B.W.- Okay, I want to make it clear that Stryker and I did our best to show training and progression of it. So if it looks like we practically bulldozed past it, we apologize. Showing training scenes is not my forte, not sure about Stryker though.

S.S.- *remains silent*

Editor boi here letting you all know that if we hit 250 reviews, 300 favorites and 300 story follows by chapter 50, there will be a present involved between wolf and I. Namely a discord server so you can all interact with wolf and I directly. We'll even release sneak peeks for future chapters, set a new upload schedule to Monday through Friday while taking off Saturdays and Sundays to work on moar chapters. Artists will be able to upload and share fanart with the server and you can all ask Wolfie and myself questions while being answered directly without waiting.

Bladewolf 101 here! Since Stryker's been a good pal and answered the reviews for me, though I didn't ask him, he just went ahead and did it while assuming I was a lazy wolf *Rolls eyes* Bloody overgrown lizard. Anyway, I'm answering the reviews this time.

Halex00: Stargazer and Almandine are not quite like other dragons. I don't want to say much since they are Stryker's creations, but they have been around for a very, VERY long time.

Dragomancer: Fact of the matter is… if people are thinking Firnen's gonna steal Saphira away from Ancalagon, then they;ll be in for a shock because that's not happening.

The Lord Shaxx: Oi, Stryker's my editor and sometimes reviewer answerer. Don't mistake that for him being the author of this story, it's still me. But he does help write the scenes out when i'm stuck, and if it wasn't for him this story might've went down the drain.

Yubel578: Michael's had a lot on his mind, so Murtagh and Thorn have kinda slipped. Plus, with the mating season approaching, and him beginning to feel it's affects… you can't really blame him for not thinking of other things.

Anyway, now that the reviews have been answered by me this time, let's get this show on the road!

OOF! Ancalagon grunted as he rolled across the ground, kicking up dirt and grass which stuck to his scales along with mud. He scrambled to his feet and shook, flicking his wings to shake whatever was on them as well. His eyes were zeroed in on the bigger, older male that was Stargazer.

Again. You are getting faster. Stargazer said with pride in his tone. Unpredictable. That's good.

I'll have you pinned soon enough. Ancalagon said with glee as he started to circle his father, who kept his eyes on him. Ancalagon then slowed, his eyes narrowing, before he shot a fireball straight from his mouth which exploded in Stargazer's face. Causing him to grunt before he felt a weight slam against his chest. Adapting, the bigger dragon grabbed the cause of it and tossed it aside, sending Ancalagon rolling but his tail smacked the older dragon up the chin in the process.

At least I'm managing to land some hits in. Ancalagon said with a fanged grin. It was another day of training, the third actually, and Stargazer was particularly stern when it came to the combat training.

Although the training hadn't progressed longer than a week, Ancalagon was doing well according to both of his parents. He was listening attentively to Almandine's instructions when it comes to hiding his presence, which he was planning to use against Stargazer in one of their many fights to come… but it was hard to do so when they were in a clearing so he'd have to backtrack to the trees and lure Stargazer in. There was also the ability of using his mind as a weapon, which was going well.

However, aside from the combat with Stargazer, the other bit of training that got Ancalagon excited would be them teaching him to use his powers. Although neither Almandine or Stargazer had the ability to control shadows, they instructed him to focus on that and feel it as if he was breathing fire. So Ancalagon looked through his mind for whatever he could in order to grasp that connection with the shadows.

The result? He managed to form a shape out of a shadow that resembled a hand, but nothing beyond that.

There was also learning how to breathe lightning which was really fun. Ancalagon didn't know what the extent of his powers were beyond what he already knew, but he was eager to learn and use them in his training.

Ancalagon roared and charged at his father, faking a full on attack, before he darted to the left and lunged for the neck. However, Stargazer curled his neck around and caught Ancalagon by the neck, proceeding to pin him to the ground with his teeth digging in slightly as a warning. Ancalagon stiffened, then slackened, growling to show his submission and conceding defeat.

You're doing well, don't let the defeats think otherwise. Stargazer said as he removed his teeth and allowed Ancalagon to get to his feet. You've still got a long way to go, and we've got a lot of time to work on your training. But hey, you're learning much already which is exceeding our expectations.

What, did you think I'd be stuck on simply mental training at first? Ancalagon asked, raising a scaly eye ridge.

Yeah. Stargazer said bluntly, then chuckled and nuzzled his son. Go meet up with Saphira and Eragon. You're done for today. But be back here later. We'll be continuing where we left off, then Almandine will take over from there. No slacking, at all.

Aye, aye, father. Ancalagon saluted before he spread his wings and took off into the air.

He branched his mind out until it brushed against that of Eragon's and Saphira's, who instantly returned the greeting and let him knew where they were. Following that, Ancalagon flew to the 'sparring yard' Eragon mentioned, which keyed him in to what was going on. Eragon was going to have his spar with Vanir.

Arriving, he landed softly without letting anyone know, the shadows of the trees perfect for making him blend in with the scenery. His eyes strayed to the sparring yard, where he found Eragon and Vanir about to spar, Saphira watching closely.

The sparring yard was dotted with elves of both sexes fighting in pairs and groups. Their extraordinary physical gifts resulted in flurries of blows so quick and fast, they sounded like bursts of hail striking an iron bell. Under the trees that fringed the yard, individual elves performed the Rimgar with more grace and flexibility than Eragon thought he would ever achieve.

As he prepared Zar'roc, Eragon's hands trembled with dread. Instead of throwing himself into the fray, he fought Vanir from a distance, dodging, sidestepping, and doing everything possible to avoid triggering another fit. Despite Eragon's evasions, Vanir touched him 4 times in rapid succession—once each on his ribs, shin, and both shoulders.

Vanir's initial expression of stoic impassivity soon devolved into open contempt. Dancing forward, he slid his blade up Zar'roc's length while at the same time twirling Zar'roc in a circle, wrenching Eragon's wrist. Eragon allowed Zar'roc to fly out of his hand rather than resist the elf's superior strength.

Vanir dropped his sword onto Eragon's neck and said, "Dead." Shrugging off the sword, Eragon trudged over to retrieve Zar'roc. "Dead," said Vanir. "How do you expect to defeat Galbatorix like this? I expected better, even from a weakling human."

"Then why don't you fight Galbatorix yourself instead of hiding in Du Weldenvarden?"

Vanir stiffened with outrage. "Because," he said, cool and haughty, "I'm not a Rider. And if I were, I would not be such a coward as you."

No one moved or spoke on the field.

His back to Vanir, Eragon leaned on Zar'roc and craned his neck toward the sky, snarling to himself. He knows nothing. This is just one more test to overcome.

"Coward, I say. Your blood is as thin as the rest of your race's. I think that Saphira was confused by Galbatorix's wiles and made the wrong choice of Rider." The spectating elves gasped at Vanir's words and muttered among themselves with open disapproval for his atrocious breach of etiquette. "And then there's the company she keeps. Doting over a killer like the Dragon of Shadows. She might as well lavish Glaedr-elda in her affections than the black dragon!"

Eragon ground his teeth. He could stand insults to himself, but not to Saphira or Ancalagon. She was already moving when his pent-up frustration, fear, and pain burst within him and he whirled around, the tip of Zar'roc whistling through the air.

That was when a black-scaled tail slammed down between Eragon and Vanir, pinning Zar'roc to the ground. Everyone nearly shook from the force of the tail's impact against the ground, and they followed it to it's owner.

It was Ancalagon, whose eyes were deadly and narrowed on both of them.

Enough. He rumbled with contained anger, but allowed some of it to leak into his words. He rounded on Eragon first. Do not let petty insults and words distract you, Eragon. You are a Rider, it is beneath you to give in to someone's taunting. He turned his gaze onto Vanir.And you… I no longer allow pathetic insults to anger me so, so your words will do you no good to earn my wrath. However, what will… is you daring to insult Saphira. My chosen mate-to-be as I am hers. Do not ever question her choice again, elf… lest you want to make an enemy out of her. Should I hear this kind of talk from you again, I will let my parents, Stargazer and Almandine, know you spoke of their son in such ways. Then you will be at their mercy.

He backed off and looked at Saphira, who marched up to Vanir and touched him on the chest with the point of one of her ivory talons. Dead, she said. Vanir paled. The other elves edged away from him.

Once Eragon was on her back, Saphira and Ancalagon took off into the air.

Days passed by, and the trio of Eragon, Saphira and Ancalagon embraced their training with a zeal that their mentors praised, devoting themselves to their studies in order to distract themselves from thoughts that plagued them.

Night and day, Eragon strove to master his lessons. He memorized the words of making, binding, and summoning; learned the true names of plants and animals; and studied the perils of transmutation, how to call upon the wind and the sea, and the myriad skills needed to understand the forces of the world. At spells that dealt with the great energies—such as light, heat, and magnetism—he excelled, for he possessed the talent to judge nigh exactly how much strength a task required and whether it would exceed that of his body.

Occasionally, Orik would come and watch, standing without comment by the edge of the clearing while Oromis tutored Eragon, or while Eragon struggled alone with a particularly difficult spell.

Oromis set many challenges before him. He had Eragon cook meals with magic, in order to teach him finer control of his gramarye; Eragon's first attempts resulted in a blackened mess. The elf showed Eragon how to detect and neutralize poisons of every sort and, from then on, Eragon had to inspect his food for the different venoms Oromis was liable to slip into it. More than once Eragon went hungry when he could not find the poison or was unable to counteract it. Twice he became so sick, Oromis had to heal him. And Oromis had Eragon cast multiple spells simultaneously, which required tremendous concentration to keep the spells directed at their intended targets and prevent them from shifting among the items Eragon wanted to affect.

As for Saphira and Ancalagon, occasionally they would be put to watch the other's training. However, Stargazer and Almandine did not allow Ancalagon to be distracted as they noticed he seemed to divert his attention to Saphira a little too often when she was watching, and it took a sharp bite on the shoulder or neck to get him to focus. However, the ancient dragons shared a knowing look with Glaedr.

Ancalagon's training in combat was coming along well. He still hadn't beaten Stargazer, but he was lasting much, much longer in their spars, constantly testing himself and improving each time. There was also his training with Almandine, who continued to teach him to hide his presence, use his mind as a weapon, and learn tactics to use in a fight or a battle against many enemies. Which would work considering they were in a time of war.

As for Saphira, while Glaedr told her to take notes from the spars between Ancalagon and Stargazer, he did not do similar with her. Instead, he had her hover in the air while lifting boulders, as well as sprints, dives and other acrobatics. For her endurance, the elder dragon had her breathe her flame for hours upon stone pillars in an attempt to melt them. Before long, the dragoness could keep up her blistering torrents of fire for almost a half-hour uninterrupted.

Ancalagon was also at work in developing his skill in using the shadows, his fire, and lightning breath. His progression went at equal speed and rate at Saphira's. Now, he could control the shadows at will without as much strain as it happened the first time, but there was still some strain.

Each morning Eragon sparred with Vanir, which, without exception, ignited one or more of Eragon's seizures. To make matters worse, the elf continued to treat Eragon with haughty condescension. He delivered oblique slights that, on the surface, never exceeded the bounds of politeness, and he refused to be drawn to anger no matter how Eragon needled him. Eragon hated him and his cool, mannered bearing. It seemed as if Vanir was insulting him with every movement. And Vanir's companions—who, as best Eragon could tell, were of a younger generation of elves—shared his veiled distaste for Eragon. However, whenever Ancalagon was around, they'd keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves.

As the days passed, Eragon kept his eye on Ancalagon and Saphira, as he noticed they were becoming more… affectionate. He thought it was just their blooming love for each other, but Almandine contacted him and told him to keep an eye on the two for her and Stargazer, and if need be interrupt the younger dragons when they get too… affectionate.

It didn't take long for the young Rider to understand why, as there was some times that the dragons repeated the performance they did before his and Arya's eyes when they kissed. They were becoming more lost in their growing passion, lust and love for each other. Eragon realized their instincts must be becoming stronger as the mating season approaches. He did have to interrupt them or they'll be consumed by their instincts, although it earned him a snap and a growl from the dragons when interrupted. However, they apologized afterwards when they realized what they done and tried to control themselves.

Keyword is 'tried'.

The days spent in Ellesméra blended together without distinction; time seemed to have no hold in the pinewood city. The season aged not, even as the afternoons and evenings lengthened, barring the forest with rich shadows. Flowers of all months bloomed at the urging of the elves' magic, nourished by the enchantments spun through the air.

Eragon came to love Ellesméra with its beauty and its quiet, the graceful buildings that flowed out of the trees, the haunting songs that echoed at twilight, the works of art hidden within the mysterious dwellings, and the introspection of the elves themselves, which they mixed with outbursts of merriment.

The wild animals of Du Weldenvarden had no fear of hunters. Often Eragon would look from his eyrie to see an elf petting a stag or a gray fox or murmuring to a shy bear that trundled along the edge of a clearing, reluctant to expose himself. Some animals had no recognizable form. They appeared at night, moving and grunting in the bushes and fleeing if Eragon dared approach. Once he glimpsed a creature like a furred snake and once a white-robed woman whose body wavered and disappeared to reveal a grinning she-wolf in her place.

Eragon, Ancalagon and Saphira continued to explore Ellesméra when they had the chance. They went alone or with Orik, for Arya no longer accompanied them, nor had Eragon spoken to her since she broke his fairth. He saw her now and then, flitting between the trees, but whenever he approached—intending to apologize—she withdrew, leaving him alone among the ancient pines. Saphira comforted him, telling him that if he ever wanted to repair his friendship with Arya, then he'd have to take the first move.

That night, he picked a bouquet from the flowers along the path by his tree and hobbled to Tialdarí Hall, where he asked directions to Arya's quarters from an elf in the common room.

The screen door was open when he reached her chambers. No one answered when he knocked. He stepped inside, listening for approaching footsteps as he glanced around the spacious vine-covered living room, which opened to a small bedroom on one side and a study on the other. two fairths decorated the walls: a portrait of a stern, proud elf with silver hair, who Eragon guessed was King Evandar, and that of a younger male elf whom he did not recognize.

Eragon wandered through the apartment, looking but not touching, savoring his glimpse into Arya's life, gleaning what he could about her interests and hobbies. By her bed, he saw a glass sphere with a preserved blossom of the black morning glory embedded within it; on her desk, neat rows of scrolls with titles like "Osilon: Harvest Report" and "Activity Noted by Gil'ead Watchtower"; on the sill of an open bay window, three miniature trees grown in the shape of glyphs from the ancient language, the glyphs for peace, strength, and wisdom; and by the trees, a scrap of paper with an unfinished poem, covered with crossed-out words and scribbled marks. It read:

Under the moon, the bright white moon,

Lies a pool, a flat silver pool,

Among the brakes and brambles,

And black-heart pines.

Falls a stone, a living stone,

Cracks the moon, the bright white moon,

Among the brakes and brambles,

And black-heart pines.

Shards of light, swords of light,

Ripple 'cross the pool,

The quiet mere, the still tarn,

The lonely lake there.

In the night, the dark and heavy night,

Flutter shadows, confused shadows,

Where once…

Going to the small table by the entrance, Eragon laid his bouquet upon it and turned to leave. He froze as he saw Arya standing in the doorway. She looked startled by his presence, then concealed her emotions behind an impassive expression.

They stared at each other in silence.

He lifted the bouquet, half offering it to her. "I don't know how to make a blossom for you, like Fäolin did, but these are honest flowers and the best I could find."

"I cannot accept them, Eragon."

"They're not… they're not that sort of gift." He paused. "It's no excuse, but I didn't realize beforehand that my fairth would put you in such a difficult situation. For that, I'm sorry, and I cry your pardon… I was just trying to make a fairth, not cause trouble. I understand the importance of my studies, Arya, and you needn't fear I will neglect them in order to moon after you." He swayed and leaned against the wall, too dizzy to remain on his feet without support. "That's all."

She regarded him for a long moment, then slowly reached out and took the bouquet, which she held beneath her nose. Her eyes never left his. "They are honest flowers," she conceded. Her gaze flickered down to his feet and back up again. "Have you been ill?"

"No. My back."

"I had heard, but I did not think…"

He pushed himself away from the wall. "I should go."

"Wait." Arya hesitated, then guided him to the bay window, where he sat on the padded bench that curved from the wall. Removing two goblets from a cupboard, Arya crumbled dried nettle leaves into them, then filled the goblets with water and—saying "Boil"—heated the water for tea.

She gave a goblet to Eragon, who held it with both hands so the warmth seeped into him. He glanced out the window to the ground twenty feet below, where elves walked among the royal gardens, talking and singing, and fireflies floated through the dusky air.

"I wish…" said Eragon, "I wish it could always be like this. It's so perfect and quiet."

Arya stirred her tea. "How fares Saphira and Ancalagon?

"They're fine… though Stargazer and Almandine have told me to keep an eye on them as they are becoming… well…" Eragon blushed with a small smile, rubbing the back of his neck. However, Arya seemed to understand and a flash of amusement passed through her eyes. "And you?"

"I have been preparing to return to the Varden."

Alarm shot through him. "When?"

"After the Blood-oath Celebration. I have tarried here far too long as it is, but I have been loathed to leave and Islanzadí wished me to stay. Also… I have never attended a Blood-oath Celebration and it is the most important of our observances." She considered him over the rim of her goblet. "Is there nothing Oromis can do for you?"

Eragon forced a weary shrug. "He tried everything he knows."

They sipped their tea and watched the groups and couples meander along the garden paths. "Your studies go well, though?" she asked.

"They do." In the lull that followed, Eragon picked up the scrap of paper from between the trees and examined her stanzas, as if reading them for the first time. "Do you often write poetry?"

Arya extended her hand for the paper and, when he gave it to her, rolled it into a tube so that the words were no longer visible. "It is custom that everyone who attends the Blood-oath Celebration should bring a poem, a song, or some other piece of art that they have made and share it with those assembled. I have but begun to work on mine."

"I think it's quite good."

"If you had read much poetry—"

"I have."

Arya paused, then dipped her head and said, "Forgive me. You are not the person I first met in Gil'ead."

"No. I…" He stopped and twisted the goblet between his hands while he searched for the right words. "Arya… you'll be leaving soon enough. I would count it a shame if this is the last I see of you between now and then. Could we not meet occasionally, as we did before, and you could show Saphira, Ancalagon and me more of Ellesméra?"

"It would not be wise," she said in a gentle but firm voice.

He looked up at her. "Must the price of my indiscretion be our friendship? I cannot help how I feel toward you, but I would rather suffer another wound from Durza than allow my foolishness to destroy the companionship that existed between us. I value it too highly."

Lifting her goblet, Arya finished the last of her tea before responding. "Our friendship shall endure, Eragon. As for us spending time together…" Her lips curved with a hint of a smile. "Perhaps. However, we shall have to wait and see what the future brings, for I am busy and can promise nothing."

He knew her words were the closest thing to a conciliation he was likely to receive, and he was grateful for them. "Of course, Arya Svit-kona," he said, and bowed his head.

They exchanged a few more pleasantries, but it was clear that Arya had gone as far as she was willing to go that day, so Eragon returned to the treehouse, where he found Ancalagon and Saphira laying together, affectionately nuzzling each other.

"At least you two aren't doing what you did last time." Eragon chuckled, having walked in once to find Saphira on top of Ancalagon, and the dragons kissing like no tomorrow.

We're… keeping a tight control of ourselves, but it's not easy with mating season right around the corner. Saphira said with a sigh.

Aye. We do our best to ignore it yet still show our affection without indulging our more… suggestivethoughts. Ancalagon said, giving Saphira an amused look as her cheeks reddened. Unlike some.

Oh shut up. She huffed and lightly smacked him in the face with her tail.

Ancalagon chuckled and looked at Eragon. How did it go with Arya?

"It went… well, I suppose." Eragon sighed, walking over to sit in between the dragons' paws, leaning his head against Saphira's right foreleg.

Ancalagon stared down before he sighed. You know, despite what some may say, I think a romance between an elf and a human is acceptable. He said casually.

"What?" Eragon looked at him with a frown, as did Saphira who tilted her head in confusion.

You see, there's a story in my world. It's called the Lord of the Rings. Ancalagon said, withholding a grin as he mentioned one of his favourite movie series ever! Now this story, this centred in a land quite like this known as Middle-Earth. Where creatures of various types roamed, such as men, dwarves, elves, animals of every kind, even dragons. And creatures known as orcs and goblins, who I guess you can compare to the Urgals. They both served a dark master, though the orcs were mainly the servants, goblins just kept to themselves.

Who was the master of the orcs? Saphira asked, curiously.

A Dark Lord with terrifying power. He was neither man, dwarf or elf, but something else. Something older. Ancalagon said, his tone taking on a darker turn to make the story more dramatic and impactful, especially when talking about this certain character. This… being was not the first of his type. For he was the servant of a stronger, even more powerful Dark Lord. But that did not mean his power was to be ignored, for he proved to be of equal strength to his master. They gave him many names; The Deceiver, the Bringer of Gifts, The Lord of the Rings, but his nam would always be feared and remembered… as Sauron.

A cold chill swept through the treehouse, dimming the candles that were alight. Ancalagon blinked, having not expected that. He noticed Eragon and Saphira seemed to shiver at the mention of the Dark Lord.

"And his master?" Eragon asked once he got over the cold that passed through him.

His master was the first and most powerful Dark Lord who very nearly gained victory in casting the land in shadow. His name… was Morgoth. Like before, a cold chill passed, but this was was even colder than the last. Shaking his head, Ancalagoin got back to the story. Anyway, after his master was defeated and locked away in a realm known as the Void, he began his rise to power, to claim Middle-Earth in honor of Morgoth. He began by whispering honeyed words into the ears of kings of men, who were easy to corrupt with the promises of power. He brought gifts, but deceived, and then forged an object that would aid him in furthering his dominion over the land… a Ring of Power.

Eragon and Saphira remind silent, enraptured.

One by one, the free peoples of Middle-Earth fell under the power of the Ring. But there were some who resisted. Ancalagon said. A last Alliance of Men and Elves marched against the armies of Mordor, Sauron's domain, and there they fought for the freedom of Middle-Earth. They fought bravely, and victory was near as they drove the orcs back… until Sauron himself took to the battlefield. No man or elf could stand against him, not even the King of Gondor, another kingdom in Middle-Earth. When all hope had faded, Isildur, son of the king, took his father's sword… and cut the Ring from Sauron's hand. Because of this, Sauron was destroyed… but his spirit endured.

Endured? Eragon asked.

When he created the Ring, he poured his life force into it. It was the only thing keeping him from being completely destroyed. Ancalagon said and sighed. Oh, Isildur had the chance to destroy evil forever. To cast the Ring back into the fires from whence it came… but the Ring of Power has a will of it's own, and Isildur easily fell to it's corrupting influence. He kept it. But the Ring led him to his death, and it disappeared. Years passed, thousands of years, before the Ring was found again… and by that time, Sauron had regained much of his former strength, enough to return but he could not yet take physical form, not without the Ring. And thus began the War of the Ring. One of the many who fought against Sauron's forces in this war was a man named Aragorn, Isildur's heir… and he had love in the form of a beautiful elf named Arwen.

Saphira snorted at hearing him call someone else, other than her, beautiful, and he was quick to nuzzle her.

Nothing compared to you though. He whispered, making her lift her head proudly. Anyway, despite being different races, Arwen had such love in Aragorn that she would give up her immortality, to choose a mortal life, just to be with Aragorn. Have faith, Eragon, perhaps Arya may one day return your affections regardless of you being a man.

Eragon was silent. Evidently feeling the weight of his words. He knew Ancalagon was just trying to help, especially by telling him this story. He simply nodded and got up to go get ready for bed, seeing it was starting to get late. However, he paused and turned to the black-scaled male who was laying down and curling up with Saphira.

"How did the story end?" He asked curiously, gaining the male's attention. "Was Sauron destroyed?"

Ancalagon gave a fanged smile. Like any great evil in a story… good triumphed.

Eragon nodded and went off to bed. Ancalagon laid his head down and Saphira placed hers on top of his. The male hummed and coiled his tail around hers tightly, causing her to hum before they lulled off into their slumber.

It was the beginning of the second week of training for Eragon, Saphira and Ancalagon when Almandine abruptly appeared to the trio.

They had been wandering about Ellesmera, not really having a direction in mind or destination, when the maroon dragoness landed roughly in front of the group, kicking up a cloud of dust. Almandine had her mind closed off, so her feelings were hidden, but her reddish-orange eyes burned with an inner fire. Whatever it was, it was serious.

Sparring fields. Now. Saphira and Ancalagon. Was all she said before launching back into the air and soaring away.

Huh. Wonder what the big deal is. Ancalagon thought out loud.

I haven't the slightest idea, but it seemed rather pressing for her to act the way she did around you. Saphira pointed out, earning a "hmm" from Eragon and Ancalagon.

Eragon was snatched in one of Saphira's paws since she didn't have her saddle on, and the dragons took to the air. As they soared over the trees approaching the capital, the group could see a large crowd massing around the training fields where elves usually sparred. The glittering forms of Glaedr and Almandine could be seen towering over the trees and there were hundreds of elves gathering in the treeline around the clearing. The two young dragons landed in the clearing where everyone just stared at them, unease rippling through the crowd.

Lightning suddenly flashed followed by a crackling sound and a massive BOOM! as a dome of electrical energy flared to life around Saphira and Ancalagon. The black-scaled dragon spotted Eragon, who had been strangely warped away, outside the strange dome and panic began to set in.

S-Saphira…? Ancalagon shakily asked, thinking it was all just a prank.

Th-this is not m-me. Saphira stammered out in reply, dashing any of the male's hopes of this being a mistake.

Well well well… Came the familiar voice of Stargazer, echoing in everyone's minds. If it isn't the happy couple! You like this neat trick kid? Ancalagon growled lowly, yet the panic kept building. Yeah kid, this is not the normal day at the office for you and Saffy. You see… I had to find a way to break you. To allow you to fully accept who and what you are now. I know threatening Saphira would just get me killed… maybe. You can barely scratch me as it is. Anyway, that aside, I suddenly remembered Saphira's thoughts of there not being a set power player between you two. So, with a little help from my mate… who I now owe a verypassionate week during mating season to... You won't be seeing much of us for about eight or nine days and nights. The crystal dragon's voice paused before continuing. You can calm down, kiddo. You might have realized by now that I am not there, correct? Yes. That is because I am indeed NOT present. I'm in my dream-trance. I hold unimaginable power in this trance, and can maintain this field for about five days and nights before it breaks. But here's the kicker… you two don't have five days. In two days, our mating season starts! Stargazer laughed at this and the two young dragons shuddered at what he said next. I answer to no one but my mate, so therefore… you two will remain in here… fighting for your lives, and there WILL be a clear victor. There will be no draws. No yielding. The first to give out loses and the winner will be recognized as the powerhouse between the two of you. Who will it be? Saphira, the possessive girlfriend? Or Ancalagon, the cautious boyfriend? Your duel begins now. Oh, and one more thing before you two go at it… if you two refuse to fight, I will use the neurons within your brains to temporarily paralyze you two and kill you both myself. A low growl shook leaves from trees and many elves pressed a hand to their temple, a headache forming. Do not let me down you two. You are to shape the fate of this land… I'd hate to waste the lives of two young, promising dragons.

FIGHT!

Ancalagon was shocked, as was Saphira, as was everyone else. However Almandine, Glaedr and Oromis seemed indifferent… which means they knew what was going to happen. Rage built within Ancalagon. How dare Stargazer force him to do this? A little voice whispered in his ear that he should be commanded by no one, not even his adoptive father, but he shook it aside and turned to look at Saphira.

Saphira… Ancalagon stopped, hesitant to continue. He didn't want to hurt her.

We're dragons, Michael. Saphira's eyes turned stone cold. No trace of the warmth Ancalagon had come to fall in love with was to be found in her sapphire orbs. We must. One must triumph over the other.

Ancalagon closed his eyes, holding in a shuddering breath. Was this what everything was to come too? Him being forced to battle the one he loves in a fight to the death? Just to prove some damn point? However, even as his logical thoughts raged and raced for a way to end this without a fight… the stronger, draconic instincts were making their presence known. This time, they weren't suggesting he be affectionate with Saphira, a challenge had been issued and Ancalagon's draconic pride said-no, demanded that he accept… and win.

No matter the cost.

When Ancalagon opened his eyes, they were as stone cold as Saphira's. Not a shred of warmth within them, only a desire… to win.

The two young dragons faced each other at a respectable distance and slowly began to circle each other with their audience watching very closely. Low growls emanated from them.

"Is this really necessary?!" Islanzadi demanded, yelling at Almandine while the dragons circled each other in the protective dome. "You are cruel, you are! Why can't you se-"

She was cut off with a scream as Glaedr snarled and brought his remaining paw down on the Queen of the Fair Folk, flattening her to the ground beneath his massive paw. One golden iris was trained on the struggling elf under his appendage. If you dare to raise your voice to this dragoness again, you will be begging for me to kill you before Stargazer gets his paws on you. Lowering his voice further, his tone sent shivers down the backs of the elves and even his own Rider. I have seen how he handles those who disrespect his mate… and he does not kill them quickly.

Ancalagon and Saphira soon came to a stop, still growling as they stared at each other. Whatever form of logic and reason that was in Ancalagon's mind had been shifted and consumed by his instincts. His blood began to boil at the idea of a fight to the death,... and he was going to win.

He reared back and unleashed a powerful roar in challenge, one Saphira gladly returned. They charged and collided headfirst, their teeth snapping at each other before Saphira landed a strike with her paw across Ancalagon's face but he recovered instantly and shoved her back with his head to her chest. The two circled each other briefly against before they collided, savage growls leaving them as they bit and scratched at each other before backing off. Ancalagon made a similar gesture of cracking and tweaking his neck, like a human would before a fight, before he roared again and charged.

Saphira braced herself and dug her talons into the ground as Ancalagon collided with her, and she brought her teeth down into his neck, drawing first blood when her teeth managed to pierce through. Ancalagon roared in pain and swung his paws out, smashing her in the sides in order to try and weaken her grip on his neck which worked. He backed off, whirled around and struck her across the face with his tail. Instantly, she backed off to not be overwhelmed.

Ancalagon felt the blood and looked at the wound, but ignored it with a growl, facing Saphira again. They eyed each other with savage intentions, eyes cold as the snow in the winter. With roars at the same time, they charged and collided again, but were already on the attack as they swiped their claws at each other, snapping at their opponents necks. Saphira delivered a smarting blow to his chest, driving him back a step, only to have him snarl at her and swung his head, which collided with her viciously and knocking her off her feet briefly but she got right back up, only for Ancalagon to leap and slam her down, his claws scratching her flanks in the process as he clawed her, then spun and delivered a vicious tail smack to the face again.

The dragoness's eyes narrowed and she growled. She knew they were going to fight, but that hurt. If he wanted a fight, she'll give him one. First, she swiped at his face with her talons, but he leaned his head back to avoid possibly losing an eye. Saphira dove for his neck, intending to sink her teeth in, when Ancalagon brought a clenched paw right across her face and tackled her onto her back, the two viciously snarling, clawing and biting one another, fully giving in to their natural predatory instincts to the horror of the people watching, and indifference of the older dragons.

"We have to stop this!" Eragon said, watching as the two dragons fought.

"We can't, Eragon." Oroimis said with a sigh. "As horrible as this seems… Stargazer has their best intentions in mind."

Managing to push Ancalagon off her, Saphira got to her feet and they circled each other once again before roaring and charging, colliding in a fury of tooth and claw, snapping, biting, scratching and slashing at each other. Saphira then brought her teeth down on Ancalagon's neck again, further aggravating the wound she had already given him. This time, her grip was taught as she scratched at his chest, drawing blood as well when her claws dug deep through the scales and into his hide.

THIS ENDS, NOW!

A wave of black energy exploded from Ancalagon and smashed into Saphira, sending her sailing backward… into the field of energy surrounding them. The dragoness howled as she convulsed several times, trapped in the barrier, before collapsing to the ground. Her scales smoked and were fused in several places and her muscles spasmed at random.

Eragon gasped in horror, and it didn't help that he felt his dragon's pain through their link and was brought to a knee because of it. He glanced at Ancalagon, hoping the sight of Saphira in pain would snap him out of this. And while he did see a brief flash of concern and worry, it was shoved back and Ancalagon's eyes became cold once again as he approached the groaning dragoness.

Saphira managed to push her body up until she was on all fours, then felt the ground shake as Ancalagon charged. Glancing at the field of energy, she waited… then darted to the side just in time to avoid Ancalagon's charge which resulted in him colliding with the energy field this time.

Except… her love interest simply disappeared in a burst of black smoky tendrils.

Growling, Saphira looked around, trusting her senses to help her search for her opponent. She stayed completely still, eyes narrowed… then whirled around as Ancalagon burst from the same black smoke, like he just came out of darkness itself, and the two collided. They rolled across the ground, and Saphira managed to get herself on top of Ancalagon's back, biting and scratching much to Ancalagon's pain and fury as he roared and tried to throw her off. When that didn't work, he resorted to another tactic.

Rearing back on his hind legs, causing Saphira to grip him in surprise, he let out an unearthly roar that sounded more like a shriek of rage and hurled himself down onto his back, crushing the dragoness under his full weight… plus the momentum following a forty-tonne dragon.

Rolling to his feet, Ancalagon glanced back, lifted his tail up and brought it down on Saphira's chest, sending the breath out of her as if the impact of being slammed into the ground just wasn't enough. However, she was quick to recover and blasted Ancalagon with a torrent of her flame, right in the face.

Ancalagon roared and backed off, eyes shut to prevent them from being burned and blinding him for life. But it was enough to give Saphira a chance at recovery and go for her next attack. She charged and slammed her head into his, then swung her head which collided with the side of Ancalagon's, dazing him, then sunk her teeth into his shoulder. Ancalagon roared, his fury building alongside his pain, and he smacked, scratched and bit on Saphira to make her let go of him.

Ancalagon felt a pounding in his head and a ten-foot wide white lightning bolt struck Saphira in the chest, sending her to the ground without a sound.

Saphira huffed weakly and shook her head to clear her flashing vision. However, she felt the running footsteps and looked to see Ancalagon charging, mouth opened, and she was quick to move aside, causing Ancalagon's head to collide with the ground and create a small trench. He ripped his head from the ground with a roar and crawled after Saphira, who backed off but the black-scaled dragon leaped with a furious roar and came down on her chest. His claws slashed at her chest, leaving bloodied marks in their place, before he brought both legs up and slammed them down on her chest, pinning her in place.

Saphira tried to get up, but could not as Ancalagon pushed his full weight down on her, his talons slightly sinking in as a warning.

It was over. She knew she had lost this fight.

Saphira stopped moving and stared up at him, into his cold eyes as he growled lowly at her. For several moments, they lay there like that, frozen in that position; him growling deeply atop her and Saphira stone still under him, their eyes never leaving the other.

Ancalagon inhaled deeply… then roared right in her face. But this wasn't a roar of victory, this was a roar of demand. A demand that she submit. Saphira merely gave a growl of submission, conceding her defeat.

And the winner is Ancalagon! Came the thunderous voice of Stargazer as the electrical field around the pair evaporated.

As everyone, the young couple included, watched, the air between Glaedr and Almandine shimmered and rippled until the crystal dragon was sitting there on his haunches. The signs of absolute exhaustion were clearly visible in his dulled eyes and slightly hunched posture, but pride and acceptance rolled from him in waves. Pride for his son's victory on dominance and acceptance for his new "daughter-in-law" into their family.

Nicely done, kid. Stargazer praised.

And then he promptly collapsed.

Ancalagon ignored this, to look down at Saphira. His eyes were no longer cold, the warmth that she loved came back and he leaned down to start tenderly licking the marks he had left. A fight this may have been, regardless of whatever dragon traditions came with it… he was not cruel to leave the one he loved in such a state.

Reminds me of how knucklehead here treated me after our first "mate fight". Star and I went at it for two and a half days. Almandine mused as Glaedr struggled to lift Stargazer onto his mate's back. Oh just leave him. I won't go anywhere without him… yet. With a smirk she looked at her son and new 'daughter'. Don't hate on your father, son. It was time to get that out of the way. Better now than later, yes?

Perhaps… Ancalagon muttered as he continued tenderly licking Saphira's wounds. I am so, so sorry, Saphira. I shouldn't have-

You had to. Saphira said, sighing in comfort as his tongue ran against her scales. Our nature demands that we prove who is the dominant one, especially in those who are to be mates. I won't hold it against you, I was just as brutal with you. She leaned up and started licking his neck, where she had sunk her teeth into.

Ancalagon said nothing, just at ease knowing she didn't hate him for his actions against her. And now, he had to face the next challenge in their relationship in just a few days…

Mating season.

Oh joy… The young male internally grumbled.

B.W.- Oh boy… next chapter's gonna be quite interesting.

S.S.- Interesting? You mean sexual?

B.W.- Potato, tomato. The point is, it's gonna be… weird. I'm more used to making *Clears throat* human on human sex scenes, so… peo-

S.S.- *slaps you across the face while giving you a death glare*

B.W.- Ow. What the fuck, man?

S.S.- You do realize I'm a dragon, right?

B.W.- Your point?

S.S.- I'm used to writing out… well… sexual dragon… on… dragon… scenes… fuck my life. *flies off and disappears*

B.W.- He won't be back until the next chapter. Anyway, folks, leave a review, be sure to favorite and follow a-

*coconut bonks you on the head, knocking you out*

S.S.- GOOOOOAAAAAAAL! I WIN AGAIN! Remember to leave them dank reviews Yubel578! I love answering you! YEAAAH! Heh. Fuckin' loser got owned by a coconut. *snickers* Until next time folks, peace.