Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

Author's note: I have writers block in my other stories so I decided to write this. I hope you enjoy it!

It was late in the afternoon and a young man was leaning up against a tree, his eyes closed. This however, was no ordinary boy. He was the Varden's last chance of finally destroying the Empire and bringing peace to Alagaesia. Upon hearing a bird chirp from above, Eragon Shadeslayer opened his eyes to see his magnificent sapphire blue dragon Saphira staring him directly in the eyes.

Eragon, your cousin is waiting for you in Nasuada's tent. I believe it is about Katrina.

Aye Saphira.

Do you want me to fly you there? Saphira pondered.

It is only a few minutes away from here Saphira.

I know, but you haven't ridden me since the burning plains. I miss having you on my back.

You don't have a saddle you know. Remember what happened last time?

Yes, but that was a long time ago. Your legs have become more tolerant of my scales. I don't believe you need the saddle unless we are in battle.

A smile spread across Eragon's face and he used the tree as a support to get to his feet. Without hesitation, the young man used his dragon's rear leg as a step to get onto her back. After getting himself situated, Eragon signaled to Saphira that he was ready and she launched herself into the sky.

Eragon hadn't felt this sensation in weeks, ever since the battle, which nearly cost him and his dragon's lives. Flying on Saphira saddleless was an incredible experience. Now he and Saphira were one.

We have a long road ahead of us Saphira. Can I trust you to stay by my side? Eragon asked, already knowing the answer.

What kind of question is that little one? Of course I'll be by your side. I am your dragon and I would never let-

You are not my dragon Saphira. We are partners. Eragon interrupted.

The rider heard his dragon chuckle at this as she began to descend. Looking down, Eragon saw Nasuada waiting for him outside of a large tent. The Varden had moved its troops out of Surda and was preparing to invade the Empire in the coming weeks.

Saphira swooped down and dug her claws into the ground below. Eragon slid off her back and walked over to Nasuada who was looking at him with a curious expression on her face.

Eragon bowed low before speaking. "You wished to see me M'lady?"

"Yes, your cousin has proposed a trip to Helgrind. I wish to speak with the three of you before granting you permission to leave the Varden." Nasuada explained.

Nasuada made a gesture with her hand for Eragon to follow her inside and he did so. Upon entering the tent, Eragon noticed Roran sitting at a table with his arms folded in his lap.

"It's about time you showed up Eragon. Katrina could be being tortured at this very moment." Roran said with a scowl.

Eragon did not respond but took a seat next across from Roran. Saphira, who was too large to fit in the tent, stuck her head through the doorway and placed it on Eragon's lap. The rider smiled and began scratching her gently on the snout. Nasuada sat down opposite the two boys and placed her hands on the table, apparently ready to speak.

"Now, I would like to discus your trip to Helgrind. How long do you think you would be gone?"

"I would estimate about two weeks at tops." Saphira said, using Eragon as a puppet in order to talk out loud.

"That would be okay. I do have one request though." Nasuada said without taking her hands off the table.

"Anything M'lady." Eragon said as he took his eyes of Saphira and gave Nasuada his full attention.

"Take Arya with you. Not that I am afraid that you two cannot protect yourselves, but if one of you was hurt I want to make sure you can be healed."

"I admire that decision, but Saphira cannot carry more than two people unless someone rides in her claws." Eragon explained.

"Arya told me that she knows a spell that will magically enhance a horse's speed, allowing it to keep up with Saphira."

No horse can match a dragon. Saphira sniggered to Eragon.

Eragon smiled and looked back up at Nasuada. She seemed to have noticed that he was giving his attention to Saphira, not her.

"Anyway, be safe and I wish you luck with your mission."

Nasuada seemed to be finished so Eragon bowed and walked out of the tent with Roran hot on his heels. As his eyes adjusted to the light, Eragon saw Arya waiting with two horses by her side.

"Hello Eragon." She greeted. "I hope you have been well."

"Yes." Eragon said with a smile. "I guess I'll ride one of the horses and you and Roran can ride Saphira."

No. You will ride me, alone. Saphira snarled. I don't trust those deer-animals. Saphira Brightscales, are you jealous of me riding something else besides you? Eragon teased.

No, I fear for your safety. Nothing can hurt you when you are with me. Besides, there are two horses and Roran probably won't want to ride me until he gets used to a dragon being around.

I can see the logic in that. Roran does know how to ride a horse.

I glad you saw it my way little one.

Eragon found that Saphira was right. Roran had already putting his bags on a white horse and was staring at Eragon and Saphira with a curious expression on his face.

"Roran, when Saphira and I talk, we sometimes forget the world around us."

"That explains it."

"Arya, Roran and I will need swords." Eragon pointed out.

"I know Eragon. I have a gift for you." Arya said as she pulled out a long box. "I have one for Roran also."

Eragon picked the box out of Arya's hands and opened it. When Eragon gasped in surprise, Saphira looked over his shoulder just in time to see him pull out a beautiful sapphire blue sword, which was the exact same color as Saphira's scales. Eragon held it up in the light and a sapphire blue diamond in the hilt glowed brightly.

"Arya! Where did you get this?" Eragon asked in surprise.

"The elves made it for you. It was a gift. They made one for me and Roran too."

"How did they know about me?" Roran asked in surprise.

"I told them about how you didn't have a sword and they thought you could use it." Arya grinned.

"Thank you!"

To Roran's surprise, Arya pulled out a golden sword and handed it to Roran. It was beautiful and was its hilt was bordered with gold.

Lastly, Arya pulled out a shinning emerald green sword and showed it to Eragon and his cousin. They both stared at it in awe before she sheathed it.

"Now, are you two ready to go?" Arya asked as she mounted her horse.

"Yes." Roran and Eragon said in unison.

Roran mounted the white horse and shot off after Arya who had left seconds earlier.

Are you ready to go my little one? Saphira asked motherly.

Yes Saphira. Eragon said as he mounted her.

Saphira shot into the air and flapped her wings to gain height. She flew higher and higher until Roran and Arya were barley visible from below.

Eragon, I want you to sleep. Now that I don't have a saddle, you can snuggle into the softer scales on my neck.

Won't you get tired? Eragon asked as he leaned into her neck.

No, I slept all day today. I can fly all the way to Helgrind.

Very well.

Slowly, Eragon closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep on the back of his most trusted friend.

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Thank you so much for reading and I wish you would review! They help me keep going!