Murtagh's mind eventually registered what he was doing. He gave himself a mental thrashing, but couldn't pull away. Eragon... seemed to be enjoying this. This kiss, which was absolutely insane, and went against every moral bone in Murtagh's body. He came to his previously forgotten senses and abruptly pulled away from Eragon, who just stood, positively bewildered.

"Eragon, I..." Murtagh searched every corner of his brain for something to say. "I'm going to go for a walk..."

Eragon could only stare, dumbfounded, as Murtagh strode away. What in hell had just happened? He simply shook his head and sat down on the grass. The young Rider barely got a moment's peace when none other than Arya rode toward him, mixed looks of anger, shock and hurt on her flawless features. Eragon rose. It was clear that she had seen his little encounter with Murtagh. "Arya, don't jump to conclusions, I..." It was too late.

"Eragon, how could you? I thought we were..." She didn't finish her sentence, but he knew what she meant.

There was a flashing look of betrayal in Arya's eyes, but it passed. She inhaled deeply in an effort to calm herself. "Okay. That probably wasn't what it looked like. Explain yourself." Eragon sighed, quickly explained what had happened, and drew Arya into a hopefully meaningful embrace.

Murtagh stormed through the thick forest, not going in any particular direction but taking care not to get lost. 'Why, Murtagh? Why do you insist upon screwing up every mildly enjoyable part of your life?' He berated himself unyieldingly at his stupidity. Unnecessary stress is what he had just created. Possibly a ruined friendship. He didn't want to think about what Arya would say to him if she knew he had done that. Stupid, stupid, stupid! He wandered for about twenty minutes before reluctantly returning to the campsite. Absolute horror registered on his face when he saw the slim female figure perched very close do Eragon on an overturned log. Murtagh mumbled a faint "Oh shit..." before the two realized he was there.

An awkward silence stretched for quite some time. Arya stood up, looking very upset, and promptly left. Saphira was missing from the scenery, most likely to hunt. Murtagh stood uneasily for a moment, and then went about securing his belongings to Tornac rather silently, and uncomfortably aware of Eragon's eyes on his back.

Eragon sheepishly sidled up to Murtagh, felling unnaturally embarrassed. "Murtagh, about what happened..."

"I'd really rather not talk about it, Eragon."

"I would. Murtagh, I had a talk with Arya, and we both came to the fact that our relationship was a bit one-sided, so, er, I wanted to end it but she was really angry. She went quiet, and then just left when you came. I want to give this a chance."

Murtagh turned to face ERagon, a grim expression on his face. It was going to kill him to say it, especially with Eragon in such an agreeable mood, but what had to be done must be done. "Eragon, I'm sorry. It's much too dangerous for us to be...involved. Galbatorix would have a field day if he found out! Think of what he could do, he would ruin both of us if he found out. What I did was foolish, andnow I need you to do something, for me."

The Rider's sadness was almost tangible, but he understood. "What is it?"

"I want you to go back to Farthen Dur. I'm going to find somewhere else to stay, maybe for a month, maybe more. Please, don't come looking for me." Murtagh hopped onto his horse, intending to ride off in a somewhat dramatic exit, but Eragon had taken hold of the reins in a sudden moment of resolve.

"I can't let you do that. As dangerous as it may be for us to be discovered, it's even more dangerous for us to be separated. Think about it. And get off your horse, you didn't even get all of your things..." Eragon chuckled slightly.

Murtagh sighed and got off his horse. "More of your pretty speeches. Unfortunately, you're right this time..."

Eragon grinned. Murtagh simply shook his head and collected the rest of his things. Eragon did the same, taking time to contact Saphira. He carefully relayed the information to her.

As much as I enjoy seeing you happy, you must be careful, little one. He is 20 years to your 17, and we are not entirely certain if he is trustworthy.

I know, Saphira. But the heart seldom lies. Saphira scoffed at this comment, knowing full well that hearts betray many people, but she said nothing. Well, we're heading back to Farthen Dur, I guess the original trip is out... Eragon secured his belongings to Snowfire and walked up behind Murtagh.

"Oh... and Murtagh, who exactly is David?"

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There ya have it, Ch2. Thank you's to Vulpix4life for suggestions and constructive criticism, and to AnimeFan-Artemis for encouragement!