AN: Hi everyone. Or rather, to those who happen upon this fic, once read it and the like. It's been...a while (haha). I never thought I'd be posting this. Ever. If you would have asked me a couple weeks ago about finishing this, I would have laughed. Well, maybe not. That's kinda mean. There's a ton of reasons why I never updated, but I don't feel like posting them. Simply, I'm lazy and not into IC anymore.

I only wrote this because I had an insane compulsion to do so after chatting with friends about our old IC fics. I mostly wrote it for myself. So here we are.

By the way: TIMESKIP. This epilogue takes place about 8 years after my One-shot A Moment in Eternity. You should probs read that first before reading this epilogue.

See you on the other side.

A Night in Eternity

Epilogue

Flying to New Heights

"Arghh," Eragon sighed as he sank into his favourite chair, completely and utterly exhausted. "I feel like I need to go off on an adventure again, someplace far, far away from the petty troubles of the city council."

"Now, now, Eragon. I thought that we'd established that your hobby of flying away from your problems solved nothing." Murtagh droned from where he sat sprawled over the table, his dark hair covering his face. "It's your fault regardless, it was your idea to elect a group of citizens to develop and take care of the city in the shadow of our keep."

"I didn't want to be the ruler of what is slowly becoming it's own kingdom!" Eragon huffed. "Sure, it was nice at first, having others here with me while building this place for riders and dragons. And it was great when we had more people to help. But then Rider's began families, people travelled here to learn things and we've had so many students. But now they're establishing towns on other parts of the island! And they were all looking at me to lead them."

"I know, let's pick leading citizens to handle things so I can fly off without a worry, they can handle most things and just come to me for the important things," Murtagh mocked. "See, another mess caused by your wanderlust. What's worse is that when you're gone, they bother all the other riders on the council. With the most simple of problems. And they've already learned not to go to Arya for such things since she's come here. So they all come to me. And it's the worst and I hate you for it."

He raised his head, a grey eye shining out from behind his mop of hair, "If you go, take me with you. We can go now and Ismira can be harassed instead since she's just come back from Alagaesia."

"Arya will probably be mad if I left, she's doing so much and Flora just started classes." Eragon sighed again. It was a tough job being a father, especially on top of leading the riders and dealing with multiple kingdoms and their peace.

"She'd probably murder you, why didn't you just leave her be in her forest where she was occupied and busy with her own people," he replied. "But no, you convinced her to come here where she has far too much time on her hands."

"It was worth it," Eragon grinned.

"Yuck, you make me sick. You and your little rider family, go be happy elsewhere and take your troublesome council with you while you're at it."

Eragon laughed, but before he could answer the door to the apartments slammed open and a gangly looking teen ran in, his brown slicked back with sweat and his cheeks flushed.

"Hey father," he chorused as he slid through the sitting room and into the kitchen. "Oh hey there Uncle Murtagh. Why so glum?"

"Your father is a masochist, can you help us think of a way to leave the island for a couple months without your mother knowing?" Murtagh grinned, leaning back on his chair and kicking his feet up and onto the table.

"Probably, but can I come with you? Ismira has had me locked up in the library for weeks," Kevan replied. "What kind of rider reads instead of learning practical things and flying around saving people?"

Kevan had grown up quickly, over the past spring he'd sprouted up half a foot and was tall amongst the other rider trainees and other children who were his age. His hair was a deep brown, but he still resembled his mother in many ways, like his emerald eyes that often gleamed mischievously. Even down to the headband he had in his hair.

"A rider who is still in training, who is reading and learning things important to becoming a full rider," Ismira replied, as she entered the room. "You don't get to skip all the mandatory teachings. Where are you planning on going anyway?"

"On an adventure with father and uncle Murtagh!"

"No you're not," Eragon chimed in. This was getting out of hand.

Ismira eyed him, amused. "Is it the city council and the architects? They've been at it for months."

"Yes, they want me to pick who should design the new sector, town square and library. The sculptors and architects are at each other's throats trying to claim the glory of being the lead designer and the council has thrown it at me instead of deciding for themselves." Eragon sighed. "It all looks nice to me. It doesn't really matter does it?"

"I hope you didn't tell them that," Ismira laughed, taking a seat beside Murtagh. "Hmm, can't you just tell the council to have the townsfolk vote on it. Have them hold a contest."

Murtagh laughed, "That would work if they weren't all vying for Eragon's ultimate decision. Eragon doesn't like the pressure."

"So you plan to run away just for that?"

"No he's not. He leaves or tries to lie to mother about some distant business and I'll tell her," Kevan interrupted from behind a glass of water, grinning. "You'll be sleeping out in the lower docks for months. Unless you bring me with you."

"Don't worry, your father is used to sleeping in holes, having dug them all his life." Murtagh drawled at his nephew before smirking at Eragon. "See, you don't even own your own home anymore."

Eragon frowned. But what Kevan said was probably true. Perhaps it was easier to just deal with the troubles of a city that was obsessed with appearances and other minor things than deal with an angry Arya.

"Uncle Murtagh, you should just take me on as a private apprentice for a few months. I'll learn more from a variety of masters."

Ismira's glare even made Eragon shudder, "Are you saying I'm not a good enough for you, Kevan?"

"No, of course not!" Kevan smiled and Eragon almost felt terrible for sticking his son with his niece. Perhaps another teacher who Kevan was not as familiar with would have been better. But Kevan made fast friends with most of the island's population, charming them while still a child and Arya had argued that their family and close friends would have better luck keeping Kevan contained.

"I'd go with father, but he seems reluctant to teach his own son," Kevan wept, a smirk twitching on the edge of his mouth. "Uncle Murtagh is much more free-spirited. He's already taught me some advanced magic spells."

Murtagh flinched as Ismira snapped towards him, "Have you been interfering with my student's studies?!"

Eragon tried to look surprised and disapproving, like he should have been. But Murtagh had told him months ago and he'd even given his brother a few suggestions on what to teach him next after both Eragon and Arya had decided to entrust Kevan with Ismira.

This discussion had to end fast, he didn't need Arya finding out that he'd gone behind her back. It would be a disaster. They all had to leave now.

Lie. Deny it and leave me out of this. Eragon mentally communicated to his brother.

But right before Murtagh could, the door opened once again and a young girl with dark thick curls and green eyes came bolting into the room, closely followed by an adult looking version of her that was Arya.

This was obviously a nightmare.

"Hello, isn't this quite the party," Arya greeted, placing the books she was carrying down onto the table. "Murtagh, why are your filthy boots on my table?"

Murtagh's legs slipped off the table so fast that Eragon was sure that a normal human wouldn't have seen them move.

Ismira swiveled towards Arya and then performed an act of betrayal. "Your son apparently has a problem with learning the proper curriculum. Were you aware that Murtagh was teaching Kevan magic and regulated material saved for riders near the end of their training? In secret? Without my approval?"

Eragon turned his back to the chaos behind him to focus on his daughter who was tinkering around with a visual broadcaster. It was an exciting invention, originally made to communicate visually over long distance while running on self-rechargeable magic stored within it, which was useful for people who could not perform magic. In the recent years it gained popularity as a form of entertainment and tuning in to news around the surrounding kingdoms.

"Yes," Arya replied and Eragon froze. What? "I even know what he was taught. Both the ones Murtagh decided on and which ones Eragon contributed to his off the records studies."

"What?" Ismira gasped.

Eragon sank lower in his chair. Arya had known. Of course she had. She always knew and if Arya had yet to confront him he was in trouble. She had probably been waiting for him to confess and now he was trapped. He could feel her gaze upon his back.

He hoped Saphira would be back from hunting tonight, they could curl up together in the docks like when they were off in the wilds.

"I told mom ages ago," his son and evident traitor confessed. "Mother, did you know that father and uncle Murtagh were planning a long term trip off the Island? Can I go with them?"

You're going to have to bury your son, came Murtagh's mental threat.

Eragon wasn't sure if he could even blame Kevan. At only fifteen, he was already a master at having people wrapped around his finger and causing trouble. Even Eragon. The only exception seemed to be his mother and Eragon was positive that Kevan's retelling of the events wasn't Kevan simply telling her so much as confessing after being caught. He was quick to throw anyone to the sharks to stay on his mother's good side.

Including his father.

Eragon turned around to smile sheepishly at Arya's raised brow, her look statuesque.

"It was a joke, Arya dear." Eragon threw out. "I'm just stressed by the new construction drama. Kevan just got excited over nothing."

"Oh, is that all?" Arya questioned. "Minister Karl discussed it with me earlier. I proposed that they have the citizens elect no more than five designs to present to you. You should have the results by the end of the month. I suggest having the Rider Council vote for the final plans if you can't decide yourself."

"Arya, Minister Karl told me that they wanted my personal opinion-"

"He agreed with me, and you don't have to tell him that the High Council helped." Arya cut in. "They won't suspect you of lying afterall."

"I guess we could do that…" Eragon agreed, not missing anything.

"Arya," Ismira spoke from beside a frowning Murtagh. "Sorry for dropping by, but I wanted to discuss Kevan's education. You weren't in your study and I hoped to catch you here."

"My apologies, I left early to collect Flora due to the flying match today. Is Kevan not following his training as he should?" Arya questioned, turning toward her son. "Now that Flora's in classes, I could probably find the time to help you with him or even take him on for a bit. You could even take a break and join Vanis in Alagaesia. How does that sound, Kevan?"

An uneasy Kevan slinked into the sitting area, choosing to remain silent and shaking his head while Murtagh took his chance to escape. Eragon shot both of them glares. This was both of their faults and he hoped Arya would see that.

So while Ismira and Arya hashed out Kevan's future months surrounded only by books, Eragon turned his attention back towards his daughter who was glued in front of the magic screen that was broadcasting a rider race. She shook excitedly, cheering and booing according to the standings. His daughter had found an obsession in racing, in awe of the dragons and their riders who trained to fly in challenges and high speed races.

The notion of recreational competitions had been petitioned and brought before Eragon and the high council nearly a century ago. He had quickly approved it. With a surplus of riders and dragons, it gave interested riders something to do in their off seasons as well as compete amongst each other. It eventually blew up to being incredibly popular over the years, with some races taking place in other kingdoms.

"Go, go, go, go!" Flora chanted, completely oblivious to her family behind her. It was a speed race, Eragon noted. A particular favourite of Flora's. The race seemed to be drawing to its end and the race commenter was excitedly yelling off the the positions as the riders battled for the finish line. "C'mon! Go Zephros!"

Flora loved it so much, he wondered if she would ever have a dragon hatch for her. He knew his daughter desperately hoped so and expected it considering all the family she knew were riders. She assumed the same would happen to her one day, despite both him and Arya informing her that there was the possibility that she might not be a rider. That a dragon would not see her as a rider. And the reality of the situation completely devastated Eragon. He wanted his daughter's happiness above all else.

"YES!" Flora cheered and Eragon knew who had won immediately.

"I doubt that Rider Soareka and Zephros are going to win the championships this year, they didn't last year." Kevan commented from the couch he had been watching from. Flora turned immediately towards her older brother, eyes bright.

"Nuh uh, they're going to win for sure this year. They've just had a few bad seasons is all," Flora insisted. "They had to withdraw each time, so they haven't raced in the finals in a while."

"Well, they haven't won since they came back from the Surdan Uprising, Zephros got injured and has lost his edge. Which is why they've pulled out each time," Kevan stated. "They might have won this match, but they weren't flying against Rider Fena and Jass. And even Rider Stannis is participating this year."

"They didn't have to withdraw because of injuries! Zephros is fine! They had to withdraw from the last one because father sent them off for Rider business!" Eragon had become the worst father last year when he had sent several riders, Soareka included, to the east. Flora blamed him entirely and Eragon had become much more aware of the race schedules for his daughter's sake. For Soareka had not protested or even mentioned it when he had spoken with her. He could have let her know, it had been Flora's first year watching the races live.

"How do you even know, you weren't even born when it happened?"

"I watched the old records! I'm an expert!"

"If you say so. I'm personally rooting for Fena and Jass. They're amazing and new blood. Soareka won't stand a chance." Kevan continued. "She's old news."

"No way! Soareka and Zephros are the fastest rider and dragon ever."

"Was the fastest. Jass has clocked in fast times, faster than anything Zephros has previously done in a race."

"We'll see! I can't wait until they win so you're wrong and I'm right." Flora challenged with her eyes aflame in excitement. She whipped her head towards Eragon. "Father? Can you take us to the finals next week! I really want to see them! Mother told me not to bother you because you were busy but she couldn't promise that she'd be free."

That sounded very practiced.

He sighed, "where are the championships taking place this year?"

"Here!" she smiled. "I can't go by myself because mother said I was too little and she doesn't trust Kevan or anyone else taking me instead."

Eragon doubted that would stop his daughter. He also knew that he wouldn't be able to deny her when she was staring at him with those pleading eyes. He had hoped it would have been in another kingdom, he'd have an excuse to leave then. Oh well.

"I should be able to," Eragon replied, barely finishing before Flora cheered excitedly.

"Just you wait Kevan, Soareka is going to destroy Fena. You'll see!" Flora looked so excited that he wondered when she was going to start bouncing off the walls. "And I'm going to be there and see it happen and cheer for them and congratulate them when they win."

"Are you sure?" Kevan asked, crossing his arms. "Every time you see Soareka in the castle you hide behind mother or father like a shy little hatchling."

Flora's face flushed. It was true.

"Not this time. I'll talk to her properly," was Flora's determined response, her tiny hands curling into fists and raising them towards the ceiling. She seemed to be trying to convince herself and his six year-old daughter looked completely adorable while doing so. For her sake, Eragon hoped that Soareka did win even if his oldest student and friend was also racing.

She nodded. "I can do it."

"Do what?"

Arya was suddenly sitting on the arm of Eragon's chair, Ismira had apparently left.

"Flora's psyching herself into squeaking words at Rider Soareka and Zephros." Kevan laughed, and Flora frowned at him.

"Flora, sweetheart, I keep telling you that you don't have to be so nervous. Soareka thinks you're frightened of her," Arya laughed lightly as she talked about her old student and friend. Flora had become a fan of hers while she was away on duty and never knew that her mother was friends with her racing idol until she had found the both of them chatting upon Soareka's return to the city. Arya thought it was hilarious. "She's even offered to take you flying, although not at the speeds she frequently flies at and you'd also be with me."

"Really?!" Flora gushed.

"What's the point, you would probably faint halfway onto Zephros," Kevan laughed, before suddenly stopping when Arya shot him a look. "Uh, I'm going to go out flying with Merrik."

And he dashed off, Arya staring after him the entire time until the door closed behind him.

"Flora, why don't you go upstairs and write Soareka a letter wishing her good luck? You don't have to tell her with words and I can give it to her tomorrow." Arya said softly, as Flora mulled it over.

"That could work. right?" Flora beamed, excited. "Yeah, I'll go do that! You promise to give it to her right?"

"Of course," Arya smiled. Flora grinned, although she seemed a bit nervous too before flinging herself into her mother's side and hugging her. "Thanks mum!" She turned and launched herself onto Eragon as well, nuzzling into him. "And thank you father for taking us to the championships!"

And she took off upstairs and was gone. Leaving him alone with Arya, who he sensed was staring at him while he pretended to be interested in the finals speculation coming out of the broadcast. That is until Arya waved her hand and shut down the magic supply, effectively turning it off.

"So...how was your day, Arya?" Eragon asked lamely as he continued to look everywhere else than at Arya. He was a coward.

"Interesting," was her simple reply as she slid off the arm and squashed herself next to him, her legs draping themselves over his lap."How was yours?"

"It started off well enough," which was true. He was, however, nervous about how it would end.

He felt soft yet firm fingers grasp his chin, moving his head to stare at his currently frightening love. She quirked her head to the side, eyes burrowing into his. He wasn't sure why he ever thought he could hide anything from Arya and he was undoubtedly going to pay for it now. For there she sat, patiently waiting for him to confess.

"How long have you known?" Eragon questioned, seeing no point in avoiding the topic.

"Known what?" Arya smirked, and it was not the smile Eragon had come to love over the centuries. Although, he still did in a pitiful way. Arya was doing this the hard way.

"That I interfered with Kevan and Merrik's training? I encouraged Murtagh and didn't stop him when he informed me of what he was doing." Eragon spewed out. "I'm sorry, I should have told you right away. I know you're mad. Just don't be too mad, please. I've had a rough day."

Arya laughed.

Eragon laughed nervously along with her. How had she ever fallen for him?

'I've known since the beginning, I saw Kevan practicing," Arya sighed, letting go of his face, but Eragon knew to not look away. Arya was beautiful, so it wasn't a hard task. She had stained her lips a soft red today and they looked positively delicious.

"I'm not mad, just disappointed that you never felt the need to tell me," Arya reprimanded softly, poking his side. "You should know better than to try and hide things from me. Besides, Kevan snaps and spills everything to me. It wasn't hard to figure out that you were involved when I saw some of the teachings and spells Kevan had been learning."

Eragon blinked.

"You're...not mad?"

"No."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Why not?" Eragon held his breath. Maybe she felt bad for him.

"Because I've also been teaching Kevan some things-mostly the things I don't trust Murtagh to be doing. But don't tell Ismira, she'd be upset." Arya confessed.

"What?"

Arya simply laughed.

"Gods, you had me shaking over here and paranoid for months and you've been teaching him yourself! After we agreed not to!" Eragon was beside himself.

"Well, there never was any good reason about why I couldn't teach him. I was doing so back when we still lived in Du Weldenvarden." Arya shrugged, smiling at Eragon. She looked slightly smug. "I don't think anyone would ever question me if they were to find out anyway. You're only worried about teaching him yourself because he's your son and you're the Leader of the Riders. I'm not. I can do whatever I want."

Eragon was sure that even if she was in his place, she'd have done it anyways. That smirk on her face made that obvious.

"Don't pout Eragon, Kevan will always come to you for advice once he is grown and both he and Merrik are official Riders," Arya reasoned. "You can always teach him yourself afterwards. No one can deny that right to a father."

He simply huffed.

"It was your original decision to keep out of his training because you did not want others doubting the validity of it. That you would be biased. The riders know that Ismira is pushing him hard without any of that," Arya pressed on. "If it makes you feel better, I can take requests too. Maybe I'll even give you reports on his progress on top of the ones you already demand from your niece."

She grinned and attempted to kiss his cheek, however he moved away and Arya lifted a slanted brow in question.

"What is it now?"

"I'm mad at you."

"No you're not," Arya said instantly.

"You're right. I'm not. I want to be though," Eragon sighed. It wasn't fair.

"Good," and Arya nosed his neck and draped an arm across him, snuggling into him before breathing out a "Isn't your hair getting a little long?"

"No it isn't?"

"If you think so," Arya replied, and he was suddenly uneasy again. Was there something wrong with his hair?

Time moves differently for everyone, and to Flora the next ten years felt like eternity. She'd studied hard and spent her days with her friends and family, in the shadow of the Dragon's Hold and the Riders she always wanted to join. And every year that passed by, she felt herself slowly give up.

It wasn't until Flora was sixteen that an egg hatched for her. When she had been so close to accepting her life, Anemone marked her palm.

While Flora was radiant to many who surrounded her, she closed her heart up to the world. Plagued with nightmares in her dreams and in reality, she spends her life struggling with her heart and the expectations laid out before her. And the dreams she knows that will become real one day, no matter how far off into the future it may be.

Dreams that made her wish she could go back to the days before she was sixteen.

Sometimes.

For there is always light in the darkness, no matter how hopeless. Light that made all everything worth it.

Flora's legs still shook, her body slick with sweat. She ached, she was tired, her heart raced and she bloomed with satisfaction. This is what she should have been doing since the beginning.

Wiping her face with her towel, she laughed as Sarin made a joke as they walked away from the stadium with both Anemone and Fetnir trailing behind them.

"I'm truly serious, you did really well today Flora," Sarin stated again. She waved it off.

"Thanks Sarin, but I've got so much farther to go," she replied.

"Well, you're going to breeze through the tryouts. No contest," he laughed. "How much farther are you planning to go? Want to sweep the championships?"

She smirked, "Maybe…"

Sarin nearly tripped, he was laughing so hard.

"You and Anemone are good, but you're still new. It's going to take you years to even qualify for the championships," Sarin sighed. "Now we just have to get you a sponsor."

Flora rolled her eyes, "I am still confused about when these competitions became about waiting for some big-shot to take you on. Why can't you just fly and compete?"

"That would be too easy and we Riders like a challenge," Sarin replied. "I'd take you on, but I've left the speed races and I'm not even competing this year or else I'd transfer back to get you in."

"You don't have to do that, you've been destroying the competition in the Klar Races, even in the teams you're great. I could never let you lose that just for me," Flora reasoned. "You helping me now is already enough."

"Wait, that isn't to say you weren't amazing when you were still a speed racer, I just meant-"

"That's OK. I understand. But I could only live in a shadow for so long," Sarin said, waving her off. "Not like I could do it anyway, I'm leaving shortly for my rotation in the north. I'm going to be gone for almost a year. Duty calls."

She grinned, she knew all about that. Still considered a new rider, she spent the last several decades off in other kingdoms doing her part. Things had only recently started to slow down and she finally had some time to herself and Anemone.

And this was something she could never resist.

"How is the north anyway?"

"Cold. Oh, is that?" Sarin broke off. "Yeah, it's Master."

Flora looked ahead at two figures walking on the same path leading back to the castle.

"Master Stannis!" she called.

Her old teacher and mentor turned and stopped. The woman beside him doing so as well.

Stannis was tall and broad and was one of the first riders as well as a former student of her father. He was striking, but his eyes were kind. She could not have had a better mentor. He was considered one of the most honoured Riders and was nearly as old as her father.

She wondered if he'd be participating this year, Jakista was so very fast.

But more striking was perhaps the woman beside him. Even taller and of pure elven blood, she had also been a student of Stannis, although centuries stood between when they had been his apprentices. Her hair was silver and her eyes ice blue.

And while Zephros was not anywhere to be seen, the woman, Soareka, was even faster than the man beside her. There was a rumor that she could move so fast she was invisible. But Flora doubted that. Even if she was undefeated when it came to racing.

Sarin grabbed her arm and tugged her forward. "I have a plan!"

"What?" she panicked. No. He wouldn't dare.

"Hey Master Soareka!" he called, approaching his old teacher. She didn't seem too thrilled to see him.

"Master Stannis, Rider Soareka." she greeted as they joined the two members of the high council.

"Flora, how have you been. I feel like it's been years since I last saw you," Stannis greeted. "I saw you down at the arena earlier, are you training to compete?"

"Oh yes, now that we have some time, Anemone and I thought it was the best thing to do," she smiled. "Besides, it's something I've always dreamed of. I might as well try. Did you just come back from somewhere?"

"Yes, your father had both Soareka and I tracking down some tyrant of a man. But no one can outrun the two of us."

While Stannis took off in a description of his latest quest, she caught bits of Sarin's conversation with Soareka.

"Ahaha, hey Master Soareka, long time no see."

"Why am I not surprised. Still showing off in front of girls I see. That's not what I trained you for."

Sarin suddenly pulled her into his side, grinning.

"Oh, Soareka, did you know that Flora is a huge fan of you and Zephros? You're her idol." Sarin smirked.

How horrifying. memories of Flora's previous and awkward interactions with the rider flooding to the forefront of her mind. She flushed.

"S-Sarin, please!"

"Yes, of course I know Sarin. It's been a while, but I remember your parents bringing you to my matches when you were a child. It doesn't seem too long ago, but it's been nearly a century, hasn't it?" Soareka asked, a kind smile on her face. That was putting it lightly, she had spent most of her older years avoiding the famed rider due to her embarrassing childhood antics.

"Just short of 90 years, I only just turned 91 last month," Flora floundered. Sarin's arm was like a shackle as Soareka's piercing gaze zeroed in on her.

"So you're trying out for the races?" Soareka asked. "I'm glad you're finally racing for yourself. Speed racing, correct? I've always thought Anemone would be perfect for it."

"T-thanks."

How lame. She was lame.

"That's right, and with my training and guidance, they'll go on to be great speed racers!" Sarin claimed.

"Hey, don't brush off all our hard work," Flora muttered.

Sarin sighed dramatically, "It's just too bad that I can't sponsor her. What with not being a speed racer any more and leaving for the north next week."

"Thank goodness," Soareka drawled. "How is it, that in the five hundred years since, I have never had a student as egotistical as you? Where did I go wrong?"

"That's because I was your best student. The rest could never match up to me."

Stannis chuckled before laying a hand on her shoulder.

"I would sponsor you Flora, but your father has me out in the west for the next year. Maybe you could convince your father to give your teacher a break," he laughed. "But Soareka, didn't you tell me that you and Zephros would be participating this year?"

Her heart jumped. That was news. As far as she was aware there hadn't been an announcement of Soareka being in this year's lineup.

But they jumped even more when Stannis said, "Couldn't you sponsor Flora? Wouldn't that be interesting?"

"Yes, but you know that I don't usually sponsor anyone. Not anymore. I've only ever done it twice and I regret one of them," Soareka said, shooting a look at Sarin who had long since freed her of his embrace.

"Now, now Soareka, at least consider it. Flora isn't just anyone," Stannis continued. "I normally don't compare my students, for I have a great many of them, but Flora is the only one who's ever compared to you. She's persistent and works very hard to achieve her goals. She'd learn a lot from you Soareka and it wouldn't be a waste of your time."

She probably would be, she'd be too nervous. She'd probably fall off Anemone constantly and embarrass herself in every way imaginable.

"Ah, no! Master Stannis! You don't have to say such things," she said frantically.

Stannis ignored her, and smiled softly. "Perhaps as a favour to me?"

"Well, if she comes so highly recommended from you Stannis, she can't be any worse than Sir Ego over here."

"Hey!"

"I guess I could-"

Soareka stumbled over her words as something crashed to the ground between the four of them. Flora nearly shrieked. But it quickly became a groan when she realized that the something was in fact, a someone.

"You have got to be joking," Flora muttered.

"What in the wor-" Sarin began before a hand snapped out and proceeded to use him as a means of getting to his feet.

"Woah. That was a rush, thanks for the hand Sarvin," Kevan gasped, his hair all messed about his face. "You should be more careful with what you do with them though."

Please, no.

"I'm sorry?" Sarin questioned, his brow furrowed.

"It's Sarin, not Sarvin, Kevan." Flora ground out. "What are you-"

"Flora!" Kevan gushed, turning towards her and lifting her up and into the air before crushing her to his chest. "I've been looking for you everywhere. I wanted to find you to say goodbye before I left."

"Stop! Put me down!" Flora squirmed. Her face was flushed and she was embarrassed. Kevan being a protective brother in front of her peers was one thing, but these were High Council members. She was in front of her teacher, Soareka and Kevan was only going to make things awkward for Sarin.

She finally managed to push him away, roughly. "Alright, goodbye. And good riddance. I hope you get lost and never make your way back home."

"You don't mean that."

"No, I really do mean it. Go away. Why don't you go say bye to Eres or something"

Kevan frowned but then took a few steps back. "Oh, hello Rider Stannis and Rider Soareka. I didn't actually see you there. Merrik and I were flying around looking for Flora here. I finally managed to spot Anemone and she wasn't far. It's strange, but I swore I could have seen your arm on my sister, Sarvin."

"Sarin," he edged out.

"Kevan, Sarin was just just joking around. You always blow everything out of proportion," she ground out and Flora felt Sarin's questioning gaze. She ignored it.

It wasn't hard to pick up that Sarin was interested in her. And she'd admit that she used that to her advantage and had gotten him to train her. But she hoped that they could just be friends, she'd lost too many when she made it clear that that was all they could ever be. She didn't want that with Sarin. He was nice.

It wasn't anything new, she had spent nearly her entire life being sought after. It had been nice at first, having the attention of many. It boosted one's self-esteem, especially when they were a clumsy and socially awkward teenager living under the pressure being the daughter of Rider Eragon and Rider Arya. People expected greatness from her and she wasn't sure she wanted to live up to that. But it had become routine, and eventually an annoyance.

She supposed she was pretty. She had inherited her traits from her parents afterall. But most of the riders were. With so many elves about, even the awkward teens from the other races eventually got what she called the "pretty rider infection". Get a dragon? Expect your new strengths and a pretty face over the years. That made her think that perhaps the boys had been more attracted to the idea of her, which was upsetting. Her father insisted that she was beautiful, but should be wary of others. No one deserved her. She'd later learn that most of Kevan's interference with people flirting with her wasn't solely him being a protective older brother, but encouraged by their father.

Arya had merely said to focus on her studies. Nobody saved kingdoms while foolishly in love. Most lovers ended up in one tragedy or another, so it was best to avoid them. Let the boys make fools of themselves, she had said. Flora expected as much from her mother. She often wondered how her father had overcome Arya's stubbornness in regards to love.

Despite all this, she never felt the need to respond to the declarations and flirting. She'd stare at the person across from her and couldn't feel a thing. No want to engage in the teenage and even adult lunacy that was falling in love. Her heart felt nothing as they spoke with her and she couldn't imagine spending time alone with them, laughing at jokes and passive attempts at romance over dinner. So after a while, she stopped accepting their advances.

She'd rather be out flying with Anemone. That was much more exciting.

"Rider Kevan," Soareka interrupted. "I heard you're off to Alagaesia today. You're travelling with Ismira to ferry eggs, isn't that right?"

Flora could have hugged her.

"Oh, yes," Kevan replied. "It's my first time. I'm very excited, I've always wanted to do this and it's been years since I've been back to Alagaesia."

"It's strange, but I could have sworn you were supposed to be meeting with Arya," Soareka continued.

Kevan's smile slid off his face and his eyes widened slightly. "Really? I don't what you're talking about?"

Of course.

"I was just speaking with your mother and we had to cut our meeting short because of it. She said she needed to go over things with you. You've met with her, right? That was quick."

"Of course I have. Mother isn't one for dragged out goodbyes. Sorry, I thought you meant something other than that." Kevan was lying through his teeth. Mother was going to kill him. He had a knack for leaving and returning to the city without informing their mother. Kevan had confessed that it mostly out of forgetfulness. He had probably forgotten again.

Soareka probably knew all about that.

Stannis chuckled.

"Kevan, you should go find her before you're disowned," Flora smirked.

"It's fine," he waved off. "I wanted to know what you were doing all the way out here? You said you'd be in the library today and you weren't. You didn't lie did you?"

Yes she had, and it had been for nothing because here he was, like the bloodhound that he was.

But before Kevan could continue his investigation, a sharp voice called out.

"Kevan!"

She turned to find her mother several metres away, a hand resting on her hip as she glared at her son. Behind her, their father could be seen slowly walking towards them.

"M-mother!" Kevan cried. "I was just looking for you-I couldn't find you anywhere!"

"Of course you couldn't," Arya rolled her eyes and Eragon grinned at Flora, giving her a little wave. "My study is an incredibly hard place to find, isn't it?"

There was a nudge at her back and she felt Anemone nuzzle into her side.

I thought I would let your mother and sire know where you hatchlings were. Firnen called to me after Merrik stayed mysteriously silent. Anemone said, her bright blue eyes and purple scales dazzling in the late sun.

Of course he did, Flora replied, looking up at the teal dragon circling above. Coward. He's just as bad as Kevan.

Anemone only laughed.

Starting slightly, Flora felt a hand touch her upper arm, whipping around she found herself staring at Soareka who seemed to be suppressing a smile. They were alone, Stannis and Sarin had drifted off to chat with her father as Arya continued to reprimand Kevan.

"Are you serious about competing?" Soareka asked.

"Yes," was her immediate reply. She had never felt more sure of anything else in her life. "Of course I am."

"If I am to sponsor you, I will take over your training," Soareka continued. "Sarin has probably been going easy on you, I won't. I'm a rather ruthless teacher."

"I don't care, I will do anything to be able to do this," Flora said. "I want to be the best that I can be."

Soareka's head tilted a bit, almost sizing her up. "You know, I stopped sponsoring and training riders for races because of the incredible pressure placed on them by other. The media, fans and their competitors. Even themselves, they could never match me and gave up in some form or another. Even Sarin left speed racing."

"I won't, I want to be as fast as you," was Flora's determined reply.

"And what if Zephros flew faster, just as you managed to reach us?" Soareka questioned.

"Then we'd fly faster too," Flora answered. "I've always wanted to be like you, Soareka. I want to be your equal. And I know that Anemone and I can do it. I believe in my mind and heart. So if you flew to new speeds, we'll do the same. We'll try with our everything."

Anemone nodded from beside her.

"Master Soareka," she corrected and Flora blinked.

"Whaa-" she floundered.

"You must call me Master until you're done your training and have qualified to compete," Soareka repeated. "Only then can you be my peer and call me Soareka. Make sure to just call Zephros just by his name though, he doesn't like titles that much."

"Wait, do you mean to say that you're going to sponsor me?"

"No, I'm going to train you. Impress me and I'll sponsor you for the qualifiers." Soareka grinned. "I won't let you enter if I'm not sure that you'll place first. But I have a feeling you won't let me down."

"Thank you," Flora breathed. She repeated herself, louder this time. "Thank you so much. I swear, I won't let you down."

Soareka patted her shoulder and then ran her hand up Anemone's snout. "Make sure to get some rest, we'll be waiting for the two of you at the arena at dawn tomorrow."

Flora could only nod. She vaguely felt Anemone thank and speak to Soareka through their connection. She couldn't believe this was happening.

This had to be a wonderful dream. She could never be this fortunate.

Or maybe it was just a really cruel nightmare. The one where everything was perfect until you woke up to the coldness of reality.

Soareka bid them farewell and departed. Flora fell back against Anemone and wrapped her arms around herself.

Little one, what's wrong?

Nothing is wrong. Everything is perfect. I'm just overwhelmed. She rested her head against Anemone's chest and nuzzled into the rough scales. This is our chance, Anemone.

We don't need silly game politics to fly fast, Anemone huffed. But I know this makes you happy, and your happiness is my happiness.

Please, you've always wanted this as much as I have. You want others to see your feats and be praised.

Praise is nice.

Flora giggled.

A movement at her side pulled her out of her thoughts and Anemone's mind slightly. Her father was standing next to her.

"You seem happy," he commented as he pulled her into one of his warm hugs. "Don't look too excited about your brother leaving, it might upset him."

"I've just had a nice day is all," she hadn't told her parents of her training or decision to start racing. She wanted to prove herself first. "I might miss him a little bit."

"Don't worry, he'll be back before you know it," Eragon smiled, but scratching his chin. "Or maybe not, it depends on whether those eggs hatch for anyone."

"I hope they take a while then," Flora shrugged. Hopefully he'd be gone long enough for her qualifying races and maybe a few tournaments if she was lucky enough. She didn't need him prowling the arenas and telling off her future rivals. Eres, his girlfriend, should be doing a better job at keeping him in line.

Her father simply laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. A new habit of his after her mother had forcibly cut his hair. It was probably a reaction after having long hair for centuries. Having always known him with long hair, he looked odd to her. But she agreed with her mother, it had gotten to be too much and he did look better this way.

They both decided to leave Kevan to his fate with Arya, who seemed determined to remind him of every aspect of his quest until the sun fell, and flew to the coast.

They sat side by side on the the rocky beach as Anemone rolled in the tide and Saphira watched idly from the shore, kneading her giant claws through the rocks.

The two dragons could not have been anymore different. Aside from the obvious colour, Saphira being blue while Anemone was purple and Saphira simply being massive-Anemone was a type of dragon of a slight build. She was slim where other dragons were sturdy and her limbs were longer when others were not. Her face was more like a serpent, long and narrow. She was a dragon bred to be quick and agile while her cousins were powerful. Anemone liked to think of herself as graceful and also just as deadly. She didn't need all those muscles, strength and spikes to accomplish her deeds.

They sat at the beach in silence, enjoying the waves splashing as they rolled into shore. It was a nice moment, not one she often had the pleasure to experience. Her father was a busy man.

There was a huff from behind them and she turned to see her mother striding towards them, she looked worn out. Compliments of her brother, she was certain.

Firnen dropped into the sea as Arya sat on her other side, sandwiching her between the two of them. Firnen lazily rode the tides to the shore and sprawled out in front of Saphira who blew smoke in his face in response.

Her mother's arm wrapped around her as she leaned into her side, "I haven't seen you in days Flora. What have you been up to?" Flora had hoped this would have been glossed over. Apparently it was not meant to be.

"It's not like I haven't been home," Flora began. "I spend my days flying and exploring and by the time I return I pass out on my bed. I'm just trying to find myself. You know, where I belong in life."

"Just don't find yourself in another land," Eragon commented, always playing the role of protective father. Not that she'd be able to leave considering the rules placed on the riders.

"Of course not," Flora muttered softly.

"Does finding yourself include flying around the arenas and flying tracks?" Arya asked, a light smile playing on her lips. Of course her mother had found out. It wasn't like the arena was closed off.

"What?" Eragon questioned in confusion. It was normal for him to be ignorant about these things and for her mother to keep things to herself.

"Sorry, I wasn't trying to hide it from you both," Flora confessed. "I wanted to get everything sorted out first before I told you I was going to compete."

"You're racing?" Eragon asked, his brow raised. "That's wonderful, Flora! You should have told us right away!"

"Like I said, I'm trying to find my place. I wanted to make sure it was right for Anemone and myself. There was no point if it wasn't. You're not upset are you?"

"Never," Arya replied, resting her arm more firmly on her and Flora curled into her mother, hugging her as the sun finally disappeared under the horizon and thousands of stars dotted the night sky.

"We'll always be proud of you," Eragon reassured. "It's exciting isn't it? I remember when you used to make me take you…"

Her father continued to reminisce, her childhood an apparent favourite of his. He'd probably attend all her games when she started competing.

"Are you happy?" Arya questioned quietly.

"The happiest I've ever been," Flora replied in a heartbeat. "I've never been so sure of something in my life."

"Good. Make sure you win," Arya smiled. "I know you'll be the best."

Flora smiled as she looked back out at the stars and she sat with her family minus one.

"I will be."

THE END

Flora hasn't made it over to . But she's been around in my Post-Inheritance universe for years. Hope you enjoyed her. She's a cutie. I thought the epilogue should take place WAY after anything I've written yet. It's more for those who like these characters, who feature in my comics about the IC a lot. I hope it was fun. I might continue Flora's story someday, but it won't be here. So we might meet again someday.

Thank you to everyone who has read this. This is my last fanfiction.

-Eliza