When the men awoke at dawn, neither mentioned what had happened. It was an unspoken agreement; Eragon did not thank Murtagh for his kindness, and Murtagh did not ask how Eragon was. They went about their daily routine as if nothing happened. But something did happen and it gave the men plenty to think about as they headed out. They were quiet throughout the day's ride, talking only when necessary. When they stopped for the night, they set up camp and ate dinner without saying a word. It was only they had both lain down to go to sleep that Eragon was able to say anything.
"Murtagh?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for kindness last night. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't brought me out of it. Thank you. You are a great friend."
Eragon, there is no need to thank me for something that was only natural. You are thinking too much of it. Now, go to sleep. We have a long ride ahead of us tomorrow."
"But Murtagh…" He didn't answer. Eragon knew there would be no point in trying to talk to Murtagh anymore that night. Once again as he lay down, Saphira spoke to him. Eragon, maybe Murtagh is right and you're thinking too much of this.
No. I know there was something else there, something more than natural instinct. I want to know what it was!
But if you are right and there was something else, then he will tell you when the time is right.
I guess you're right.
Of course. Eragon laughed. Good night Saphira
Good night Eragon
Eragon rolled over and tried to sleep but he could not help but to think about Murtagh ad what he may be hiding. He thought of the look in his eyes while comforting him, and tried to figure out what it was. There was kindness, yes, and understanding, but there was something else. What was it? Concern? No, it was much deeper than concern. And then Eragon realized that that look was familiar. He had seen it before. He had seen it in his cousin's eyes when he looked at Katrina, his love. Then suddenly, Eragon knew what it was. Love. Murtagh loved him. After this initial shock disappeared, Eragon became worried. After all, they were both men! What was Eragon to do, for after he realized Murtagh's feelings for him, Eragon realized he felt the same. What was he to do? Back in Carvahall a few years earlier, two men were discovered together in a barn. Both were exiled from the village! Although Eragon wouldn't have to worry about that, he knew that this would never be accepted, even though he was a Rider. He decided to get some sleep and think about it more in the morning. As he was falling asleep, Saphira said to him, Don't worry, little one. Everything will be fine. Eragon had forgotten that she knew his thoughts. Oh well, he thought and fell asleep.
When Eragon woke up the next morning, he decided not to say anything to Murtagh about what he realized last night. He wasn't even completely sure if he was right. He decided to go about his day like he always did. When he got up, Murtagh was making breakfast and Saphira was gnawing on some sort of animal bone. They greeted each other, ate, and got ready for the day's ride.