A/N:

Alrighty then, this makes it official. I've now taken the plunge and am juggling multiple stories. Actually, only two for this site (so far) and several others I'm working for another. This post is short, yes, but it is intended to provide back info that will not be included elsewhere in the story. This scene is set the night before Eragon and Saphira go to visit Ayra on the plain, where he and Saphira meet Firnen for the first time. Chapter 1 will be a rework of that encounter. I've decided to title it "Firnen", as it is in book 4.

Unlike Chosen I have a set chapter count for this story, 10 to be exact (not including this post). It is plotted, but after finishing this post I've discovered some areas that will need re-work. Thus, it may be sometime before I get the next chapter, or chapters, posted. It will remain T rated throughout; however, as this is strictly an ExS romance I do have an M rated oneshot set to take place after the end of this one ... uh ... well, that is if Eragon and Saphira end up together. At this point it's too early to tell. ;)

As for Chosen? I've finished the skim draft of chapter 17 and am working through revisions to it. I will post it as soon as I can. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this new ExS romance ;)

Disclaimer: This chapter makes use of characters and locations that are part of the Inheritance Cycle. Except where noted all characters and locations are owned and copyright by Christopher Paolini.

Prologue:

The air of Glaedr's disapproval was felt by the other Eldunarí as he spoke, his voice calm, but edged with suspicion.

But what you told him was merely a portion of the truth, cousin. Why did you not tell him all of what you knew? Why did you not warn him?

Umaroth balked at what now seemed a pointless question. It had been done. The egg-breaker king was defeated, and yet, after so much time, Eragon still remained unchanged. Only after feeling the incessant press of Glaedr's thoughts did he reply, his voice spurred with impatience.

We told him only what he needed to know, cousin. It was enough to give him hope and courage to do what he must, but no more.

But you knew the risk. Glaedr began, his voice raised slightly. You knew the risk and you sent her egg to him anyway. It was—

Aye, we admit it! Umaroth interrupted. We knew the risk. We knew of the mark upon him, of his innate capacity to fervently love her … faint as it was.

Umaroth paused, reluctant to continue, but resigned to the fact that it may as well be. Too much had already been revealed to quit now. Wearily, he continued.

Aye, we knew, and perhaps it was a foolish decision. But it is done; however, it was not a decision made in haste. While considering the risk we also took account that the change might, just might, pass him over, making the risk worth taking. He was the best match for her, offering the best chance of success. But we were not so remiss as to abandon the possibility of what could happen. We had been carefully watching, since their bonding, and, over all this time have seen not the slightest change in him. Moreover, the moment of greatest susceptibility to him has passed. There is no need to trouble him, or her, over a change that has not occurred, nor do we believe it will.

Umaroth rumbled, his voice strong and unwavering.

Nay, it is a matter best left hidden, cousin … from both of them.

There was a murmur of agreement from several of the other Eldunarí, the rest remaining neutrally silent. Glaedr, on the other hand, took a moment to withdraw from them as he mulled over Umaroth's words. A soft murmur emanated from him a short time later, gradually growing louder as recognition gave him voice. He spoke as if to himself, as from one discovering, for the first time, answer to some previously hidden mystery.

Then this explains it.

He felt a stir of confusion from the others, including Umaroth. In response he addressed them, sharing his discovery.

Perhaps you were not watching him as closely as you think, cousin. I have heard your words, but you, and those among us who believe it, are mistaken. The change has already taken him, of that there can be no mistake.

There was a long silence before Umaroth finally spoke, his question shadowed with incredulity. And you are certain of this?

I am. Glaedr began.

I know not if he is aware of it, but it must still be present. I can think of no other explanation.

Explanation for what?

Oromis and I noticed moments, during their training, when they'd shown signs of a much stronger bond than any pair we'd taken on before. But that in itself was not enough to alert me of anything amiss. It wasn't until I'd felt a stir of jealousy from him, when he'd returned from the Stone of Broken Eggs with Saphira, that I'd taken notice. In fact, thinking back, I'd say it was more akin to courting rivalry. And I, whether or not he realized it, had been its unwitting target. Only now do I see the reason why.

Why did you not speak of this before? Umaroth inquired, indignant at Glaedr's omission.

Why would I? Glaedr countered.

It was a moment long forgotten. For a time I watched them both, carefully. I watched all through the remainder of their training, and moments during the earlier days of the war, but felt no repeat of that feeling from him. In the end I'd simply dismissed it as random or misinterpreted. All the while you knew and chose to keep that knowledge from them. Even from me. I had no prior cause to make a connection. I know not why it happened only that one time, but I tell you it has happened. It could again.

There was another moment of silence before Umaroth asked, tentatively.

And what of Saphira? Had you felt a similar change in her?

Glaedr paused, examining his memories for any indication that he had.

Nay, I've felt nothing from her. She appears unaffected.

Umaroth sighed, his thoughts guarded, but hopeful.

Good, then we must hope it stays that way, until she meets him. Tomorrow he and Saphira go to see Arya, who will undoubtedly be with the young male. It is an apt assumption that Saphira will take him as her mate when they meet. We all know of her long-suffered desire to find one.

And if Eragon reels at her courtship of the young male do you not think it could happen to him again?

We are confident it will not. Umaroth began, his voice strong and self-assured.

Eragon will be eager to see Arya, after so long a separation from her, and be too distracted to notice. Even so, if Saphira and the young male take to each other it will only serve as confirmation of his folly. He is young, but strong and determined. He will realize it as the way it should be and keep to Arya.

From what you've already told me, cousin, how can you be so sure he will? How can you be sure they will not end up as the first pair did?

Because they must not! Umaroth growled.

Saphira must be allowed to mate the young male, if she so chooses. And we believe she will. But if Eragon chooses to pursue her it will only make the risk that much greater to him … and ultimately to her. We cannot risk his loss. If we lose him we will likely lose her too. It would be a grave set back in our effort to secure a new home, and restore the order.

Then should we not at least warn him? Glaedr urged.

Nay, leave him be. Umaroth began, his thoughts seething with determination, which was shared by the others among them.

If it is true we may have already risked enough damage. If he is not presently conscious of the change telling him may stir it to the surface. Let the meeting unfold as it will. Let the young dragons take to each other, and hope that Eragon remains none-the-wiser. If so, there will be no need to intervene. If we do now it could make matters worse.

And doing nothing could make matters worse! Glaedr growled in return.

The change stirred in him once already. I believe it unlikely he'd truly understood it then, but there is no guarantee he will remain unawares, should a repeat occur. The next stir may come with greater clarity, awakening, in him, feelings for her that he never knew he had. Being caught so off guard, without understanding why, could mar him.

Another whir of murmurs followed Glaedr's pointed observation.

Quiet! Umaroth growled, and then waited as, one by one, the Eldunarí grew silent.

Clearly, cousin, there is no solid choice. If we intervene there is risk, if we do nothing there is risk, but I believe the latter offers less. Nay, I say we wait and see what happens.

Glaedr thought for a moment.

Why don't we ask the one whom this has already happened to and see what she has to offer on the matter.

Glaedr waited and, taking their silence as approval, turned his attention to a single Eldunarí that held the consciousness of a once mighty and beautiful dragoness.

Lieal? Glaedr gently began.

You are the one, by your own confession, who choose to bring this to light. Do you not agree that we should tell him?

There was a long silence, then a stir among the lone Eldunarí as Lieal's thoughts emerged to join the others, her response short and wearied from years of bitterness.

I agree with the others. You should wait.

Glaedr rumbled his frustration. If that is your position then why did—

Lieal interrupted, her voice adamant and impatient.

I acknowledge your position, Glaedr, but I have suffered long over the loss of my mate and Rider. It would have been lesser for me had I been sensible and taken another dragon as my mate. But nay, the bond I shared with him only made my suffering that much more. I do not want to risk the young sapphire suffering the same. It would be better for her to take the young male as her mate or, if not, none at all.

There was a brief pause, as if Lieal were seeking an inner confirmation of her decision.

Nay, if there is a chance that Eragon will remain none-the-wiser, I say leave them be.

With those final words Lieal steeled herself to silence, withdrawing from them to contemplate a long awaited end to her suffering.