Disclaimer: Chocolate covered raisins are my life. Also I don't own anything…

There was a quietness that I couldn't describe as we approached Ellesméra. Ammus noticed it as well but didn't seem to care. I could tell there was some nervousness around Arya, but I knew better than to press the issue. Part of me really didn't want to go to Ellesméra, but I knew Ammus had her heart set on going there.

'Damn right. Whatever fears you have will fall away the moment we get there.'

"You are probably right. I just am cautious. By going there means I'm committing to another war, another conflict I'd prefer to just ignore."

'No one can blame you for being apprehensive. We all wish to avoid conflict, but would your conscience allow it if you did?'

"Ammus. If that egg hatches. Could we just go exploring? I mean if they have another rider they don't really need two do they? It feels since the moment we've gotten here its all been a rush. I just want a day or two where we just don't have any responsibility."

'Oh Harry. Unfortunately I don't think you can escape fate. You are needed here, regardless of how you wish to distance yourself from their problems. We may take a few days off when we get to Ellesméra and go flying if that is what you wish.'

"Fine. But you are going to deal with the elves, I want as little to do with them as possible."

'You could at least be friendly.'

"I owe them nothing. I am not going to be a hero for these people, I am not going to play nice. I just want them to leave me alone."

'What are you afraid of?'

"Ammus. I don't want to even go to Ellesméra much less socialize. I'm only going because you wish me to."

'And because our guide expects it.'

"Of course."

'Very well.'

Her throaty humming was all that was heard as we made our way through the vast desert. At least this time the wards were holding the sand at bay, it was the little things in life. My mind wandered. 3 days. 3 days until we arrived at the blasted city. I really didn't want to go. Ammus knew it, Arya had an inkling of my displeasure.

The moment I stepped into the city I was the chosen one again, the one destined to fight evil. I didn't really want to anymore, I was tired of being Harry, tired of losing people. Sometimes I wished that perhaps the fallen were lucky. They didn't have to go on without the ones they loved.

'You cannot lose anyone if you do not grow close to them. What a depressing philosophy.'

"Get out of my head Ammus."

More humming. Blasted beast. I will admit the benefits of having a dragon in your mind are wonderful, but the lack of privacy? Everything had its downsides. My musings kept me occupied for the rest of the day as Ellesméra neared.

The next morning Ammus was in an uncommonly happy state. Something was up and I was on my guard. Perhaps this was revenge for covering her in cabbage? My wand was close at hand should she try anything.

'You fool I'm not trying to prank you! I'm happy!'

"Yes fluffkin that much is apparent. But why?"

'Tell me what are you? What title has this world given you?'

"Dragon Rider." It was so obvious. Fluffkin could fly with me now. Suddenly whatever apprehension I had about Ellesméra was forgotten and a smile came to my face. To be free, to be in the air again. Ammus launched a pillar of fire skywards, causing Arya to become alarmed. Arya. I made up my mind, it was only fair.

"Ammus. Take her up into the air."

'Wizard? I do not understand.'

"I would have never met you if it was not for her. She deserves this. You see the way she looks at you."

'Always giving of yourself. I approve my Rider.'

"Ammus?"

'Yes Wizard?'

"Do lots of dangerous stunts and maneuvers. We can't have her becoming too accustomed to the air."

'Of course.'

Arya looked between us, her lips pulled in a tight expression. Our communication still bothered her, but her envy could wait. There was flying to be had. I motioned to Ammus and the dragon lunged towards Arya as I levitated her onto the back of the dragon, fixing her in place with a sticking spell.

"You deserve it Arya. I thank you for taking care of her egg for so long. It's only right the first ride is yours." The look on her face made sacrificing the desire to fly all worth it. Her smile quickly vanished and turned to one of worry as Ammus took off like a shot.

I smirked as my eyes followed the blue blur through the sky.

It was at this point I realized that being a Rider was worth the hassle, was worth the obligation. Ammus was worth all the responsibility that was thrown at me. Ellesméra was closing and I found that I no longer cared or worried. Bring it on.

My musings were interrupted by the crowing of Ammus before she took a steep dive towards the earth, ears flattening against her head as Arya hung on for dear life. Her smile was wide even if her eyes showed fear; she was enjoying this. Ammus glided through the air, circling a few times before landing.

Arya's cheeks were flushed and her hair windswept, but the smile on her face was so wide that one hardly noticed. She dismounted the dark blue dragon and her face resumed its so familiar regal stature. "Thank you. That was an experience I will never forget. You have my gratitude."

"You earned it. What you've done for helping us obtain the egg and finding Ammus. We are in your debt.", I replied.

She gave me a curt nod, and Ammus broke the silence with another pillar of fire. "I think she wants her Rider to test the air. I'll continue on ahead while you take to the skies.", she replied. I barely heard her as I made my way over to Ammus, and climbed on her back.

'Are you reading young Rider?'

"Of course fluffkin. Let's see what you've got, else I'll have to trade you in for a Firebolt." Evidently comparing a dragon to a piece of wood didn't go over well as Ammus took off and quickly accelerated, as I held on for dear life. No one had ever warned me that riding a dragon wasn't as easy as it looked.

'I'm not going to wear a saddle so you better get used to this.'

"Well maybe if you'd warn me before you turned."

'Foolish wizard. Our minds are linked. Why would I need to warn you?'

Of course. I really could be rather thick at times. "Very well then. Let's see what you've got."

Ammus and I flew for the next few hours, enjoying the air and the freedom it gave. Arya was a small dot on the ground below, one that Ammus made sure to keep in sight. The dragon landed and we set up the usual camp.

"I must warn you that the Queen will not find your antics amusing. It would be in your best interest to listen to her words and delay your foolishness. She is not as accepting as I am."

"Accepting? You were angry about the pile of buttplugs for two whole days!"

A glare was the only answer. Some people could be so unreasonable. "Ammus? I agreed to go to Ellesméra not be muzzled. Perhaps we could do something to liven up the experience."

'I think perhaps you should heed our guide's words. Her advice has always been sound.'

"Ammus surely you can see the merit in a bit of fun?"

'Wizard our mission is of great importance. Dalliances have their place, distractions have their purpose. Perhaps we should try and enjoy the company and a break from the road?'

"Fluffkin you are beginning to sound like Hermione."

'I'm glad one of us has common sense at least.'

"Fine. Be boring. I'll figure out something by myself; elves may be partial to a dragon but I doubt the news of a human rider has made them all that amiable to my presence."

'You are a Rider. They will accept you, they have no choice.'

"That's what I'm worried about. Being accepted out of obligation is much different than being accepted out of love or respect."

'You've made your point. Very well. Perhaps we could prepare a little something to amuse ourselves at their expense. But only if they are being insufferable. Do we have a deal wizard?'

"Of course fluffkin. I'm glad you came around.", I replied with a grin on my face. The elves were bound to be insufferable if Arya was any indication, although I was hopeful that there was something in Ellesméra that would manage to hold my attention. If that something happened to be a beautiful maiden then all the better.

'I highly doubt an elf maiden would be willing to hop into your bed at a moments notice.'

"What use is being a rider if I can't even manage to bed a single maiden?"

'I have no doubt that it could be used for those sorts of pursuits. However elven women are much more strict regarding those sorts of endeavors than their human counterparts.'

"Ammus. Don't speak like that; if you wanted to call them prudes, just say it.", a snort was the only reply as sleep overtook us.

We were nearing Ellesméra, and according to Arya we would reach the city by nightfall. The forest surrounding the city was thick and I swore I saw movement on either side of us. Regardless our journey continued as I fought the growing apprehension as I kept walking through the dense forest of Du Weldenvarden.

'Calm yourself Harry. Meeting allies is certainly better than enemies.'

"If you knew who Severus Snape was I'm not sure if you would be saying that."

'Regardless of your misgivings they will not try and harm us; they need us far too much to do so.'

"Gee thanks Ammus your reassurance helps so much."

'You can't control how they respond to us, only how we act."

"Point taken. I'll do my best to behave Ammus, but remember if they are being assholes we've got the goods to mess with them."

'I'm completely aware. You spent the last two nights creating all of that. Are you sure you don't want to tell me what it does?"

"Ammus, Ammus, Ammus. Certainly you don't want to spoil the surprise? Curiosity killed the cat after all."

'Curiosity cannot harm a dragon, I doubt it is fireproof. I'd prefer to know what was going to happen, some of your plans don't always go as intended.'

"Have a little faith Ammus. I'm not as foolish as I once was."

"All of my people will want to meet you. I know you have little patience but we have been awaiting your arrival for hundreds of years. Please attempt to engage with them, it will not harm you."

"Arya you don't give me enough credit. I can do the whole acting thing, after all I killed Voldemort. If a Dark Lord can't stop me what are a few curious elves?"

"You are but a child to most of them, twenty years is but a blink of an eye to an elf. Keep that in mind."

"You are correct. Maybe this won't be as easy as I thought. I'll just make Ammus interact with them."

"Preying on our love for dragons? Wise. I didn't think you had a bit of cleverness in you, I'm impressed.", she said giving me an approving nod.

The gates of the city stood before us and my face fell into a mask I hadn't worn since before the fall of Voldemort. I am Harry Potter, fool and wizard, but now I had to be Dragon Rider of Ammus. My face grew serious, my posture straightened and my wand was in hand. Let them see me, let them judge me, I will give them who they want to see.

The gates opened and I walked through, the elven princess on my left and the ocean blue dragon on my right. Show no emotion, meet their eyes, let them see you. I told myself these things, to speak them into existence.

The city was oddly quiet, even with almost all of Ellesméra standing along the sides of the streets. The eyes of the city were on their procession, however they were not on Harry but rather the dragon besides him. All the better, let Ammus win them over. They passed through the streets, stopping before a wooden hall.

A lone figure stood on the steps to the wooden building. Her hair was gold, and a circlet of silver lay atop her head. She was tall and regal, and she turned towards them her eyes flickering to her daughter before moving. Unlike the elves of Ellesméra her gaze did not linger on Ammus but rather was wholly focused upon him. Islanzadí, Arya's mother and the woman she had warned him about was obviously very interested in him.

'This one will not be fooled by charade or deception. Treat her with respect and honesty.'

I took Ammus's words to heart, swallowing as we approached the Queen. "Hail Dragon Rider."

"Queen Islanzadí it is a pleasure to finally meet you.", I replied, "We have traveled a long distance to reach the safety of Ellesméra and thank you for your offered hospitality."

"There is no need for thanks, we are merely doing our duty. We were a bit surprised by your message system, something that we will discuss at a later time.", she replied, turning to Arya, "Your delay in bringing them to our city was unwelcome."

"My Queen if you wish to discuss the delay, then you will have to speak with Ammus. When we heard of a dragon egg in Ceris, she would not be dissuaded from seeking it out. It is of no fault of your daughter that we arrive so late."

Her eyebrows raised. "A dragon egg? Truly?", at her words Arya stepped forward presenting the egg to the Queen. "You have my thanks. I was hasty in my judgement, this was well worth the excursion. You are more than you appear Rider."

"You have your daughter to thank, it was her resilience that allowed us to obtain the egg."

You are laying it on a bit thick don't you think?

"She should treat her daughter better, what I saw in her memories was far from pleasant. She could at least acknowledge her and her deeds."

The Queen gave Arya an appraising look. "It appears I owe you my thanks Arya Dröttningu."

"Ammus I'm going to have to do something to her."

'Patience.'

Clearing my throat I decided to cut the chase. "Now that we are here, what would you ask of us?"

"The Varden would have you be their champion. I am not opposed to such a thing happening, as with their assistance things will go much smoother. However now that you are here in Ellesméra there will be other things that require your attention."

"Such as?"

"An assessment of your abilities, and some instruction of your history of your kind."

I gave her a respectful nod, and followed Arya as she guided me to our quarters. Ammus was off reveling in the attention of the elves, while I just wanted to get some sleep.

"You should not have spoken to the Queen like that.", Arya chided. "Although I will admit I was impressed by your formality. You have never displayed that you could behave before."

"I spoke to your mother as I would any other. Besides I was standing up for you, you could at least pretend to be grateful."

"I can handle my mother."

"Of that I have no doubt, but it doesn't mean she can treat you however she wishes. Arya when we were in that room with the egg I saw snippets of your childhood."

She turned away from me, hiding her face from view. "And I yours. I am proud of who I have become, I have no regrets."

"I'm talking about your relationship with your mother Arya. It isn't healthy."

"I'm aware of that."

"Then what is so wrong with me trying to help?"

"Harry. I became a caretaker of the egg to serve my people, but also to distance myself from her. I have no desire to interfere. She is my queen and I serve her."

"She is your mother before she is your queen. Surely you see that the way she treats you is unacceptable?"

"It is not your place. I am content with my lot."

"Very well Arya. I have said my piece, I will do as you wish."

The next day came and yet again I had to play the hero. I managed to maintain the facade well enough with Ammus by my side, until the Queen summoned me. I walked into her chambers, to see her sitting on a high backed chair, her daughter standing by her side with a stoic expression.

"Welcome Mr. Potter."

I nodded my head, before waving my wand to conjure an ornate chair of my own. "What can I do for you Queen Islanzadí?"

She showed obvious surprise at my use of magic before schooling her features. "I wish to discuss the coming conflict."

"Ah yes I figured this would come up eventually. I've already sent a couple of messages to Galbatorix to annoy him."

"Yes my daughter told me of such things. What were you thinking?"

"He would be presented with a piece of magic he himself had no clue about. This would cause him to be puzzled and cautious. He knows he is dealing with someone of talent. It was a distraction, some misdirection if you will."

She inclined her head towards me, a small smile on her face. "Well reasoned. Perhaps you are not as foolish as my daughter believes. Although she did tell of some rather curious events occuring on your journey."

I gave Arya a grin before speaking, "I may have had some fun at her expense, but I am a mere child in your eyes, I am prone to bouts of immaturity. However I fought a war and battled dangerous enemies before. I am no stranger to conflict."

"So I have heard. Would you care to detail these events from your world?", the Queen asked.

"Many of the memories are painful and I would be loathe to revisit them. During our reclamation of the egg your daughter saw many of them. I am sure she would be able to recount them to you if you wished."

'We need to have a course of action.'

"Ammus believes we need to have a plan of sorts and I am inclined to agree."

"I was getting to that. You will be placed under the command of Laetri Shadeslayer and with a company of spellcasters you will make your way towards Urû'baen. The Varden will assault the city, your role will be to get close to Galbatorix with your company and engage him."

'This is foolish. She is being cautious, this is wholly unimaginative.'

"Agreed. It does seem simple and I don't think it would fail per se. However it would require another year to gather forces and arrive at the capital."

'She makes no mention of my abilities.'

"That is true, but everything I have heard of Shruikan suggests that it would be best to avoid escalating conflict. I do not believe you would be able to defeat him."

'Your faith in me is endearing rider. However I cannot fault you. Surely you do not wish to follow this plan?'

"Queen Islanzadí forgive my impertinence but I am going to have to refuse. Your plan is not bad, but it is cautious and would take a large amount of time to enact."

Her face remained passive, but something flashed in her eyes. "What would you have me do Rider?"

"Ammus and I will face Galbatorix in open combat outside of Urû'baen. This will not require near as much bloodshed and would be far quicker."

"You cannot beat him in a battle of wills."

"I do not plan to. You are thinking like a general, you plan on fighting a war. I'd rather stab the coward in the back. It is folly to assault Urû'baen, Galbatorix will answer my challenge his confidence will not allow him to refuse."

"And you would do this unaided?"

Ammus growled behind me. "Not unaided and not alone. I will have my dragon by my side and the fair Arya Dröttningu accompanying me.", I replied. Arya gave me a look of surprise, and I nodded at her.

"Our spellcasters will go with you."

"With all due respect I single handedly could dismantle your best magicians. They would be an annoyance at best and would merely slow us down. Ammus can carry us both."

"You are set on this?"

"I am."

"Very well. Any attempts to dissuade you would likely be met with retaliation. Arya informed me that you had a contingency in place if we were not cooperative and I do not wish to draw your ire."

I turned to Arya, "How did you know?"

"I am not blind wizard, you and your dragon looked all too smug. I merely stayed up one night to observe what you were working on."

'Evidently you were not as subtle as you believed.'

"Damn it. I wanted to use that stuff so bad."

'Surely it will prove useful at some point?'

"I will permit you and my daughter to confront Galbatorix but I do not like it.", she said giving me a stern look. Her face softened as she turned to Arya. "Much has happened between us, and I have failed you in many ways. I hope that one day you will forgive me. All I ask is that you return to me."

"As you wish my Queen.", she replied, face devoid of emotion. She made to hand her mother the egg, but Ammus growled. Both of the elves and myself looked at my dragon in surprise.

'The egg stays with us.'

"Ammus does not wish to be parted from the egg. It will go with us."

"That is unacceptable. I have agreed to your foolhardy venture reluctantly but this I will not permit."

A jet of flame shot from the maw of the blue dragon. Plodding heavily she approached the Queen, eyes locking with hers. Her face turned dreamy, Ammus was doing something although I was unsure of what. Suddenly her head jerked back and she gave her daughter an odd look, one of respect and acceptance. "The egg will go with you. You have my blessing."

"Thank you my Queen. We will not fail."

A/N: No schedule, just whenever I have time or inspiration will I post. Thanks for reading! Review!