PLEASE CHECK OUT THE RECOMMENDATIONS AT THE BOTTOM. READ THROUGH ENTIRELY.

Oromis and Glaedr allowed us to leave early because of the dramatic day we had experienced. I left the room quickly, telling Vascar to meet me in the Entrance Hall as relief surged through both of our minds. He agreed and I could feel him take off into the skies and angle himself in that direction.

I made my way through the halls quickly, allowing instinct to drive me to my destination while my mind wandered. And as it did, my thoughts drifted to the lesson Oromis and Glaedr had planned for tomorrow. Excitement coursed through me at the prospect of meeting the wild dragons. They had always been an enigma to me, and now my curiosity would finally be sated.

I arrived at the Entrance Hall before Vascar did, but felt a slight shock in my chest when I noticed a familiar green dragon in the middle of the hall with a figure leaning casually against her leg. I could not help the smile from playing at my lips as I strode over to them.

Galbatorix noticed me coming and quickly said some words to the person next to him before turning to me. I quickly studied the rider to his right that he was talking to as I continued to make my way towards them. The boy looked around Galbatorix's age, with sandy blonde hair that fell over his pale blue eyes. His smile was large and his nose was a little small, and he was a little shorter in height, but still taller than I was. He had a mischievous gleam in his eyes that made my skin crawl. As I approached, I could hear the boys laugh and inside, a part of me knew that this boy could never be a leader only a follower.

"Talia", Galbatorix said, a strange tone in his voice I had never heard before. He sounded arrogant and big-headed. I did not like this side of him. "This is my good friend and training mate Perdaen."

"Hello", I said back as politely as possible. Something about this boy threw me off and I couldn't help the bad feeling from settling in my gut. Nevertheless, I attempted to be kind.

'You're being rude', I thought to myself, 'You shouldn't judge people so quickly.'

"He will also be becoming a full rider tomorrow", Galbatorix said proudly. I gasped as I remembered the ceremony tomorrow. I had completely forgotten that Galbatorix would be done with training as of tomorrow evening.

"You will be there right?", Galbatorix said wrapping his arm around my shoulders. For the first time, the feel of his arm did not feel right. It felt possessive and dominant.

"Yes, as soon as I return with Oromis", I said as two dragons came soaring in through the ceiling. Vascar landed beside me as the other dragon landed beside Perdaen.

"It's Talia, right?", Perdaen said, but did not wait for me to respond before continuing, "this is Cordus, my dragon."

I quickly turned my attention to the dragon next to me. His dark grey scales shimmered slightly, but it was his yellow eyes that caught my attention. He was huge, larger even than Jarnunvösk. His muscles bulged under his rocky scales. Even his spikes seemed more deadly than usual, being grey as well, but a lighter color than his scales.

He nodded his head to me, but other than that made no other attempt to contact me. I nodded back to the large dragon but was unable to reach out to him as Vascar started to nudge my mind. I brushed him off, trying to stay focused on the conversation, but soon he was physically nudging me with his nose. Finally, I could take it no longer.

'What?', I said to him, trying to keep the irritation out of my voice.

'Talia, look at him', he said, his sides starting to rumble ever so slightly with a silent growl.

'Who?'

'Cordus', he said darkly.

I glanced at the large, grey dragon, 'He looks intimidating, yes, but what about him?'

'Sometimes I wonder if you are blind. Get on my back now.'

I did not hesitate to slip out from under Galbatorix's arm and climb up onto Vascar. The tone of his voice suggested danger and he had never led me astray before. There was a look of confusion on both riders faces below me, and I was barely able to mumble out an excuse before Vascar took off with me barely hanging on to the spike in front of me. Galbatorix probably hadn't even understood what I had said for Vascar had left so quickly.

'What was that for?', I exclaimed, hurriedly hooking my legs into the saddle without strapping them.

'Talia, did you not see his scales? I always had my speculations about Jarnunvösk, but thought her above such monstrosities. I always told myself that there are other dragons of the same color as her, but now there are no doubts in my mind after seeing Galbatorix and her with that dragon.'

My mind was blank. I felt as if I should know what he was going on about, but I still had to ask.

'What are you talking about Vascar?'

He sighed, then said in an exasperated voice, 'The Urgals Talia! Do you honestly not remember? Two dragons and their riders, one of forest green, another of stone grey.'

'You think- Jarnunvösk? Galbatorix would never- I- no, he couldn't!'

'Talia you saw him today, he was different. Do you honestly think that that side of him would not do something like that?'

Being connected to my mind, it was impossible to lie to him, or myself. Yet, I tried anyways.

'He was a little arrogant, yes, and perhaps a bit more reckless. But the Galbatorix I know would never do such a thing!', I said unconvincingly. Vascar snorted and a plume of smoke came roiling out.

'Talia, you are blinded by love. And it was only because of your strong feelings that I have pushed off my suspicions for so long. You have never seen how Galbatorix acts around his peers, only how he is around you. Perhaps if you observed him more closely we could interpret his true personality', Vascar says gently.

'I guess', I said, giving in but only barely. Inside I still had a slight streak of defiance. I knew I would find Galbatorix later and get to the bottom of this.

We arrived back at our quarters quickly. Even if I had a whole day before we would be leaving to see the wild dragons, I made sure to pack early and have everything ready. I grabbed my dagger from my bedside table held it gently in my hand. I had never been very good fighting with a dagger, but I hoped to learn. Perhaps I would go to the training fields later tonight and have someone teach me. I also grabbed the leather scabbard that the ornate dagger fit into and wrapped it around my waist. The worn leather hung from my hips ever so slightly and the weight of the dagger felt right by my side.

I also laid out a tunic of a burgundy color and leggings that did not go all the way down my legs. Both articles of clothing were of a very light material and would not hold heat very well. I also grabbed a cover-up of a heavier material that I could slip on if I got cold. One could never be too prepared.

I could not help but chuckle as I realized why Oromis did not want me to pack food. The wild dragons may have been hungry. Vascar also started to laugh at sensing my thoughts. I glanced over to where he laid in the indented spot in the floor and smiled. His sides moved up and down with his laughter and his lips were pulled back in a toothy grin.

'You are strange', I said to him in a tone laced with laughter. He continued to chuckle.

'I get it from you', he teased back.

'No you don't', I said back jokingly.

'Denial is the first sign of craziness', he said amused, standing up and stretching his back. He was getting so tall that his spikes pushed slightly into the ceiling when he arched his back.

'Ha ha', I mock laughed back. He didn't respond as he ruffled his wings agitatedly. I also felt the slightest bit restless, and, looking over the stuff that I had laid out, decided I had done enough packing for now. I always could do more later that night.

'How would you like to go to the training fields?', I said striding to Vascar and pulled out the dagger from its sheath. It's silver blade shined in the sun and caused a reflection to shine on the wall. Vascar quickly glanced at the shimmering light and trained his eyes on it intensely. I tried to hold in a snort as I moved the dagger, causing the reflection to also move. Vascar twitched his head to the side in sync with the bright light. My gut began to hurt as I held in my laughter at Vascar's actions. I continually moved the little beam of light and watched in amusement as Vascar's head continually followed. Finally, as Vascar lunged his nose forward and touched the wall where the reflection resided, I could hold it in no longer. I allowed the blade to drop to my side as I doubled over in a fit of giggles.

Vascar trained his ice blue eyes on me but my laughter persisted. Tears started forming in my eyes from the amount I was laughing and I had to reach up and wipe them away. I glanced up at Vascar and the giggles started to begin again. He flicked his tongue out of his mouth and I could sense his embarrassment. But, instead of showing it, he decided to get even.

Faster than I could blink, Vascar darted his snout out and shoved my shoulder. Being off balanced from my laughter, I had no chance to catch myself before falling flat on my back. My eyes shot open as the sound of his strange laughter reached my ears and I tilted my head up to glare at him. But, I could not stay mad at him and was soon laughing once more. Somehow, I got to my feet through my fits of giggles and managed to stay standing. It was difficult but I managed

Finally, I wiped away the left over tears and climbed up his back, not bothering to strap myself in. Vascar twitched his tail slightly before taking off into the air, slicing through the sky like an arrow. His orange scales glittered brightly in the sunlight and I had to avert my eyes slightly to avoid blinding myself. He truly was like a blazing fire, and worthy of the name Firescales.

Vascar soon began to angle himself downwards towards the ground where several sparring figures were visible. Oromis's private studies also stood out next to the luscious green field, but I did not spot Glaedr so I assumed Oromis was still at the Eragonian Training Center. Vascar landed roughly towards the middle of the field, causing me to jolt forward threateningly near his spike. Not wanting another close call, I quickly scurried down his side and landed on solid ground.

'Now to find someone to train me in the use of my dagger', I said to Vascar, looking down at my side and pulling out the ornate blade by a few inches. But before I could even attempt to look for an expert, a familiar voice called out to me.

"Talia! I had begun to thought I would never see you again!", said the voice, causing me to look up. And as soon as I recognized his face, I could not help the large smile from spreading across my face.

"Draumrhjarta!", I exclaimed wrapping my arms around him in a friendly embrace. He pulled back and smiled back at me. I had not realized until now how much I had missed his playful smile and youthful demeanor.

"What are you doing here", I asked as I stepped back away from him.

"Looking for my favorite rider of course", he said slyly before laughing.

"I'm sure", I said pushing his shoulder gently. But, he didn't move one inch as my hand met solid muscle. He may have looked skinny and willowy, but he was anything but.

Smiling at my realization, Draumrhjarta flexes slightly and grinned in a knowing way. I rolled my eyes at him before fiddling with the hilt of the dagger. He noticed and raised his eyebrows at me.

"Is that why you're here?", he asked gesturing to my dagger. I nodded and pulled it out of the sheath, handing it to him. He balanced the knife in his palm and then quickly inspected a few other things of the blade. Finally, he twirled it in a fancy maneuver and handed it back to me, hilt first. I shook and gaped my head at his perfect handling of the weapon.

"It is a fine blade indeed. Perfectly balanced and sharpened to the point", he said as I took the dagger from him.

"Are you skilled in dagger fighting?", I asked keeping the blade out instead of putting it back into its place.

He smiled his large lopsided grin as he took the dagger back and put it up in front of him. He then said, "What do you want to learn?"

"Everything", I said stupidly, causing him to chuckle.

"How about we just start of with the basics?"

"I'm fine with that, for now", I said with a shrug.

"Well, then we will have to do this again for one does not become an expert in a single day."

"Then perhaps I will meet you down here every other day", I said with a smile of my own. He nodded and twirled the knife at me.

"To begin we will start with posture. Try to stay upright as much as possible. If you duck, you may find a knife in your eye", he said seriously, but also with his normal hint of amusement in his voice.

"Duly noted", I replied, noticing his tall stance. He smiled again before continuing.

"Before you can start fighting though, you will need to get a feel for your knife. How long it is, how it feels in your grip, it's balance. You must know the blade inside and out. Learn it's limitations, what it can and cannot do."

"Okay", I said, "what about actually using the knife?"

"Attacks with a dagger are similar to a sword's. They are basically the same. You are only fighting with a shorter blade and must adjust accordingly. Speed is of the essence, and you must get your blade in and out as quickly as possible."

He quickly makes a thrust forward and slices the blade through open air. He then slipped back to his previous position in the blink of an eye, leaving me gaping. His elf speed allowed him to fly through the air faster than the strike of a snake in the grass.

He continued, "Keep your attacks to slashes across your opponents body, and avoid stabbing motions with the blade straight and the tip forward. Also, try to keep all attacks below shoulder height. You keeping up with all of this?"

I nodded quickly, in awe of the amount I was learning. He then handed me the dagger, giving me the chance to practice a little as he continued on in his teachings.

"Knife fighting involves very close quarter combat. Never get into a wrestling match when you have a knife due to the fact that it can be used against you. Mixing in some punches or kicks with the knife attacks is wise, for it will keep your opponents attention off of your dagger", he said and I was tempted to throw a quick punch, but instead I resisted.

"Know, try some attacks", he said motioning towards me.

"Isn't that a little bit dangerous?", I said, my eyes widening. But, Draumrhjarta only laughed.

"Do you truly doubt my abilities?", he teased.

Instead of responding, I launched forwards, hoping to catch him off guard. But, he was gone by time I reached him and instead I was left flailing through open air. Before I could hit the ground and possibly impale myself, though, his strong arm was wrapped around my waist and lifted me back to my feet.

"Didn't your parents teach you to not run with knives?", he said with a boyish grin. Once again, I tried to surprise him and lashed out with a slash towards his chest. He simply stepped back, watching the blade with careful eyes. He flawlessly dodged each swipe of my blade, and gracefully missed each of my thrusts. I did not feel as if I was failing, though, instead I felt as if I was learning.

Finally, I extended my arm a little too far and left my side open. With a quick jab from Draumrhjarta, I was twirling to my right, and my blade was quickly taken out of my hand. Seconds later when I regained my balance, I felt the cool flat of the blade pressed calmly to my neck. Clever.

"You have done for your first day", Draumrhjarta said removing the blade from my neck. I quickly rubbed the area despite the lack of damage. It was still disconcerting to have my death at someone's fingertips.

"Thanks", I said finally, looking into his bright blue eyes. A question quickly sprung to my mind, but I pushed it to the back of my mind for later. "How about we go someplace to catch up?"

His grin widened as he pushed a strand out of his face. "I know just the place", he said quickly.

I motioned towards Vascar who was sitting where he first landed and watching the events with observant eyes. Draumrhjarta followed behind me as we made our way towards Vascar and quickly scaled up his side into the saddle.

"Where are we going?", I asked, glancing back over my shoulder.

"It's a surprise!", he said in a mock exasperated voice.

"But-", I began but he cut me off.

"I've already told Vascar where to go, so now you are out if reasons."

I turned around and scowled at the elf. He irritated me in the brotherly way sometimes. How he had known my next sentence, I would never know. Instead of arguing, I held on to the spike in front of me as Vascar took off and angled himself in the direction of this mysterious location.

As Vascar soared, I observed our surroundings with a watchful eye, hoping to figure out where we were going before physically arriving there. But, as we flew over the center of the city, I was at a loss for where he would land. All I knew was that Vascar was descending rapidly towards the very large building that haunted my memories.

Vascar landed in front of the large entrance to the Nesting Building and I could not stop my hands from shaking. It was those stones that I made my first kill. It was in those cracks that Vocko's blood flowed through. It was that spot that marked the last place Vocko would ever stand, or take a breath. Here is where he died, and I killed.

Draumrhjarta did not notice my shock and instead scaled down Vascar's side, landing gracefully on the ground. Slowly, I took a deep breath and followed, taking each step down with care. As I reached the bottom, I could not help my slight hesitation. Just below me was my worst memory. Was it just my imagination or were the cracks still red? Finally, I closed my eyes and dropped.

My feet hit the stones roughly, jarring up my spine. Draumrhjarta quickly placed a hand on my shoulder, making sure I did not fall. My eyes still remained defiantly shut, as if I could will myself to be in a different place. My jaw was starting to ache from the amount of pressure I was putting on it.

Through my closed eyes, I started to see my nightmares play out before me. The dark figure bringing his sword down upon me. The blood flowing towards me, seeping up my body and into my lungs. I had to bite my lip to hold in my scream. It was all so vivid and terrifying that I almost bolted.

"Talia", Draumrhjarta said curiously, "are you alright?"

I could have been honest and shook my head. I could have said no. Instead, I was a coward. And I was brave.

Slowly, I allowed my eyelids to creep up. The scene in front of me was nothing like my memories. It was light, and a tad bit beautiful. The stones were their same grey color with flicks of black. There was no bold and no bodies. Inside the building, the rows glittering eggs were mesmerizing and brought me out of my terrors.

"I-I'm fine", I said turning my eyes on him. He nodded skeptically and turned towards the entrance, striding through the large opening built for mothering dragons. I quickly followed, entranced by the jewel-like eggs on the inside.

He strode over to two empty spots and sat down in the indented spot that would hold an egg. He wiggled a little, patted the spot next to him, then said, "Fits perfectly!"

I couldn't hold in my laugh as I also made my way over to him. I had to admit, the indent in the wood was quite comfortable. To my right was an emerald green egg and I could not resist placing my hand on its smooth surface. It was cold to the touch, unlike Vascar's egg had been when I touched it. Looking around the room, I guessed there were at least one hundred eggs in here.

"How many of these will be bound to riders?", I asked Draumrhjarta.

He motioned behind him to the four teared rows. He then said, "these first three rows hold the eggs bound to riders, and the last row holds the eggs that will hatch when they are ready, for they are wild."

I couldn't help glancing back at the eggs again. They were so beautiful that I could have stared at them all day long. Draumrhjarta noticed my fascination and could not help chuckling.

"Come, let us admire their beauty", he said standing and offering my his hand. I took it gratefully and allowed him to pull me to my feet.

We strolled down the row, glancing at all the different colored eggs. I allowed my hand to brush each one as we passed it. I took great interest in the eggs with different colors. There was a black egg with red veins webbing it's way across the surface, a gold egg with white, and so many more. It wasn't until I reached the second row that I fell in love.

I spotted the beautiful egg from six spots away and could not help skipping the ones in between it to reach it faster. An empty space was directly next to it, so I sat down quickly and pulled it into my lap. Draumrhjarta chuckled slightly and sat down in the recently opened space and also looked at the egg.

"It truly is spectacular", he said tracing one finger across its surface.

The egg was about a foot long. It's blue color was so deep and entrancing that I could have stared at it forever. Across its surface webbed veins of a lighter blue. The reason that particular egg caught my attention was its color. It sparkled greatly despite its dark color. And, also, because the color reminded me of Draumrhjarta.

"Draumrhjarta?", I asked, finally ready to voice my question.

"Hmm?"

"Why do you look different than all the other elves? Your hair and eye color is blue."

He paused for a moment and looked at me. I could see him pondering my question and trying to figure out how to answer.

"I do not think it is my place to answer that fully. But, I will tell you this. I changed."

"You changed?", I said excitedly, thinking of finally changing my hair, "how?"

He chuckled, "And that is exactly the part I am unable to tell you."

I frowned slightly. It was exactly like the trip to Ilirea all over again. The elves knowing things and not telling me. I sighed, giving up and continued to admire the blue egg in my lap.

"Is it a boy or a girl?", I asked motioning to the egg. Draumrhjarta closed his eyes for a moment and reached out to touch its surface. As his eyes were shut, I couldn't help studying his face. He looked so unique. His chin was not as streamlined, his hair was midnight blue. Even his nose seemed sharper.

Finally, he opened his eyes and removed his hand, "it is a female."

Feeling oddly protective, I brought the egg up to my chest and cradled it. It- no, she- was cold, and I knew her rider was not in the area. A strange part of me was disappointed, but I did not allow Vascar to sense that. I was being stupid.

"So, Talia", Draumrhjarta said, "tell me about your training. How far are you?"

I smiled and started explaining my training, specifically my last session. I thought Draumrhjarta would be shocked by the strange tasks Oromis had forced me to do, but instead everything seemed to become more clear to him. He nodded and smiled slyly when I finished.

"It seems you will be finding out sooner than I expected", he said, causing my curiosity to skyrocket.

"What-?", I ask, but am cut off by Vascar.

'We've got company', he said darkly. And sure enough, a loud thump was heard outside moments later.

A figure came striding in through the entrance, but the sunlight shining behind them made the figure undistinguishable. His silhouette was tall and broad shouldered, and instantly I had a feeling who it was. Seconds later my suspicions were confirmed.

"Talia", Galbatorix said, "there you are. I was wondering what happened to you after you ran off."

He then noticed Draumrhjarta and strode forward towards us, his feature finally becoming visible. His black eyes were suspicious, glancing at Draumrhjarta and at his hand on the egg in my lap. I could physically see his chest inflating ever so slightly. I had no clue why he was being so prideful, but it was getting on my nerves.

"Galbatorix", I said slightly curtly, "this is my friend Draumrhjarta."

"Hello", Galbatorix said shortly.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance", Draumrhjarta said in a failed attempt to be kind. The tension between the two was basically visible. I was really beginning to hate how Galbatorix was behaving. I had to put an end to it.

Quickly standing, I said cooly, "Draumrhjarta, it was amazing to spend the day with you. I shall see you again in two days at the training field. How about after training?"

He also stood and smiled at me, then said, "I will see you there."

He then did something that shocked me to the core. He swooped in and placed a small kiss on my cheek, strode towards the door, and threw a look at Galbatorix before finally exiting. The look on Galbatorix's face was more shocked than mine.

Before he could ask, I placed the blue egg back in its place and walked down the rows. I tried not to make eye contact with him, but it was impossible. I had to pass him in order to leave.

"Talia?", he said in a voice so sad I couldn't just leave.

I sighed and looked at him. He was confused and maybe the slightest bit hurt. Immediately I regretted my actions, but knew I had no control over what Draumrhjarta had done.

"Galbatorix I swear to the gods above that we are only friends", I said out of guilt. His face clouded over before responding.

"It certainly didn't look that way when he kissed you!"

"He only did that because you were acting so stupidly!", I shouted back at him. Sensing my anger, Vascar quickly crawled into the room and stood behind me.

"How was I acting stupid?", he said furrowing his brow.

I was becoming so angry with him that I did not feel like having to explain his mistakes to him. Instead, I whipped around and climbed Vascar's side faster than I ever had before. He did not need me to say anything before he took off out of the building, opening his wings after he made it out of the building.

I felt weak. My feelings were overwhelming my mind and I was not thinking straight. Tears began to pour down my face, and soon I needed Vascar to console me. It hurt that Galbatorix was acting so blind. My chest physically hurt and I did not know what I would say the next time I saw him. It all was too confusing to think about.

'And his true colors are revealed', Vascar comments darkly, and the rational part of my mind could not help agreeing. I couldn't help letting go. I had nothing left to hang on to.

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

AN: I HAVE NO IDEA HOW I GOT THIS UPDATE OUT SO FAST, AND ITS LONG!!! OK NOW FOR SOME RECOMMENDATIONS!!!! THESE STORIES HAVE IMPRESSED ME BEYOND RELIEF AND DESERVE READS THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN GETTING!

First off I want to recommend another Eragon fanfic by the name of "The Dragonriders Return" by thatrandomdutchguy. It is truly brilliant!!!

Next I would like to recommend "Frivolous" by eabutton. I only was able to read one chapter, yet I was IN LOVE!!! I really recommend checking both of these books out!!!

And, finally, I have been greatly enjoying two stories by the author JamiesStoriez. There are two really good Eragon fanfic stories and I am greatly intrigued by them both :)

OKAY, THATS ABOUT IT!!! WATCH OUT FOR RECOMMENDATIONS BECAUSE IF I SEE ANY THAT ARE UNDISCOVERED AND I LIKE, I WILL LET YOU KNOW :D

PLEASE DO NOT ASK ME TO RECOMMEND YOUR STORY, FOR THAT IS A SUREFIRE WAY FOR ME NOT TO RECOMMEND IT. SO, NOT ONLY SHOULD YOU CHECK OUT THESE STORIES, PLEASE

READ/COMMENT/VOTE

THANKA YOUUU

~Bert