Chapter 10- Aftermath

WARNING! This fan fiction contains incest and sexual scenes- not for the faint-hearted! Slash- Galbatorix/ Eragon, and definite Eragon/Murtagh. Don't like it? Tough, don't read it! It is set directly after the battle of the burning plains in Eldest. Compliments and characters to Christopher Paolini- consider Eragon/Murtagh! Thanks for reading- what the hell, read on and see what you think! NOTE- this will be the last chapter, but feel free to continue it if you please! Don't forget to send me the link!!

"Eragon. Eragon, please wake up. Eragon."

He heard Murtagh's voice pleading for him to return to the conscious world. He wanted nothing other than to drift off from it all. He opened his eyes reluctantly.

Murtagh stood over him, holding his hand with such ferocity, Eragon pulled away. Murtagh saw the movement, his eyes alight as he saw Eragon awake. He grabbed his brother and kissed him powerfully, then whispering in his ear. "I missed you."

"Murtagh!" Eragon gasped, shocked by the sudden passion. Saphira's long neck twisted over his shoulder, nudging Eragon warmly.

Welcome back.

Saphira, are you alright?

Yes, Eragon. We both owe Thorn and Murtagh our lives. They saved us.

Her sapphire eyes looked toward Murtagh, and she withdrew.

Eragon sat up, puzzled. Murtagh flashed his eyes toward him.

"She's laid her eggs, by the way. You've been out for a long time." he pulled Eragon to his feet. "Arya is waiting outside for you."

A bolt of fear jolted Eragon. He had not seen Arya since after the battle of the burning plains. Then, she realised there was not enough time to be foolish and ignore those you love, becoming the main attraction in Eragon's life. But how would she take the news that he and Murtagh, his enemy and brother, were now lovers?

Murtagh grasped his hand, and together they stepped out of the medical tent he'd lain in. Arya was as beautiful as ever, in short leather attire, her hair free and loose over her bare shoulders. The only difference was that a silver diadem, inlaid with a red gemstone, sparkled on her brow. She moved to Eragon swiftly, not noticing Murtagh next to him.

"Eragon. You have been gone so long. I am now princess of Ellesmera. And you are a king-slayer." she smiled, leaning into him for a kiss. He backed up, startling her. Shades of red spread across her cheeks.

"Eragon?"

"Arya, I'm very sorry, but-" Eragon pulled Murtagh to her, showing her their entwined hands. Murtagh observed her carefully, watching mixed emotions cross her face. She settled on disbelief.

"What do you mean, Eragon? He was in league with Galbatorix, and he's your brother. I don't understand."

"Arya. I love him."

Arya went to speak, then stopped. She was speechless. She draw herself up to her full height, then departed, her face blank.

Murtagh saw the crowd of elves, dwarves and humans watching. He strode to them. "Yes! Me and Eragon are lovers! What you think is your own opinion, but either accept it or move on!" he yelled, his jaw clenched, his eyes passionate with fury. He glowered at their shocked faces, then grabbed Eragon and kissed him.

Eragon allowed it, weak and stunned slightly. He tugged away, seeing Roran marching over, hammer in hand. "Roran! Stop!" he shouted, standing in front of Murtagh. Roran laughed.

"Peace, Eragon. I won't kill you now. I need you to find Katrina with me. Or did you forget your promise?"

Eragon gazed at Murtagh lovingly. The elder was all he had eyes for at the moment. But he could not break his word. He held his eyes shut tight, forcing back the tears that welled up as he thought of leaving him behind. He opened his eyes.

"No, Roran. I'll come."

Murtagh paused. He looked at both Eragon and Roran momentarily, lingering on the former, then slowly walked away.

Eragon paced his makeshift tent.

Where is he? He should have been back hours ago. Oh, Saphira, he's left me!

No. He is right outside. And I know why he was missing.

What? Why?

Come, little one. He is waiting.

Eragon raced outside, eager to see Murtagh, wanting to say goodbye before he left with Roran. There he was, dark hair falling over his face in thin strands, jaw line defined and proud, his eyes shining magically in the moonlight. He hugged and kissed Eragon affectionately, then backed away.

"Murtagh?"

Murtagh got down on one knee. Eragon's heart raced at a phenomenal rate. Murtagh looked up, and grasped Eragon's hands close to his heart. Eragon couldn't breathe. Murtagh's fingers were trembling in his own.

"Eragon? I k-know this is sudden, and probably crazy, but I feel so strongly towards you… Well, Eragon, I love you. And… Will you marry me?" he asked shakily, a little shining ring in the palm of his hand. Eragon fell to the floor, weakly, so he was level with Murtagh. He passionately kissed him, conveying all his affection with a single gesture. Murtagh broke away breathless. Eragon offered out his hand, and Murtagh slid the ring onto his finger.

Oh, little one. I'm so proud of you. Congratulations, Eragon.

And there you have it. The grand finale, or the aftermath. Congrats, Eragon and Murtagh! And Saphira and Thorn! And all before BRISINGR comes out! Thank you! J