Trouble did not even begin to cover it.

Arriving in Ilirea right on time, I was immediately contacted by Oromis, telling us to "fly to his private quarters, immediately." I should have realized then that this was not going to go well.

Landing next to the golden dragon, both Galbatorix and is dismount our dragons and walk over to where my master stands, my eyes looking at my shoes. Galbatorix is a different story, he walks with his head held high, his gaze trained right on Oromis, almost defiantly.

When we finally stand directly in front of the old elf, he reaches out and snatches the sword from my waist. The one he had lent to me for guard duty. I glanced up and met the the eyes of the great dragon standing above us. His stern look truly made it set in. We were going to be royally doomed.

"Do I even need to explain why I am angry?", Oromis says in a calm voice that radiated anything but calm feelings.

"No Oromis-elda", I respond in a whisper as if talking to someone on their death bed. Galbatorix just sets his jaw, causing his face to look even more strong and imposing.

I risk glancing up to look at my master. His eyes stare back at me in a steely gaze. He then continues speaking.

"We will discuss further the consequences for your actions, Talia. As for you, Galbatorix, you have kept someone waiting for the past two days", Oromis says, shifting his gaze to Galbatorix.

For the first time, shock crosses over Galbatorix's expression as he clears his throat, "Who have I kept waiting?"

"Rhunön arrived from Ellesmera to take measurements for your sword when you become a full rider", Oromis says, watching for Galbatorix's reaction.

Galbatorix's mouth drops open as he glances back and forth, as if this person was going to jump out at him. Suddenly he looks down at me and in his eyes I can see true fear and horror.

Nodding to him I say, "You can go, I'll be fine."

Oromis also nods, "yes, I think keeping her waiting will be punishment enough for you. Now begone before she decides to leave back for Ellesmera."

Without a word, Galbatorix sprints to Jarnunvösk and they take off immediately. Even though I knew it was selfish, I was sad that he wasn't by my side anymore. Risking a glance at Oromis once more, I see his arms crossed, staring at me intently.

As soon as I meet his eyes, he turns and strides to his private studies, calling back, "come, we will discuss your actions inside."

With a sigh, I turn my head back to Vascar. He motions his head forward, a glimmer of foreboding in his eyes at being left with Glaedr. I didn't know which of us was better off. I force a smile, trying to send him a silent message of luck. He puffs a thin stream of smoke in response before I turn and stride after Oromis into his private quarters.

As I enter through the door, I cannot help the wave of relief from passing over me. The familiar training room was a warm sight after passing over the prairie for the past four days. I am even tempted to run my fingers over the amazing drawings on the ground, but I resist because of the gravity of my situation.

Striding over to a table that I usually practiced my letters at, Oromis sits down one side and motions to the chair opposite him. Reluctantly, I join him, already dreading the conversation that was about to ensue.

In a voice so calm, I begin to wish he would yell, Oromis begins speaking to me.

"I want to know for exactly what reasons you decided to leave without telling a soul, and what happened on your little adventure."

I decide not to correct him on me "not telling a soul", knowing he would probably not take kindly to that. Instead, I tell him of my mothers letter, how I knew I had to make things right, and what exactly happened on my trip to Daret. He says nothing for the whole conversation, but instead he keeps his fingers pressed together and his eyes on his nails. I open up completely, hoping he will here the honesty and emotion in my voice. As I tell him of my argument with Royce, his eyes soften for a moment, but then they fill with look of rage so intense, it causes my instincts to kick in and urge myself to flee. But, the look is gone within a second and I quickly finish my story.

Oromis places his head in his hands and I cannot help my heart from racing. What would he say when he finally does speak? How much trouble would I be in? Should I say something or wait for him to speak first? My thoughts are cut short as he raises his head and speaks to me.

"I understand your actions", he starts causing my heart to leap, "but that does not mean they are justifiable.", he continues, noticing my excitement. My mood falls once more, "Your punishment will take place tonight at the east elven watch tower."

Immediately my mind recalls my last punishment on egg duty. I involuntarily shiver as I remember the image of Vocko lying on the stones, his body spread-eagled and his blood running down the cracks. I open my mouth to beg for any other boring job, but he raises his hand.

"This will not be like your last punishment at the Nesting Building. This time, you will be joined by someone, while Vascar and their dragon fly around the perimeter of the city. You will be accompanied by Morzan."

Before I am able to stop myself, I groan and tip my head back while closing my eyes. Of all the riders in the city, he pairs me with Morzan! But, as I start to dread my upcoming evening, I realize why he made this choice. This was my punishment, having to work with Morzan all night.

I look back up and Oromis has a knowing, almost amused look in his eyes. I reach out to Vascar and also feel his frustration. Glaedr had just told him the same new.

'I could out fly Dagshúro any day. He is too bulky and cocky. He overestimates himself', Vascar says to me, his confidence raising.

'You may be able to best Dagshúro, but I've never been able to defeat Morzan. And, at least you can fly away from Dagshúro if he annoys you, but I'm stuck with Morzan in a space barely big enough for one person! This is going to be torturous!'

'If I have to, I can come and take you out of there?', he suggests.

'Only if I cannot take another second of Morzan', I say nodding to Oromis.

"I understand Oromis-elda, I will be there tonight", I say solemnly.

"Good, that will be all Talia. Do not try and pull anything so foolish again or the consequences will be severe", he says narrowing his eyes at me threateningly, yet still the slightest bit amused.

I try and flash a smile before standing up and dashing for the door. As I step outside, I notice the sun is still in the same position. I would still have a few hours before having to meet with Morzan. On the green grass in front of the training fields, Vascar lays with his head on his claws, subtlety not facing Glaedr as if not meeting his eyes. I also do the same as I climb up into the saddle and strap myself in. When my legs are in place, I straighten up to find the golden dragon right in my face, one large eye facing me.

Tentatively, I ask, 'Yes, Glaedr-elda?'

He puffs a little plume of smoke in my face before saying, 'You have courage Talia, I will admit that. But, use it wisely. Even the bravest actions can be rendered useless, if not done for the just thing.'

I cough, waving away the smoke, before responding, 'Thank you Master. I will take care to remember your words.'

He winks one eye lazily before turning and striding away. As soon as Vascar has enough room, he extends his blazing orange wings and takes off into the air. He drops his left shoulder and angles towards the Eragonian Trainging Center, the opposite direction of our quarters.

'Vascar, where are you going?', I question.

'Galbatorix contacted me and asked if we could meet him at The Training Center', he answers honing in on the forest green dragon standing in the field full of dragons in training. On Jarnunvösk's back sits Galbatorix, and as we land, he raises a hand in greeting.

He quickly slides down, not being strapped in to the saddle. I take a little longer, having to untie each strap with fumbling fingers. But, as soon as I'm done, he is already directly below Vascar waiting for me to dismount.

"Who's Rhunön?", I ask, landing on the ground softly. He chuckles nervously.

"Rhunön is a master blacksmith from Elesmera. She makes all the riders' swords. She was here to take my measurements for my sword when I become a rider in full. Needless to say, she wasn't impressed that I was not here when she arrived. I'm surprised she stuck around for as long as she did", he says.

Immediately I feel guilt building up within me. It was my fault that Rhunön was cross with him. I caused him to keep waiting one of the most important people in the world. I quickly open my mouth to apologize but he cuts me off with a bone crushing hug.

"Oh gods Talia! I didn't mean it was your fault! I wouldn't have changed my decision for anything! Not even if Vrael himself had summoned me."

I smile against his shoulder before pushing him back playfully. His charming black eyes dance as I stare back at him. I couldn't help staring at his lips, wanting so badly to kiss him. But, I resist as Galbatorix starts speaking again.

"Anyways", he says slightly distracted, "Rhunön took measurements of my arms, shoulders, hands, and a few other things. Then, she watched me spar with a sword of my choice to watch my fighting style. After that, she asked me a few questions. Length preferences, if I fight with one hand or two, if I block with the flat of my blade or the side, and a few other questions to help her design my sword. Finally, she took three scales from Jarnunvösk; one from her back, one from her side, and one from her underbelly. Then she left without a second word."

He talked quickly, as if rushing to get the words out as quickly as possible. I chuckle at his nervous tone and nod my head. "She sounds interesting. When will your ceremony be?", I ask.

"It will be soon, I think. In a week or two", he says twisting the edge of his tunic with his hand.

I grab the hand that is constantly moving and hold it tightly, "Do not worry Galbatorix. You will make a great rider."

He squeezes my hand tightly, smirking in the way that made my heart melt. I could not help my heart from racing as my breath hitches. His hand was so much larger than mine.

"Thank you Talia", he says, his eyes looking deeply into mine.

I can barely speak as my nerves begin to rise as well. "It's- it's nothing."

He smiles once more before leaning down towards me. I close my eyes as his lips brush my cheek gently. Heat rushes to my cheeks as a pink blush creeps onto my face. Even though we had been intimate before, I still felt my stomach twist into knots whenever Galbatorix was around.

"I will see you later?", he questions to me.

"Sadly, no. I have patrol in the elven tower tonight", I respond.

He raises one eyebrow. "Well, then I guess I will see you tomorrow. Same time and place?", he asks, referring to the cave in the shelf overhanging the city.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world", I say with a full smile.

He also grins then walks away. I can't help but stare as he mounts Jarnunvösk and takes off into the sky. I watch until he is out of sight then sigh.

Vascar coughs and walks forward to stand in front of me. He drops his head down to stare at me with his icy blue eye. Just looking at the size of his eye, about as large as a plate, made me realize how much he had grown in our time here in Ilirea. I was barely able to wrap my arms around his neck and his height would rival that of a draft horse's.

'He had you in the palm of his hand', Vascar teases me. I feel my neck heat up in embarrassment.

"No he didn't", I deny, even though I knew he was right.

'I'm sure Talia', he says with a wink, crouching down so I could climb up.

I don't bother strapping in as we only had to fly a short distance. 'Oh, be quiet you. I can understand your feelings too you know.'

He stops his chuckling immediately as he asks, 'What do you mean?'

I grin mischievously, 'I know how you feel about a certain female dragon.'

'I don't know what you're talking about', he says back unconvincingly.

I pat his neck as an image of Valeska flashes in his mind. I can't help smiling at his infatuation with the light purple dragon.

'Let's go home Vascar, I'm tired from our journey', I say finally. His relief is evident as he pushes off into the air, angling towards our quarters. And I was relieved too, for now I could try and get some rest before my punishment tonight.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

AN: YOU GUYS BETTER LOVE ME. UPDATING THE NIGHT BEFORE A HUGE AP COLLEGE TEST! I KNOW ITS A FILLER CHAPTER BUT ITS SOMETHING. IM SORRY FOR THE SHORTNESS AND BORINGNESS, BUT YEAH... NEXT ONE WILL BE BETTER BECAUSE THIS IS MY LAST TEST AND SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE. SOOOOOO IF YOU WANT MORE FREQUENT UPDATES THE. PLEASSEEEEE....

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~Bert

P.S. I know my updates are slow, but please do not comment for me to update sooner because I really am trying my best. The end of the school year is a tough time, and my school blocked wattpad so no chance for updates then. So please, do not comment to update faster, I know the updates are lagging a bit, but telling me to update will not make them go faster. Thanks for the support but there is a difference between compliments and just telling me to update. Sorry not sorry :)