I do not own these characters only the thoughts in my head. Here goes nothing.

The Start of Something New

Nasuada walked with determination with every, step her mind focused on what she was about to do. As she approached the door she gave a slight nod to the guards. Upon her request the door opened and with the grace of a queen she eagerly stepped inside. She tried to prepare her mind as best she could for what she could expect from the man inside the room but nothing she thought prepared her for what she found.

Murtagh was lying down on his bed reading a book on the history of Alagaesia when he heard a knock on the door. He was caught a little of guard, he wasn't expecting anyone to pay him a visit. Perhaps it was Eragon, he hadn't seen him since he was taking away, maybe there was some news, good news he hoped. Although it could very well be Ajihad come to give him another chance to concede to the probing of his mind. Not knowing who to expect he decided it was best to make him self look presentable. He stood up looking for his tunic and as he was pulling his garment over his head the door opened. In walked a women the likes of which he had never seen. He was so surprised by her entrance he was completely frozen in place. She didn't speak only stood there with eyes wide open as if she was embarrassed. Quickly she turned in a frightened motion. It was then he realized that he was standing there half-dressed.

" I'm sorry for the intrusion. I should have waited for a response before I entered." She said not daring to turn around.
" It's okay, there was no harm done. You can turn around now". Slowly she turned to face him though she did not look him in the eye.

" I am Nasuada, daughter of Ajihad." He was a bit surprised even though he shouldn't have been the family resemblance was evident. Perhaps it was more due to the fact he leader of the Varden, enemy of the king, would choose to raise a daughter in this type of environment. It raised questions in his mind like what her mother must be like and more importantly why was she here and alone?

" It is a pleasure to meet you daughter of Ajihad" giving a slight bow at the hips " to what do I owe the pleasure? Has your father sent you here in hopes that the charm of a women might change my mind."

At that statement she regained her composure. She was almost insulted but was determined not be overcome with emotion. "My father would never resort to such tricks and even he did he would still be above using his own daughter to do so." Murtagh gave her a slight smirk. He couldn't help but be impressed by her retort.

" My apologies my lady."

" Believe it or not I understand your decision."

" Really, is that so?"

" I know what your thinking, 'how can someone like me who has barely lived outside these walls understand my decision?'"

" Something like that."

" We might have grown up worlds apart Murtagh but everyone wants their privacy. Our thoughts and our dreams are our own. The mind can sometimes be the only place we can go to, to seek refuge, a sanctuary. To let someone enter your mind is like giving up the only freedom any of us truly have." As he watched her speak he noticed a troubled expression come across her face. He found himself having to fight the urge to go to her and offer any comfort that he could was completely caught off guard by her confession. How can a complete stranger understand what he was feeling? " This my come as a shock but my father actually admires your strong will." Hearing this he couldn't help but laugh.

" He admires me and locks me in here. While Eragon who gave in to his demands is free to do as he pleases. Forgive me but your fathers thinking is a little backwards."

" You can not compare yourself to Eragon. You are in different positions. He is the first free dragon rider since the days of the forsworn and the most powerful and evil man in the history of Alagaesia is his enemy. Eragon did what he had to. He needs us and we need him."

" And I guess my needs don't matter?"

" I do not know what you need Murtagh but what I do know is that the Varden does not need you."

He took a step closer to her raising his voice a little. " Is that a threat?"

Matching his movements she too moved forward raising her voice to match his own. " No, it is a fact. Your actions might be admirable but we can't take that to mean we can trust you. My father is responsible for every life here. He can't be so careless as to let the son of Morzan roam free."

" Then let me go then. I'll swear to never tell a soul where you are. My mind is strong no one will get anything out of me!"

" Even against the King himself! You grew up in his kingdom he can scry for you, find you and get whatever information he wants through his magic. It's too risky and you know it!"

" So that's it I am to stay in here forever?"

"For as long as it takes."

" So you're not here to charm me your here to scare me into giving up my mind to those twins!" Without realizing it they had begun to shout at each other and had moved in closer to on another, only inches apart. He towered over her forcing him to turn his gaze down upon her. He was fixated on her almond-shaped eyes and full lips. He was so close he could smell the hint of lavender that filled the air around her. At first he thought she was just a mere delicate women but now he knew better. If her beauty was not commanding enough her strength was.
Nasuada was taking aback on how things had escalated she certainly didn't intend for this to happen nor did she intend to be standing so close to him. She could feel the heat radiating from his body. He was quite taller than her with broad shoulders and a prominent jaw line. His features were very strong and yet despite the anger that he clearly showed on his face she couldn't help but notice sadness in his eyes. She found her self wanting to reach out and rest her hand on his cheek. She wanted to know more, to help him. Slowly she came back to her senses as she took in a deep breath." As I have said before I understand your decision and I am not here to lead you away from it. I only wished to convey that untill you can be trusted, you will have to stay here." He continued to stare at her with the same amount of intensity and anger, after a while he loosened the tension in his shoulders and let out a sigh.

"Well I guess if I'm to be a prisoner I couldn't have asked for a better cell. It beats life roaming from town to town. I have a comfortable bed, good food and plenty of books to keep me company.

" You are luckier than most of the prisoners my father has held." The smile she gave him was warm and sweet, he liked it.

" Well, I should be going." She made her way back to the door and gave a soft knock to let the guards know she was ready to leave." Is there anything you would like me to relay to my father?"

" Only that I wish to speak to Eragon and have some real company. Books are nice but they don't talk back." She started to laugh, he liked that too. She began to turn to leave but stopped as she heard the sound of his voice again. " And...um... maybe I could... see you again?" He said it nervously scratching the back of his head as he looked down towards his feet. It was cute and she was flattered.

" I...would like that." She gave him another smile and he discovered that he wanted to find ways to make her continue to do so. Even though she was now gone the grin on his face remained, anticipating the next time he'll get to see her again.