Eragon and Saphira walked back to where they’d set up camp. Murtagh was sitting by the fire; the food was finished and sitting next to him. When he heard them approach, he said, “Oh good, you’re back. The food is starting to get cold.”

Eragon sat next to him and picked up a piece of bread. “Well then, I guess we have good timing.”

Murtagh laughed. “Yes, yes you do.”

They ate their breakfasts, packed up and started the day’s ride. All the way, they talked and laughed. Eragon felt more at peace than he had since Brom’s death.

When they stopped for the night, Eragon realized he had practiced with Zar’roc in almost a week, so he and Murtagh decided to have a practice duel. Eragon put the block on their blades just as Brom had taught him, and they began.

As they were fighting, Eragon was surprised to see that Murtagh matched him blow for blow. He had never met someone that had rivaled him this much. Not even Brom could beat him anymore! Murtagh seemed just as shocked to find that they were evenly matched. Eragon and Murtagh kept fighting until they were both too exhausted to continue. While they ate, they talked about fighting and how they learned their techniques. When the sun began to go down, they got ready to go to sleep. Eragon set up his blankets and, expecting Murtagh to sleep across the fire from him as usual, was surprised when Murtagh laid out his bedroll next Eragon’s.

“Uh…Murtagh?”

“Yes?”

“I think I’ll be okay tonight.”

“I know.”

“Then, why-”

Murtagh cut him off. “Because I feel this is where I need to be.” He leaned over and kissed Eragon, then went back to setting up for the night.

Eragon blushed and couldn’t speak. He was so happy. He had found someone who cared for him. He looked at Murtagh and smiled. Murtagh smiled back. As Eragon laid down, Saphira asked him, Eragon, are you truly happy like this, with him.

Yes.

Then I will accept this, and anyone who truly cares about you will. If they don’t, do not worry, your happiness is all that matters.

Saphira?

Yes, little one?

Thank you.

Saphira did not answer. Instead, she touched her nose to Eragon’s shoulder in a gesture of affection. He patted her head, then laid down. Murtagh settled down next to him, and they turned to face each other. Murtagh smiled at Eragon, said good night, and then rolled over to fall asleep.

Eragon replied, then turned over himself. As he was falling asleep, he thought, This feels so right. I’m so happy. If people can’t accept us, that’s their problem because as long as I accept myself and the one I love, then nothing else matters. With this final thought, Eragon fell asleep next to the man he loved.