Unknown POV

Wings flapped in the air, blood-red and as big as the sail of a ship. glittering scales cast a orange glow on the fields below, while the pair quickly made their way to their destination. An ominous sense of anticipation engulfed the two, as they realized just how outrageous this moment was. And still they flew.

Roran's POV

"Roran, let's go. There's nothing more anybody can do for him unless he lets them."

Katrina, who had finally regained a lot of her color and sight, had been helping Roran, and a multitude of other people try to rouse Eragon, who refused to so much as open his eyes.

"Yes, I know, but I feel like I should be with him, especially since I will not see him for a few weeks after tomorrow."

It was true, tomorrow was Roran and Katrina's wedding day, and after that Nasuada was sending him out to raid the empire supply trains. They had hopes that Eragon would preside over the ceremony, but both had agreed that it would not work itself out. and judging by his reactions to the funeral, it would surprising if Eragon even got up from his spot in the hard-packed dirt before the wedding.

it was horribly depressing to see his cousin like this. where before had been a bright eyed youth, albeit a little naïve, was now a jaded, grim version of his past self.

I still cannot imagine how close Saphira and Eragon must have been for her death to affect him so much.

Another thought crossed his mind, and he bitterly cursed.

This, is where magic has landed us. something needs to be done.

Arya's POV

"Eragon. Eragon. Eragon please get up, everyone's leaving."

she was shaking his shoulder continuously, but for all the reaction he showed she might have been shaking the plateau beneath them.

Hundreds of feet had trampled the dusty ground so that the sky was even murkier than usual, which made most people's eyes smart horribly.

"Eragon, please. Get up."

It was hopeless. he didn't react, and she knew he wouldn't even if Glaedr had roared right in his ear.

thinking about that brought up memories of them being told by Arya about Saphira's death.

Dragonflies moved in and out of the image while Arya waited for the Elders. Even after hours of thinking, she could not find words to say what needed to be said.

It had taken a few days to get the message to Oromis and Glaedr that they needed to scry Arya, who had refrained from passing the news along in such a manner. she had also requested that Islanzadi receive the news at the same time. When the message did reach them, and they all faced her with rapt attention, she hesitated, and that was all they needed to know that something was terribly wrong.

Indeed, when they did get the whole story, the skin around their eyes had acquired a grey pallor. Glaedr had released a keening wail akin to an avalanche, and if his lament did not carry across the entire forest, Arya would be astounded.

"It would appear, then, that the dragons are indeed fated for destruction..."

And Arya saw a tear rolling slowly down his cheek.

The Leader of the Varden's voice carried over the racket caused by everyone else; "Arya, come, if he wants to mourn his dragon, them leave him too it, because there is nothing else you can do."

Nasuada's eyes were red and puffy, and her voice was strained, but her expression, however grieved, was stern.

"As you will, My Lady." said Arya.

She also signaled for the spellcasters to follow, which they did reluctantly.

Arya and Nasuada walked together in a companionable silence, until they reached the red central tent, where Blodhgarm and two of Eragon's other spellcasters left for their own tents.

Their moods had taken to a much darker side, and even though they most likely never met her, the Elves mourned Saphira as much as any of her close friends. They had taken a small liking to Jeod when he had greeted them in their fashion at the funeral, but it was forgotten soon.

As they walked inside, they saw Orrin waiting for them, subdued, but seemingly determined. He rose hastily when he saw them and said, in a partially curt voice;

"Nasuada, despite your predilection towards staying here, we need to move the Varden towards Feinster. the sooner we are in a fortified city the better, and without the dwarves well be hard-pressed to fight any army that the empire throws at us. I will not sit here like some coward and wait for the King to send that Red Monster back at us, and as such, I insist that we rouse the men tomorrow."

Nasuada's brows contracted, and her voice turned deadly cold.

"Are you suggesting that I am a coward Orrin? I who brought the Varden out of Tronjheim to meet the empire head on? You overstep your boundaries. I am the leader of the Varden, and while you may be the King of Surda, my authority is equal to yours."

Watching the two, Arya was reminded of two spearmen, jabbing at each other and retreating instantaneously.

"Forgive me, Nasuada, for my breach, but I still must press the matter, we must keep moving. It is simply not safe here."

"You are forgiven, and I must agree, we move at dawn, alert-"

heavy beats broke over her mid-sentence.

a horn rang out.

once

twice

three times.

well this will break the 10,000 word count, hurray and huzzah, and whatever else you prefer. I'll be hopefully posting longer chapters, It depends on my concentration for the day. and guys, once again I request that you help me out on dialogue, I know I suck at it and I want to improve.