this story is a collection of one shots exploring the bond between dragon and rider. they are in no particular order, and can be set in the past, present, or future. Each chapter will be a different "pair"...after book 4 is out, I might revise and fix this, or add more if inspiration strikes me, I'm not sure...

please leave your thoughts in a review!

sometimes even they do not know the depth of their bond, sometimes they take it for granted. It is only when they are apart that Eragorn realizes that half of his soul belongs to Saphira, and when she is gone, he doesn't know how to live.

Even when she was a small hatchling, Saphira knew who she was, and she knew that the young-male with the kind-thoughts lived in her mind, and so sometimes, she thought about what it would be like to lose him, but the thought sent cold emotions running through her, so she decided that she would simply never let him out of her sight.

If only she had kept that promise.

As fire rains down around them, and the screams of a dragon in agony echo in their ears, accompanied by Murtagh's hoarse cries, Eragon wraps his arms tightly around Saphira's neck and buries his face against her scales, clenching his eyes shut as though to block the horror and pain from the world. Saphira sweeps through his mind with a gentle touch and whispers. I love you little one.

A small sob escapes him and he hugs her tighter, wincing as Thorn howls even louder. I love you too.

Although Arya had grown up around Oromis and Glaedr, she sometimes forgot how strong the bond between Rider and Dragon was. It was only when she saw Eragon, weak and in pain, starved from months of captivity, lift his face to the sky and smile, the most beautiful smile she had ever seen on his face, that she knew that Saphira was close. And when the dragon landed and rushed towards her Rider, all Eragon can do is place his hands on either side of her muzzle(he is to weak to stand), press his forehead against hers, and cry. And as Saphira hums low in her throat, Arya vows that the two will never be separated again.

It is simple moments like this that give Eragon a reason to live. He throws his arms back, embracing the world, and yells at the top of his voice as Saphira dives towards the ground, her own excitement pouring into his mind. As her wings snap open, halting their fall, she says, have I ever told you to hold on, Eragon?

He laughs. I don't need to hold on, Saphira.You will catch me if I fall.

Oh,will I?She abruptly folds her left wing and flips upside down in a dizzying wrench, hurling Eragon from her back.

For a moment, he panics, and is about to reach for magic when Saphira's talons close around his middle, and her laugh resonates through his mind. Got you,little one.

As they sit in silence, Eragon lying in between her front paws, staring up at the stars, he whispers, Saphira?

yes little one?

I don't know what to do.

She hums, a deep, soothing rumble that comes from her chest, like a purr. you don't have to,little one.Your heart is your guide.

My heart died awhile back.

She lowers her head to press her snout against his cheek. but mine didn't.

Arya is helpless, all she can do is stand and watch as the Rider screams, clutching his head, falling to his knees, tears streaking the dirt off his face as he mouths one word, Saphira

As Saphira rushes into his mind, filling him with strength and hope, Eragon slowly rises to his feet, his fingers closing around the hilt of Brisingr. He looks at his dragon. Her lip is curled back to expose her her gleaming fangs, her scales are sparkling like a thousand gems, and tiny spits of flame leap from her nostrils with each breathe. In this moment, she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen.

Saphira?

She turns to look at him with bright saphire eyes, the same fierce look she had given him before the Battle of the Burning Plains, only a few months ago(it felt like years) and a torrent of emotion rises up inside him. He swallows hard and places a hand on her neck. Shall we dance?

She blinks, long and slow. We shall,little one.

As their identities merge, they leap forward, two beasts of fire, two relentless fighters, two hunters, two healers, two best friends.

One mind.

They are dragon and Rider, and nothing, not even Galbatorix, or any darker being that stalks the land, can take that away from them.

And that is the greatest bond in the whole world.