Before The Fall {An Eragon Fanfiction}

Chapter 16- Around The Fire

'Talia.'

My mind slowly comprehends my name being called, but pass it off, trying to slip back into slumber.

'Talia!', Vascar shouts. My head snaps up, causing my neck to flare in pain. My hand flies to the area where it hurts the most. I must have slept wrong.

'What?', I question a little too harshly. I was still half asleep so nothing seemed to comprehend. Moments later I regret my actions, but say nothing.

'We are landing, and I don't think you want to sleep on my back while I try to rest', he says slightly annoyed, showing how tired he really was, 'plus, I would like to get this saddle off, it itches.'

I grumble slightly as I crack open my eyes and try to take in everything around me. At first, all I see is darkness, until I realize night was still upon us. The stars twinkle beautifully above me and a full moon lights up the area, showing a large expanse of prairie. The sound of wings flapping besides me hits my ears before I actually notice Jarnunvösk's large form flying slightly beneath us, not wanting to push Vascar off course from the amount of wind coming from her massive wings.

As my mind becomes more conscious to the things around me, I notice how Vascar is dipping towards the ground. He was aiming for no where in particular it seemed, just heading for solid ground. Glancing over again, I notice Galbatorix shaking himself awake as well. At least I wouldn't be the only one sitting up tonight.

As Vascar, makes contact with the ground, my whole body launches forward. Being so tired, I was unable to stop myself from being tossed around at impact. My eyes, focus on the gleaming white spike in front of me, almost impaling me in the neck.

'Oops', Vascar says, dropping so hard to the ground that it jars my spine.

'Oops?', I say as a large yawn escapes his outstretched jaws, 'Oops!? I almost died, and all you can say is oops!'

He growls openly, turning his head around to stare right into my face. Part of me visions someone else staring into the face of an angry dragon, and I knew that if our minds weren't connected, I would be afraid for my life.

His eyes narrow out of anger and exhaustion before saying testily, 'Sorry.' Though his voice didn't sound sorry at all, even if his emotions did. The pride of dragons had no bound.

Grumbling, I drop off his side and start to work on removing his saddle. He squirms the whole time, impatient with my fumbling fingers. When the stiff leather finally drops to the ground, Vascar wastes no time curling himself up and shutting his eyes.

'Goodnight Vascar', I say, not wanting to go to bed angry with each other.

His expression softens slightly before answering, 'Goodnight Talia.'

Looking around, I notice Jarnunvösk had also drifted off to sleep, and Galbatorix had set to work building a fire. As soon as the wood was all set up, he glances at Jarnunvösk. She barely lifts her head and let's loose a thin stream of fire. I couldn't help staring at the thin stream of flames that licked at the wood. She closes her jaws with an audible snap and I notice Vascar staring at her in envy.

'I thought you were sleeping', I tease him.

'I can't wait until I am able to do that', he says wistfully, still looking at Jarnunvösk with one lazy eye. The absence of her bright flames had left the surroundings seeming dark and dangerous, but the small fire that Galbatorix sat by was comforting, not to mention the two large dragons there to protect us.

I stride over to Galbatorix's side and sit down next to him. He doesn't even glance my way as he intertwines his fingers with mine, staring into the flickering fire the whole time. I smile to myself before speaking.