Chapter 34
I returned to the hold and silently crawled back into my shared nest and although my mind refused to settle, I remained still as Saphira shifted closer until she was hugging my side. What did this revelation of Ajihad mean? I suppose it doesn't matter If I let him die to the twins now.. Though, thinking on it further, wasn't the reason the twins killed him was to escape with Murtagh? They knew who he was from delving into Eragons's mind which I stopped from happening. I groaned privately into my mind and decided it was far too early to have deep thoughts. Instead I began to plan today.
I think I will give Eragon the task of practicing his reading skills in the library, he seems to enjoy it and he will need to understand missives and reports clearly. He also needs to understand politics. A grimace formed on my muzzle. I'm glad I am a dragon, I can simply growl or pin any opposing force until they agree with me. Only the king of dwarves, Ajihad, and later his daughter will get any effort from me, King Orrin.. Well when we meet, if he is the same as in the book then I might need to "correct" him. As for Saphira, I can imagine she wants to keep practicing to restrain herself. She really wants to use my MP3. With Murtagh now traveling south and removed from the playing field, I find myself with some free time. It was this understanding when a still half asleep Fiori commented.
"You could think of which to give as a gift at the celebration that honors the pact between the elves and our kin. It should soon be upon us."
I smiled as I sent some amusement through our link and gave the mental equivalent to a hug.
"Good morning mother, and I had already started something but you do have a point. I feel that events will soon move fast and time for our own selves will be sparse. While everyone is doing as they wish I could make progress. Although I wasn't originally creating it with the oath in mind."
"Oh?"
I chuckled inwardly at her curiosity and shared memories of the project that started as a way to calm my mind then grew into something more. It was a good way to pass time while waiting on my remaining charges to wake. When it came to reveal Murtagh's departure however, they both became saddened, especially Eragon.
"What I do not understand is why he left." I could hear the hurt in Eragon's voice.
"We all knew he didn't want to come here in the beginning, little one. If Wrathion didn't intervene and hid who he was then there would be a chance his life would be threatened." Was Saphira's soothing reply as she nudged him.
I watched with a smile as he hugged her muzzle before speaking up.
"Indeed. He would be in danger not only from the Varden, but from the king's spies that would wish to return him to seek favor with the oath-breaker. Twas for that reason that his departure was only known by Ajihad and I along with where he is and what his mission was. Now, for today, Eragon, why don't you go to the library and practice your reading? Anything that catches your fancy. Such skill will be needed and the quicker you are able to read, the quicker you can gather reports and requests, and yes, there will be many of both that will find their way to your hands. Likewise I wish for you to note down things you discover that you didn't know for the same reason. Unfortunately It's required for your station."
I grinned as dread became more pronounced as the reality seeped into his mind. A dread that seeped over to Saphira with my next statement.
"But that will be after your morning run around the city once you've eaten, I suggest a light breakfast. Saphira will be joining you as she will have stone weights I've prepared this morning waiting at the western gate. You will have to assist her in getting them on with magic. One round will suffice. Saphira, after the run, you may do as you wish."
"What about you?! What are you going to do? Sleep?!" Eragon yelped with a scowl and I let out a resigned rumble.
"I will be taking most of the day to regain my reserves… I haven't done so since I went on a rampage at Gil'ead and since the desert, then the valley and now sending Murtagh on his way, my power is far below what I feel comfortable with."
I simply shook my head and returned the nuzzle that Saphira gave before she nudged a now guilty Eragon out of the den then the hold before I spread my wings and left out of the open top. As I circled the city, I watched the various people coming and going while I thought. I could've consoled him that I didn't hold his outburst against him, but the boy needed to learn, now more than ever, to keep a certain control over his emotions. A frown formed on my muzzle while I banked away, heading for the northernmost wall of the cavern. 'That boy'... when did I start thinking like that? I'm not that much older than Eragon. Is it due to my dragon self? Or being forced to take care of my ill mother then myself earlier than my age group was meant to? I snorted as I willed the stone wall I was approaching to ripple and contort, forming a hollowed out room in which I flew into then sealed behind me as I settled down. Of course It could simply be that the old man simply rubbed off on me, from teacher to teacher sort of ways. I spared a glance out the thin slit I left for air before taking a deep breath and calming my thoughts. Now for more immediate thoughts.
The upcoming battle.
It would be easy, laughably so, for me to simply end it before it even began. Having your entire army moving within a realm in which your enemy has complete control is a major mistake. Especially when said enemy was me. Here in the earth my will reigns supreme and would be a simple matter of making the stone to flow into all tunnels, sealing them in front of and behind such forces then willing the walls to simply crush the entire fighting force between. Yet, what good would that do at the end? Yes, it would keep all the Varden and Dwarven soldiers alive, but it was the battle that gave the Varden the kick it needed to start making a move. At the moment they all felt safe and that safety is making them hesitate to leave. Much like a rabbit is unwilling to abandon its warren when it knows a pack of wolves is waiting outside, Only when one of said wolves is digging into the warren will said rabbit abandon its home. Is that it? Was the army nothing more than the hunters wanting to chase the prey out into the open, to have a much easier hunt?
I hum'd, closing my eyes and letting myself still and relax. I will help them fight, but I will not fight the battles for them. Right now they lack confidence in themselves and this upcoming battle, no matter how bloody it is, is what they sorely need. Teeth, claws, and my flame is all they will get from me then, perhaps some minor power usage in the form of trenches and semi high walls to help manage the incoming flow, but that is all. Too much and they'll become reliant on me and I will not stand being someone's cheat to victory… more than a dragon already is, that is.
With my mind made up, I let all thoughts flow from my mind as I sought to refill my meager reserves. I was going to need it for when I go to embarrass old Galby.
Saphira
She ached. No, that didn't fit, to ache she'd have to feel a measure of pain. She burned, yes that is a far more suited the state she was in as she all but crawled back into the hold, her wings almost joining her lifeless tail in dragging along on the stone floor. Her scaled lips curled into a soundless snarl as she collapsed onto the massive gem, that cruel drake and his so called lessons. All her being burned to the point she couldn't even feel her steps. It was her own fault she supposed, She spent more time amongst the clouds than on the ground. She knew to remain in peak form she'd have to take care of her whole body and that included her legs, but when she'd asked Wrath to start training her in the desert, she didn't expect it to be this harsh. Her only consolation was that she knew Wrath had it far worse since he did all of this with what was essentially a new body. Saphira sighed, laying her head on the cool gem with her trembling limbs splayed outwards to her sides. A workout that took the scrawny whelping she saw in the brief memory she saw and turned him into the deliciously eye catching powerhouse of a dragon he was now. She was no hatchling, she knew very well she had weight from all the plentiful game and yet he could carry her on the wing or on the ground as if she wasn't even there. She also knew, being a female and one meant for the skies, she would never match him but if she could gain even a fraction of his strength, or his stamina, then no one would ever question her rule of the heavens. With a content sigh, she let her thoughts go while letting her body relax from the work out, all the while the occasional mumblings from her partner-of-her-heart flowing in and out of their connections as he worked dutifully through his assignments, the amazement and joy each time he learned something new made her smile. Her little one truly had the mindset for what Wrath called a scholar and it wouldn't surprise her if one day she'd have to drag him from those tomes. She couldn't blame him, thanks to Wrath's introducing the books from his world, she wouldn't be interested in any of that either. With that thought, she cracked open an eye and glanced at their den, her thoughts going to the bag that Wrath left behind, more specifically a certain artifact of his just for her. The smile on her muzzle growing at the trust he was showing her by letting her look at it. Getting to her paws, she made her way to their home even letting go of her carefully crafted strides in place of a happy waddle. By the time she reached it, the small earthly golem of her lizard was already created and half within the bag, seeking the item she greatly desired. The ability to create such a thing never ceases to make her wiggle with happiness, she thought only Wrath could create them but now so could she. A part of her ancestral instincts tells her it shouldn't be possible and while she agrees she also is happy it is now. The moment her little friend withdrew her prize from the bag, the dragoness couldn't help doing a small wiggle of excitement before she schooled herself into a serious point of focus. She knew she had to be the utmost careful she's ever been with anything before with Wrath's em-pee-three player.
With a scrunched muzzle of concentration, she followed the movements he showed her on their third night waiting at that coastal city, switching it "on" as he called it and to the "files" though why it is called a "list" is beyond her. Regardless, she thought over the two names, "Jason's Beats" and "Sarah's Memories". Saphira remembered Wrath explaining that his was "Motivational" while the other, which she was told was his mother's, held music from things he called "movies" and "TV shows". He had shared with her that night many from his list and while she did not understand most of the words, she felt the music itself seemed to seep into her core. To that end, she allowed her curiosity to guide her to his mother's choices, carefully going down the names until suddenly one stood out.
"Whip my Tail"? She mumbled to herself, she was under the impression that the two-legs didn't have tails.. Never those she saw in Wrath's memories or here. Her befuddlement grew at what she saw was supposed to be the singer's names. "What are Chipettes"? Deciding it was a good enough choice as any, she selected it with a fifteen minute delay then had her small friend scurry with it to slip the "armband pouch" over her left horn, securing it in place then had the little golem place the "air buds" into her ear canals before dismissing it.
She waited patiently for the music to start, the only part of her giving away her excitement was the tip of her tail which was flicking erratically. Lucky for her, her wait wasn't long. The sudden start of the rather upbeat and strange song made her flinch and while the voices of the singers were abnormally high pitched, it was the words that really got her attention.
I Whip my tail back and forth
I Whip my tail back and forth
(Just whip it)
I Whip my tail back and forth
I Whip my tail back and forth
(Whip it real good)
With her head cocked to the side in surprise, she found that her tail had indeed followed the voices, said appendage was flicking from one side to the other and hitting the stone edges of the den with a weighty thump. Even more interesting, her hindquarters were rocking with the fervor of the music as well.
Hop up out of bed, turn my swag on
Pay no attention to them haters 'cause we whip 'em off
And we ain't doing nothing nothing wrong
So don't tell me nothing I'm just tryna have fun
So keep the party jumping
So whats up
(yea)
By the time the song reached the main parts of it, Saphira was already lost. With a large grin putting all her teeth on display and her eyes closed to immerse herself in the joyous feeling, she writhed her body and stomped her paws even as she let loose, letting her rump swish high in the air with her tail now lashing through the air to thump against the den walls, even her wings were getting involved with one opening to brush the ceiling while the other waved. Her head weaving low, a mere two feet above the floor. In the back of her mind, she was thankful of Wrath's vigilance to keeping their den clutter free, otherwise she knew she'd inadvertently destroyed something by now. The thought briefly crossed her distracted mind that he foresaw this moment when he created those "cubbies" set low in the floor but as soon as it came, the music and her attempt to sing along with it had chased the thought away
Don't let haters keep me off my grind
Keep my head up and I know I'll be fine
Keep fighting until I get there
When I'm down and I feel like giving up
I Whip my tail back and forth
I Whip my tail back and forth
(Just whip it)
Saphira let out a happy warble as she spun in place, unconsciously with all the grace she gained during the repeats, once, twice, thrice until she was facing once more the back of their home.
All my ladies, If you feel me
Come on, do it, do it, whip your tail
Don't matter if it's long, short
Do it do it whip your tail
With another full and a half spin, this time on a single hind paw with the aid of her wings that brought her to face outwards to the rest of the den, all the joy and excitement turned to horrified embarrassment. For when she opened her eyes to check her landing, there he was, Wrath, seated on his rear with his wings spread wide and reaching for the hidden skies, both his eyes and maw was wide and his crest was doing the same thing it did when she had teased him. She never once noticed the song running to its end then stopping, Her mind far too focused on one thought.
"He saw me!"
Wrathion
After an hour of meditating and building up my reserves to be somewhat useful and checking on Murtagh's travel progress and Eragon's studies, which seemed to be halted by Nasuada's questioning, I decided to return to the hold. The amused and admittedly concerning request from mother to enter quietly had me second guessing my voice, more so when she refused to elaborate as to why but sensing nothing dangerous, I followed her request. What I saw however.. Took my breath away, so much so I could only sit and watch. It seemed Saphira decided to take my invitation to use my music player and was so deep in whatever song she found, she didn't even seem to realize I was here. I couldn't even will myself to announce my presence due to the rather captivating sight before me. Now Saphira had on multiple occasions stretched in front of me to tease, but watching her now with her rear high, even on her hind toes, swinging with abandon while her tail swung about higher still… I just couldn't help but think "By the ancestors was she beautiful.." One would think seeing a girl displaying everything, your eyes would be locked on that most precious of views, but my eyes were focused on how she moved. Her whole body moved, no, flowed, keeping her in the center of our large den, not a single thing within was disturbed by her movement. Reality seemed to settle in at that moment. I had fallen for her, and hard. I know her and I had talked about us. I had accepted it and promised to care for her, but.. Besides a few nuzzles and letting her cuddle me more often, It was really her giving and me simply receiving. That realization hurt worse than the time I collided with that mountain during flight practice and seeing as I broke a wing then.. I grimaced to myself within my mind. Nothing could really amount to the shame I felt, but now.. I felt heat flow through my body and my bonecrest mane ruffling As I watched her perform a flawless pirouette, I decided it was my time to step out of my comfort zone.
The moment her eyes opened and she froze, I made my move. Getting to my paws, I slowly made my way across the gemstone floor of the hold and stepped into our share hold, at the same time, Saphira broke eye contact and began to retreat, the startles squeak she let out upon backing into the back wall was adorable but it was obvious by the way she shrank in on herself and the mental stutterings of "I's" that she was mortified by me catching her. When I had settled on my haunches in front of her, I gently lifted her head up to meet my gaze with a paw. The confusion in her eyes was mirrored in her mental voice.
"W-wrathion…?"
With the softest smile I could muster, I shoved my nervousness.. And took the plunge. I leaned down and rubbed my muzzle down the side of hers until my snout was next to her still plugged ear and gave a soothing rumble. I couldn't see her expression from this angle but her shock and confusion was blinding, and so with another rumble, I sent a soft whisper into her mind.
"Would you, my Sapphire, follow me and bring my player with you?"
When I felt her give a very stiff nodding jerk, and fed reassurance and withdrew, turning without another look and grabbed my bag after making sure what I wanted was indeed there before take back to the air, the sounds of wings and the feeling of confusion and curiosity told me she was indeed following. I led her back to the hidden place I had created while my mind worked in overdrive. I had a plan in mind but some parts of it needed some improvisation. With little time and no practice I only hoped I didn't make a mess of this, I don't think I could take the embarrassment. Sliver of energy I gained during my meditation I now poured into turning the chamber into something worthy of her and I had only finished when she landed and approached. Without a word, I willed the entrance to flow open and with a wing, guided her within, the sharp gasp and the flood of awe and wonderment was all I needed to know she liked it so far as I followed her in, closing us both from the world… but not in darkness... No for what was once a bare stoned domed chamber that was only big enough for me to stand and turn around in, it was now a massive cavern with a thick carpet of grass broken up here and there with a strikingly white night lilies that glowed as if they were miniature moons, high overhead were countless crystals and gemstones taking on the likeness of stars and in the center of a small pound of water was a small island. Such a stunt had left me practically dry… but as I watched the pure joy on her face I felt it was all worth it and I'd fight the entire Empire with just my claws and teeth If it was what it took for her to enjoy moments like this. After giving several more stomps on my nervousness and worries to make sure it stayed down, I carefully reached out with a wing talon and gently removed the MP3 pouch from her horns while my other removed the earbuds from her ears. By then her eyes were staring questionably into my own.
"Wrath? What's-..."
I chuckled as I dipped my head down and pressed my snout to hers to silence her, it was super effective if the full blown body shiver I felt run through her was any indication. I didn't keep her waiting any longer for answers.
"I've been a horrible mate..."
When I felt a protest start to build up in her, I settled once more on my haunches to lift a paw up to touch her cheek even as I handed my player and earphones to a special golem I very rarely created but fit the role I gave it perfectly, not that she noticed anything, focused on my expression as she was.
"I have. I've been distant even after our talk, never giving you what I knew deep down that you wanted, That changes now…"
Moving to her side, I guided her closer to the island and when we were a foot from the water, a slow instrumental tune began to play, and it took me to point out a boulder with a flattened top that held the pill speaker hooked up to my player.
When I pulled away to move in front of her, I smiled at the curious tilt of her head.
"I am not sure how this will go as a dragon… but I'm willing to try if you are."
"W-wrath..?"
I suppressed a chuckle, she seemed to be turning my name into questions a lot tonight. Regardless, I spread my wings low over the ground, taking the 'knee' with my right foreleg while my left took her right forepaw.
Would you join me in a dance tonight?"
To watch her go from shock, to excited, then settling on nervous even as I reared up on my hind legs and placing her forepaws on my shoulders, while my own settled on her waist. It surprised me how easy it was. I expected us to stumble and fall, especially when I drew her closer and began to slowly lead her in some simple steps. I suppose having wings and tails made balance laughingly easy. As we slowly moved I felt the bubbling confusion as to why no one on my player had started to sing yet, well guess it's time for phase two of this spur of the moment and so with a clear of my mental voice that had her glancing up from where her her rested against my neck, I started my improvised song lyrics… after all she did asked to hear me sing again.
"I found a love… for me…
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead…
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me"
I smiled at the surge of surprise followed by joy flowed through our connection as my rich baritone opened up.
"'Cause we were young when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine.."
I arched my neck so My gaze was locked to hers, enjoying the happy smile taking up her muzzle and the pleasant shivers I felt through her each time my left paw rubbed along her barrel.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barepaws on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it
Darling, you look perfect tonight"
I gave a pleased rumble when she gave my neck a lick from that.
"Well, I found a 'ness… stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a lover, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own"
That line really got a reaction at of her, if the sudden heat, widening eyes, and the giddiness I felt was anything to go by.
"We are still young, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my paw
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes"
I dipped my head down to rub my snout against her neck, careful of my horns as I felt her nod, doing the same in return.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barepaws on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
When I saw you Scales sparkling in the starlight, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight"
I fought back a chuckle as she wiggled in my forepaws.
"Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barepaws on the grass
Listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met a goddess in person
And she looks perfect"
Leaving my left paw on her hip, I used my right to lift her head as I brought mine back down to brush against hers as I drew the song to an end.
"I don't deserve this…
You look perfect tonight…"
Saphira suddenly surged forward, and with a single powerful flap of her wings, sent me onto my back in a tackle. The surprise of that was however overshadowed when she kissed me, like a proper deep kiss I remember in mom's old romance movies. Whoever managed to help my Sapphire turn a human kiss into one for our kind I now owe a life debt to. As much as we ended up enjoying our new experience, all we did for the rest of the night was dance to a few more songs, chase each other in the water and grass, and cuddled before returning, albeit reluctantly to the hold. The high of a good time however was shattered when we spotted a very anxious dwarf pacing in the center of the hold. I simply sighed and nudged my mate to go wake her troublesome half.
I guess it was time to get serious.
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A/N: Boy…. was this one a slog to push out. Not 'cause the story itself but cause of life. It never let me be, BUT! Seems people are already thinking its abandoned after only5-6ish months. I am sorry everyone. I truly wish I could just sit in front of a comp and do nothin' but write but life just not that nice. BUT! Tonight I sat and churned out the 7 pages needed to get to a decent ending point, probably has some Errors but a few mistakes is worth it to feel happy, ENJOY THE FEELS!
Also a bit of a hint.. Durza REEEEEAAAALLLLYY didn't take to being a chew toy for a flaming derg...
Songs "Whip my tail by yes, the Chipettes
I just felt it fit a particular sapphire scaled sassy 'ness.
"Perfect" by Ed Sheeran
Well.. a tiny bit modified, not bad for a dragon that was trying to make up for his blunder before his courage left him, poor guy.
THANK YOU TO MY BETAS! FOR HAVING THE PATIENCE TO WAIT FOR THIS!
Undead and Jordan