AN Thank you so much for the follows, favourites and reviews!

Epilogue

They flew for seven months. Once they left Middle-Earth and passed over the sea, Saphira pointed herself in the general direction of Hedarth (or so she said). Like before, they passed over lakes and plains, forests and deserts, the Rider and Dragon speeding over the changing scenery far below.

Eragon kept Saphira occupied throughout their journey by testing her with riddles from the book the hobbits had gifted her – they had kindly thought to write the answers underneath, for Eragon's benefit, he was sure.

The day was like any other, Eragon had given Saphira a new riddle that morning, and as noon rolled around she was still puzzling over it. The months together let them become closer than ever before, so Eragon noticed when Saphira's attention shifted from the riddle to something new, although he didn't know what it was.

She suddenly tipped one wing down, quickly changing direction.

Saphira! What is it? What's wrong?

Nothing. No answer. Something was clouding her mind.

It is primal, Eragon. She cannot hear you, Umaroth said, the first time the ancient dragon had spoken in months and months. The wild dragon in her has sensed something.

Eragon accepted the elder's words. There was nothing malicious blocking their connection. It was, as Umaroth said, purely instinct. He would have to wait and see where she was going. He had no choice.

They flew in silence for several hours, Eragon trusting Saphira even if they couldn't talk. A silver disc appeared on the horizon, which soon turned into either the biggest lake Eragon had ever seen or an ocean. From the lack of waves, Eragon would bet on the former.

As they approached the lake, Saphira started to descend, and it was only when they were a few feet above the surface that Eragon realised her intentions. He had just enough time to cast a spell to ensure that all their belongings wouldn't be soaked before she dived.

The watery world was crystal clear, and the deep lake was full of big, curious fish who clearly had never seen a dragon before. As such, Eragon felt a bit bad when Saphira snapped up several of the unsuspecting creatures.

She swam for a few more minutes, her large tail acting as a powerful rudder. Finally she breached, bobbing along the surface like a very large, very blue duck. Her mind was clear.

I am sorry, Eragon. I did not mean to cut you off like that.

It's fine Saphira. You couldn't help it. But do you know why you were going this way?

Not really…it's on the edge of my thoughts…I just can't grasp it, she said, frustratedly shaking her head. But I know that whatever it was, it was driving me towards the centre of this lake. There is something there we need to see.

Well let's go then. Are you ready?

Always.

With a new urgency, Saphira went onwards. She flew high above the clouds, the thinner air allowing her to fly faster. Before long, Eragon couldn't see land in any direction. The lake was huge.

Night fell, but Saphira took no notice of it. Eragon didn't question her. He could feel something building inside of him, a sense of anticipation.

They flew through the blackest part of the night, and finally it began to brighten. Far, far below, the pair could see the lake stretching in every direction, the black water slowly turning golden with the rising sun. On and on they went, excitement bubbling inside them both, but neither saying a word, until suddenly,

Look, Saphira said, barely able to contain herself. She directed his eyes to the horizon. Land.

Eragon didn't think she had the energy, but Saphira went faster. Eragon watched with silent delight as the new land spread out before his eyes, growing in size and magnificence as they approached.

Saphira and Eragon felt the Eldunarí extending their minds, searching and scouring the earth before them for anything and everything.

Eventually the landscape below them turned from lake to land, and still Saphira flew until soon the lake disappeared from view.

This new land was – in Eragon's opinion, and Saphira's too – more interesting than Du Weldenvarden. It wasn't just and endless forest. Yes, the island had forests, but it also had plains and mountains, valleys and lakes, caves and cliffs.

I wonder how big it is… Saphira said.

We can answer your question, if you wish, Umaroth answered her.

Yes please, Master, Saphira said excitedly.

Very well, the ancient dragon began. We believe that the lake you flew over is about twice the size of the Hadarac desert, and that this island is five or six times the size of Vroengard.

There was silence for a while as the Rider and Dragon took this in. The sheer size of the island was astounding.

And as far as we can tell, Umaroth continued after a few minutes, there are no humans, elves, dwarves, urgals or anything resembling any of them living on the island. We are alone.

Eragon and Saphira said nothing as they continued to fly towards the centre of the island, they just their felling and emotions flow across their bond. They knew in their hearts what they had found.

They flew towards a group of mountains that formed a ring, much like those surrounding Dou Araeba. While most of the mountains were of the same height as those in the Spine, three of the twelve in the ring were like the mountains in the Beors.

Saphira soared through a gap between two of the mountains and started to descend. Eragon guessed it was about five leagues from one side of the ring to the other. The land between the mountains was both forests and fertile looking plains – perfect for farming, the farmer in him noted. There were also rivers and lakes scattered throughout, and looking at the landscape before him, Eragon felt a warm feeling in the pit of his belly.

Saphira lazily spiralled down and landed with a thump, announcing her presence to this new land as only a dragon can do. A shiver ran through her body as her paws touched the earth, jolting Eragon in his saddle.

They listened to the silence, broken only by the happy chirping of birds and a bubbling brook nearby.

Well, Eragon said. What do you think?

Home, Saphira said simply.

Home, Eragon repeated happily.

Saphira roared, the first of many dragons to do so in this place. Her joyful greeting to her new home drowned out Eragon's victorious shout, and the Eldunarí lent their voices to the cacophony. After a hundred years of near-extinction, the dragons finally had hope.

They had a home.

AN Well, that's it! It's finally over! I really hope you liked the ending! Please let me know what you think, of this chapter and the whole story, even if you're reading this months later.
Now, dear readers, I need your advice. I plan on doing another Eragon story – in this world, so a continuation of sorts. My dilemma is whether to do a story following Eragon as he literally builds their new home and that takes in the first few new Riders and Dragons, as well as ongoing relationships with certain people, OR skip forward a few hundred years and take it from there. What would you prefer?
Thank you so much for reading, it's been a pleasure! Love, Nym x