly said, looking 'innocent'. Stargazer didn't believe it, then looked at Almandine when she chuckled in amusement. Huffing, Stargazer walked on with the rest following behind. Eragon now reassured there would be no darkness of the unknown to travel in.

So, how long are we walking through this tunnel until we reach the outside? Ancalagon asked.

"About two days, maybe more." Orik said with a shrug.

Wait, what? Ancalagon blinked. Two days in a rather cramped tunnel with only his friend, his mate-to-be, an elf, a dwarf, a cheeky dragoness and a stern older male? God, he'll be ripping his scales off halfway through. A deep rumbling voice echoed in his head, laughing at him.

I heard that.

Oh thank whatever gods there are... light! Ancalagon muttered when light burst into the tunnel as the doors dragged open.

Afraid of the dark, Ancalagon? Almandine asked with an amused chuckle.

No, but being in a cramped tunnel for so long, especially after bright-light there decided to turn off the light, is not recommended. Ancalagon remarked, causing Stargazer to roll his eyes when being called a 'bright-light'.

Cheeky little… He muttered then glared at his mate as she giggled. Oh stop it. I know you're to blame for this somehow.

I have no idea what you mean, my love. She said 'innocently'.

If I ever volunteer to walk under mountains again, slap me, Saphira growled to her partners, arching her beck and stretching her wings. Just relieved to be out of the dark and the tunnel. She turned her head to look at Ancalagon. I wish we could go flying together.

Ancalagon wished that as well. However, Orik had told them it would be best they remain grounded just now. Dwarves and dragons had a very uneasy history, especially those dwarves who lived in Tarnag. Having four of them would be stretching it far, and if the dwarves there saw two dragons flying around… they may act in a hostile manner.

Coming to the threshold, they saw they were standing on a granite outcropping, more than a hundred feet above a purple-hued lake, brilliant under the eastern sun. Like Kóstha-mérna, the water reached from mountain to mountain, filling the valley's end. From the lake's far side, the Az Ragni flowed north, winding between the peaks until—in the far distance—it rushed out onto the eastern plains.

To the right, the mountains were bare, save for a few trails, but to the left was the dwarf city Tarnag. Here the dwarves had reworked the seemingly immutable Beors into a series of terraces. The lower terraces were mainly farms—dark curves of land waiting to be planted—dotted with squat halls, which were built entirely of stone. Above those empty levels rose tier upon tier of interlocking buildings until they culminated in a giant dome of gold and white. It was as if the entire city was nothing more than a line of steps leading to the dome. The cupola glistened like polished moonstone, a milky bead floating atop a pyramid of gray slate.

Orik anticipated the question, saying, "That is Celbedeil, the greatest temple of dwarfdom and home of Dûrgrimst Quan—the Quan clan—who act as servants and messengers to the gods."

Do they rule Tarnag? asked Saphira. Eragon repeated the query.

"Nay," said Arya, stepping past them. "Though the Quan are strong, they are small in numbers, despite their power over the afterlife… and gold. It is the Ragni Hefthyn—the River Guard—who control Tarnag. We will stay with their clan chief, Ûndin, while here."

As they followed the elf off the outcropping and through the gnarled forest that blanketed the mountain, Orik whispered to Eragon, "Mind her not. She has been arguing with the Quan for many a year. Every time she visits Tarnag and speaks with a priest, it produces a quarrel fierce enough to scare a Kull."

"Arya?" Eragon frowned.

Orik nodded grimly. "I know little of it, but I've heard she disagrees strongly with much that the Quan practice. It seems that elves do not hold with 'muttering into the air for help.'"

Eragon stared at Arya's back as they descended, wondering if Orik's words were true, and if so, what Arya herself believed. He took a deep breath, pushing the matter from his mind. It felt wonderful to be back in the open, where he could smell the moss and ferns and trees of the forest, where the sun was warm on his face and bees and other insects swarmed pleasantly.

The path took them down to the edge of the lake before rising back toward Tarnag and its open gates. "How have you hidden Tarnag from Galbatorix?" asked Eragon. "Farthen Dûr I understand, but this… I've never seen anything like it."

Orik laughed softly. "Hide it? That would be impossible. No, after the Riders fell, we were forced to abandon all our cities aboveground and retreat into our tunnels in order to escape Galbatorix and the Forsworn. They would often fly through the Beors, killing anyone who they encountered."

"I thought that dwarves always lived underground."

Orik's thick eyebrows met in a frown. "Why should we? We may have an affinity for stone, but we like the open air as much as elves or humans. However, it has only been in the last decade and a half, ever since Morzan died, that we have dared return to Tarnag and other of our ancient dwellings. Galbatorix may be unnaturally powerful, but even he would not attack an entire city alone. Of course, he and his dragon could cause us no end of trouble if they wanted, but these days they rarely leave Urû'baen, even for short trips. Nor could Galbatorix bring an army here without first defeating Buragh or Farthen Dûr."

Which he nearly did, commented Saphira.

Cresting a small mound, Eragon jolted with surprise as an animal crashed through the underbrush and onto the path. The scraggly creature looked like a mountain goat from the Spine, except that it was a third larger and had giant ribbed horns that curled around its cheeks, making an Urgal's seem no bigger than a swallow nest. Odder still was the saddle lashed across the goat's back and the dwarf seated firmly on it, aiming a half-drawn bow into the air.

"Hert dûrgrimst? Fild rastn?" shouted the strange dwarf.

"Orik Thrifkz menthiv oen Hrethcarach Eragon rak Dûrgrimst Ingeitum," answered Orik. "Wharn, az vanyali-carharûg Arya. Né oc Ûndinz grimstbelardn." The goat stared warily at the dragons among the party. Eragon noted how bright and intelligent its eyes were, though its face was rather droll with its frosty beard and somber expression. It reminded him of Hrothgar, and he almost laughed, thinking how very dwarfish the animal was.

"Azt jok jordn rast," came the reply.

With no discernible command on the dwarf's part, the goat leaped forward, covering such an extraordinary distance it seemed to take flight for a moment. Then rider and steed vanished between the trees.

"What was that?" asked Eragon, amazed.

Orik resumed walking. "A Feldûnost, one of the five animals unique to these mountains. A clan is named after each one. However, Dûrgrimst Feldûnost is perhaps the bravest and most revered of the clans."

"Why so?"

"We depend upon Feldûnost for milk, wool, and meat. Without their sustenance, we could not live in the Beors. When Galbatorix and his traitorous Riders were terrorizing us, it was Dûrgrimst Feldûnost who risked themselves—and still do—to tend the herds and fields. As such, we are all in their debt."

"Do all dwarves ride Feldûnost?" Eragon asked, stumbling slightly over the unusual word.

"Only in the mountains. Feldûnost are hardy and sure-footed, but they are better suited for cliffs than open plains."

Saphira nudged Eragon with her nose, causing Snowfire to shy away. Now those would be good hunting, better than any I had in the Spine or hence! If I have time in Tarnag—

No, he said. We can't afford to offend the dwarves.

She snorted, irritated. I could ask permission first.

Control yourself, Saphira. There will be time for that later. Almandine cut in as she approached to stand on Ancalagon's right, much to his surprise as he didn't notice her coming close. Things are tense between dragons and dwarves, it's best we do not try to provoke them. Especially these dwarves.

Now the path that had concealed them for so long under dark boughs entered the great clearing that surrounded Tarnag. Groups of observers had already begun to gather in the fields when 7 Feldûnost with jeweled harnesses bounded out from the city. Their riders bore lances tipped with pennants that snapped like whips in the air. Reining in his strange beast, the lead dwarf said, "Thou art well-come to this city of Tarnag. By otho of Ûndin and Gannel, I, Thorv, son of Brokk, offer in peace the shelter of our halls." His accent grumbled and rasped with a rough burr quite unlike Orik's.

"And by Hrothgar's otho, we of the Ingeitum accept your hospitality," responded Orik.

"As do I, in Islanzadí's stead," added Arya.

Appearing satisfied, Thorv motioned to his fellow riders, who spurred their Feldûnost into formation around the four of them. With a flourish, the dwarves rode off, guiding them to Tarnag and through the city gates.

The outer wall was forty feet thick and formed a shadowed tunnel to the first of the many farms that belted Tarnag. Five more tiers—each of which was defended by a fortified gate—carried them past the fields and into the city proper.

In contrast to Tarnag's thickly built ramparts, the buildings within, though of stone, were shaped with such cunning as to give the impression of grace and lightness. Strong, bold carvings, usually of animals, adorned the houses and shops. But even more striking was the stone itself: vibrant hues, from bright scarlet to the subtlest of greens, glazed the rock in translucent layers.

And hung throughout the city were the dwarves' flameless lanterns, their multicolored sparks harbingers of the Beors' long dusk and night.

Unlike Tronjheim, Tarnag had been constructed in proportion to the dwarves, with no concession for human, elf, or dragon visitors. At the most, doorways were 5 feet high, and they were often only four and a half. Eragon was of middling height, but now he felt like a giant transported onto a puppet stage.

The streets were wide and crammed. Dwarves of various clans hurried about their business or stood haggling in and around shops. Many were garbed in strange, exotic costumes, such as a block of fierce black-haired dwarves who wore silver helmets forged in the likeness of wolf heads.

At the Feldûnost's piercing footsteps, the dwarves turned to look at the new arrivals. They did not cheer as Eragon had expected, but rather bowed and murmured, "Shadeslayer." There was several looks directed at Ancalagon personally, along with mutters of "Destroyer of Gil'ead." as well as "Dragon of Shadow."

That's… a new one. Ancalagon said when he heard that last one.

Ignore them. Almandine told him.

Thorv and the other guards rode forward as if the crowd was nonexistent, clearing the way through seven additional tiers until only a single gate separated them from the mass of Celbedeil. Then Thorv turned left, toward a great hall pressed against the side of the mountain and protected in fore by a barbican with two machicolated towers.

As they neared the hall, a group of armed dwarves streamed out from between the houses and formed a thick line, blocking the street. Long purple veils covered their faces and draped over their shoulders, like mail coifs.

The guards immediately reined in their Feldûnost, faces hard. "What is it?" Eragon asked Orik, but the dwarf only shook his head and strode forward, a hand on his axe.

"Etzil nithgech!" cried a veiled dwarf, raising a fist. "Formv Hrethcarach…formv Jurgencarmeitder nos eta goroth bahst Tarnag, dûr encesti rak kythn! Jok is warrev az barzûlegûr dûr dûrgrimst, Az Sweldn rak Anhûin, môgh tor rak Jurgenvren? Né ûdim etal os rast knurlag. Knurlag ana…" For a long minute, he continued to rant with growing spleen.

"Vrron!" barked Thorv, cutting him off, then the two dwarves began arguing. Despite the harsh exchange, Eragon saw that Thorv seemed to respect the other dwarf.

The dwarf's eyes raked over the group, stopping at the sight of Stargazer and Almandine, then passed over Saphira, but then a look of horror, fear and even… disdain crossed the dwarf's face when he spotted Ancalagon.

"Destroyer of Gil'ead!" He roared loud enough for everyone to hear, then glared at Thorv. "You would bring this… this monster to our city? After what he did at Gil'ead?! He would bring ruin and death upon us! The Dragon of Death and Destruction would be the end of us! He should be banished! Sent away! He would be like the King's own dragon!"

Ancalagon flinched at each insult, and lowered his head as some of the crowd seemed to be in agreement. The young male's breathing started getting heavier as the insults rang through his head, just like they did in the nightmares he's had since Gil'ead.

"Destroyer!"

"Monster!"

"Death!"

"Abomination!"

Ancalagon's breathing became more erratic, and his eyes widened as he realized… he was having a panic attack. The fear building within him, the hurt and pain from the insults, everything. It was becoming too much combined with his own guilt for something he still did not remember doing, but it was known throughout all of Alagaesia… and nobody spoke of it with respect and awe, they spoke with fear.

He whimpered, lowering himself onto his front and laid his paws over his head, trying to block it all out. Stop. he whimpered. Please… stop… make it stop…

Almandine and Saphira, who were at his side, immediately set to comforting him. Saphira nudged him gently, while Almandine draped her wing over him and gave him a motherly-looking nuzzle as she growled softly. The ground suddenly shook and there was a blinding flash.

Stargazer was pissed. This had gone on long enough and he was now around to do something about it.

It was time to end this, once and for all.

He stepped forward, slamming his paw down with a heavy boom! He roared to silence all chatter and glared at the dwarf who started this, but his words were for all who insulted Ancalagon. If you wish to continue your petty rivalry with MY youngling, then you have to get through ME first. You will not touch him or threaten him again while I draw breath. Begone.

Some of the dwarves took offense and stepped forward, starting to bark in their tongue when one was crushed underneath Stargazer's paw, sending blood everywhere. A second dwarf couldn't get the chance to cry out for vengeance, because he was soon snatched by Stargazer and eaten before everyone's eyes. Screams of rage and panic filled the air… along with the sickening crunches of bones being crushed by the titanic strength of the enraged male's jaws. The dwarves who dared challenge the older male were now afraid and having second thoughts as they stepped back from the carnage. Stargazer's scales glowed around the edges and the air smelled of charged ozone. With a snarl, the crystal dragon turned around and walked back toward the three dragons grouped together.

Almandine, who lifted her head from nuzzling Ancalagon, looked at her mate with a blank look. Did you have to eat them?

Stargazer looked at her coldly. Actions speak louder when it comes to thick-headed dwarves. The sooner we leave here, the better.

With that, Stargazer strode off the way they came. It's not like they could go inside any building with their companions. So they would have to wait outside… like common animals.

Almandine sighed at her mate and his antics before she returned her attention to Ancalagon, who held Saphira close to him as the sapphire scaled dragoness licked and nuzzled him, trying to reassure him and make him feel better after being insulted. It was taking a lot of willpower from the younger female to not show these dwarves how unwise it is to insult a female's mate.

Are you alright, Michael? Almandine asked softly, using his real name this time. Ancalagon looked at her, and her look softened greatly at the tears in his eyes.

Allow me. Came the voice of Stargazer, who picked up the black-scaled male by the scruff of his neck like a kitten, and plopped him onto his back. Guy talk. We'll be back tonight. Stargazer explained, nuzzling Almandine.

Oh alright. The female responded while rolling her eyes before she winked at Saphira. Come along my dear. Let the boys talk. You and I have much to discuss.

Saphira narrowed her eyes at the older female's back before following. If I may ask, what is your budding relationship with my mate to be?

Almandine stopped, swung her head around to look at Saphira… and then proceeded to laugh. She laughed so hard that she nearly fell over, while Saphira watched with confusion and a little annoyance, feeling like she was being mocked. Once she was able to get herself under control, Almandine made it back to her feet and looked at the younger, smaller female with amusement.

Rest assured, Saphira, I do not feel any romantic attachment towards him. But my, you are possessive aren't you? And the two of you aren't even official yet. She said with her lips curling into a draconic smirk. But no, I don't feel that way for him, I already have a mate and he's mine as I am his. No, what I feel for Ancalagon, or Michael… is more paternal than anything else.

Saphira's eyes widened at this, having not expected that.

Although… he is quite handsome. Almandine added with a teasing glint in her eyes. Had he been around all those years ago when I was his age and searching for a male… I'd snatch him up for myself.

That did not amuse Saphira at all as she growled possessively, only causing Alma to laugh.

Ancalagon, from his high perch on the dragon's back, could see the entire city sprawled out before them. The snow-capped mountains in the distance towered over the city and a cool breeze floated down from them. Stargazer came to a halt in a beautiful clearing with a small creek running nearby, as Ancalagon could hear the gurgling of the water.

Why did you bring me here? Ancalagon muttered, his mind still spinning and his vision tunneling.

His mind was suddenly stabilized and the pain was erased by feelings he hadn't felt since his mother was alive. It was almost like…

I had to get you away from the crowds, son. The ancient dragon calmly replied, nervousness in his tone.

Wait, what? What did you call me? Ancalagon's orange eyes widened and he stared into those glowing eyes that were Stargazer's. As he looked into their depths, he began noticing specks of white amid the darkness… like stars. Ancalagon could've sworn he could even see galaxies swirling here and there, but Ancalagon was shocked to find that the dragon had no pupils. They were nonexistent and his eyes acted as a swirling pool of endless possibility and mystery.

I… I did not only bring you here to help Saphira, Eragon and those suffering in these lands. The ancient dragon began. It was more for personal gains. When I swept you away to this land, I-I went through your memories and saw everything. Your father left you. And to me… that was almost as bad as when your mother passed. You had no emotional support and were left alone to suffer. No child should have to live like that. Stargazer looked into the young dragon's eyes, silver tears dripping from his face. I brought you here in the hopes that maybe… possibly… you would entertain the thought of not only having someone you love as a mate in your life… but… but also a family. That last statement was no more than a whisper.

Ancalagon, in all his intellectual brightness, said something really smart. Oh.

I wished to adopt you, seeing as you never had a father figure, but I did not want to intrude on you and Saphira's relationship. However, Michael, before you make your decision, I want to prove that I want to be a father-figure to you. To be something you have never had the opportunity to experience in your life. Stargazer looked Ancalagon in the eyes and the younger dragon could see the conviction within them.

I… I'll need some time to process this, Stargazer. Ancalagon replied, his head lowered and he looked at the grass beneath them.

That is fine. Take your time young one. This is an important decision to make and important choices should never be rushed.

The dragons looked up at the sky, seeing the first stars make their appearance in the night sky before Stargazer sighed.

I suppose we should head back. He said with a rumble before smirking. Heaven knows females being alone together only spells trouble for the males attached to them.

The duo laughed and trudged back to where Saphira and Almandine were waiting for them.

Are you boys done with your… guy talk? Almandine asked, though she already knew what they had been speaking about. She and Stargazer never kept anything from each other.

Yes. Stargazer nodded. What have we missed?

Aside from the dwarves continuing to treat us like we're less than intelligent as a rat? Nothing. Saphira scoffed before darting to Ancalagon's side and nuzzling him. Are you okay, Michael?

…Feeling better now, Saphira. Ancalagon said softly and nuzzled her back, licking her cheek.

It seems they will be having their dinner out here to accommodate us. How… nice of them. Stargazer said with a growl as he watched tables be set up. He got to his feet. Stay here. I will hunt for the four of us.

Without a word, he took off into the air and flew off in a direction.

That male of mine. Almandine shook her head fondly then looked at Ancalagon. Are you sure you're okay, Michael?

Yes, thank you la-Alma. Ancalagon said, quickly correcting himself at the end there. Almandine hummed and gave him a quick nuzzle on the brow.

Good to hear. She said softly then pulled away. Ancalagon looked away, but took a second glance at her as he thought back to Stargazer's offer. If he was… adopted by the older male, wouldn't that make Almandine his adopted mother technically? Given she is Stargazer's mate.

He shook his head, dismissing it for now. He'd need time to think on this unexpected offer before he comes to a decision about it. But now that it had been brought up, he did notice how… motherly Almandine seemed to be with him, which had started long before they left the Varden. Like, around the time after the battle of Farthen Dur was over.

He sighed and laid down. The sooner we're away from this place, the sooner I don't have to feel the glares and insults.

We'll be gone before you know it. Almandine assured him.

Stargazer soon returned about half an hour later, as their smaller companions began dining at the tables. Stargazer dropped four deer at the feet of his fellow dragons, one for himself, one for his mate, and the other two were for Ancalagon and Saphira. The dragons said nothing else, nor did they acknowledge the glances sent at them as they filled their stomachs.

Once they were full, they decided to get some sleep. But this time, Stargazer and Almandine remained close to the younger dragons, sleeping around them in a circle while Ancalagon held Saphira close to him.

B.W.- Well, wasn't that sweet of Stargazer? I had a feeling things would turn out that way.

S.S.- You did not.

B.W.- Yes, I did.

S.S.- I call bullshit.