Weeks flew by without word from Murtagh, and slowly, regret crept up Nasuada's spine.

Wasn't his willingness to challenge her a reason she cared so deeply for him? Weren't his experiences an example of why she had been so deeply committed to overthrowing Galbatorix? His perspective was invaluable; he had endured something that had eventually killed the rotten king himself, and yet lived to tell the tale. He did not deserve further isolation and abuse when so few people accepted him.

She could not forgive the cruelty of his words, but she could understand.

More time passed with only silence between them, and she was loathe to break it. Much as she began to miss him - and despite herself, she did - she refused to give in. No matter his standing, she was still a queen, and to compare her to the man responsible for her torture was inexcusable. He needed to earn her forgiveness. Her position commanded respect, even from those she did not rule.

One morning, as she left the Council meeting, a young page stopped her.

"Your Highness, a message came from Rider Eragon."

Eragon?

She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, but nevertheless accepted the scroll. "Thank you."

The page bowed and hurried off, and Nasuada stowed it away until she was alone in her chambers.

That night, after dismissing Farica, she sat at her desk and read the message.

Queen Nasuada -

I hope you are well. I am writing to ask if you would accept a meeting through the scrying mirror. Murtagh says that scheduling by the full moon has been successful - this should get to you before then, but if not -

A voice from the scrying mirror interrupted her. "Nasuada?"

She smiled as she walked over. "Eragon! I was just reading your message. Perfect timing, it seems."

"Aye. How are you and Saphira?"

"Well. And you?"

"Well indeed. I have wonderful news - another dragon egg hatched for a Rider!"

Nasuada's jaw dropped in surprise. "Again?"

"Yes," he said, and smiled at her shock. "Another elf."

Well, that will be difficult to navigate, she thought.

As if reading her mind, Eragon said, "I know it is not ideal, but -"

"- but the dragon chooses the Rider, I know." Her mind whirred, and she decided, "We should ferry more eggs."

"You don't need to consult the Council?"

"They will agree." A flicker of doubt crossed Eragon's face, and she frowned. "What?"

"I would simply caution you to consider the implications of such a decision."

"I have considered it," she snapped. "You Riders are not the only ones capable of intelligent thought."

She regretted it as soon as she said it, and Eragon paused. "Nasuada, I mean no offense."

She rubbed at her eyes in frustration, and willed herself to calm her temper. "I apologize. It has been a very long few days."

"I understand."

She breathed out once more, and steadied her voice. "My concern is that, as I understand it, dragons can hatch for a multitude of Riders under the right circumstances. It is not necessarily tied to fate."

"You are correct."

"And so if the elves continue to ferry the eggs themselves, the rest of Alagaësia may believe that they are unfairly weighting the dragons in their favor."

"I understand."

"Do you?"

"My time spent with the elves may influence me, I know. But I have also pledged my fealty to you, both as leader of the Varden and now queen, and I am a sworn member of Dûrgrimst Ingeitum as well as a close ally to the Urgals."

"True."

"And so again, I ask you to consult the Council, simply as a precaution. I do agree with you - more eggs should be distributed amongst the races - but..."

"No, I agree."

"If you think it would help, I am happy to accompany you to the meeting and discuss the details."

She thought it over for a moment - perhaps it would be helpful. "How quickly can you get here?"

"A few days' time."

"Then leave tomorrow and when you arrive, we can hold the meeting. I will alert the Council in the meantime."

"I shall." Eragon hesitated for a moment, and ventured, "Perhaps - perhaps Murtagh could accompany me as well."

Irritated by the immediate rise of conflicting emotions within her, she asked in a short voice, "And why is that?"

"By now they are aware that he spends most of his time near Du Weldenvarden, no? I wonder if they would appreciate the chance to... inquire about the extent of his influence upon the elves."

Ah. "Perhaps."

He waited another moment, and she sighed. "Fine. Yes, I will ask the Council if he can accompany you. But it would be best if the general populace was not aware of his presence."

"I agree."

"So when you arrive, Thorn would need to stay hidden, and Murtagh would need to travel on foot through the city, in disguise."

Something quickly crossed his face that she could not quite comprehend, but he simply said, "I agree."

"Then it is settled. I shall discuss it with the Council and notify you tomorrow evening of the result. Be well."

His face betrayed no emotion at the abrupt dismissal, and he nodded. "Be well, Nasuada."

With that, his image faded, and she shook her head.

Riders.

"Absolutely not," said Orrin, and Nasuada folded her arms.

"And why not?"

He scoffed. "Do not pretend to misunderstand me."

"Do not pretend to misunderstand me, King Orrin. I am well aware of the obvious concerns. But he is a Rider, and this is a decision that involves Riders, and given his experiences as well as his newfound affiliation with the elves, I believe his perspective would be useful."

"Is Eragon's perspective not useful?"

"It is not the same," Hadalfa interjected. "I would think Murtagh has a unique insight into the importance of fairly dispersing the eggs, given the way he became a Rider."

Nasuada nodded at her, grateful for her support.

Skgahgrazh added throatily, "And he is human. Not elf."

"He is hardly human," muttered Jörmundur with disdain, and Nasuada's lips set in a tight line.

Lifaen's face betrayed no emotion, and Maud shrugged. "It makes no difference to me."

No surprise there, Nasuada thought ruefully, but even so, she knew she had the votes. "All in favor?"

All but Orrin raised his hand - Jörmundur reluctantly - and a sour look crossed Orrin's face. "Once more, the will of the people of Surda is ignored."

"Not ignored. Simply not aligned with the will of the Urgals, the dwarves, the elves, the werecats, and the people of the queendom. The majority of Alagaësia feel it beneficial. If you would rather not be present while he is here, you are not required to meet."

"You shall not bar me from representing my people," snapped Orrin, and Nasuada straightened her back.

"I am not. I would welcome your presence."

"Then I shall be here."

"Good. We will meet the day after they arrive. Council adjourned."

Everyone but Nasuada filed out, and as soon as the door shut, she pinched the ridge of her nose.

Riders.

Eventually, the day came when Nasuada saw Saphira's scales sparkling in the cloudless sky, and Nasuada smiled. No matter how difficult the day would be, Saphira was always a welcome presence.

She met them in the dragon hold - far from the space that once held Shruikan - and opened her mind. Welcome, Saphira. It is good to see you.

It is good to see you too, Queen Nasuada. You look well.

I am. And yourself?

Pleased to see you once more, and as Eragon so offensively says, I am healthy as a horse. Horses are easily trampled, and far slower than dragons, but Eragon says it is a figure of speech, not to be taken literally.

I agree. But in your honor I shall forevermore say healthy as a dragon.

A puff of smoke erupted from Saphira's nostrils in a way that Nasuada had come to understand as a laugh, and she smiled. "Hello, Eragon." He bowed, and Nasuada chuckled. "There is no need to stand on ceremony."

"I have learned to err on the side of caution."

"Indeed." She hesitated for a moment, and then as dispassionate a voice as she could muster, she asked, "And Murtagh?"

"He should be here by evening. I advised him to find me first."

"Good. I'm afraid I have yet another meeting now, but will you dine with me tonight? I'd like to catch up without all the politicking."

"It would be my pleasure."

"Saphira, do you need to eat?"

No, I hunted before we arrived, but thank you.

"Of course. I shall see you tonight."

Eragon nodded, and as Nasuada left, she could not help but recount her last interaction with Murtagh.

She was ashamed of her lack of composure; he had once told her how admirable it was, the way she carried herself, and her outburst was certainly not fitting of a queen.

She resolved not to ruminate on it further, and quickly lost herself in the bustle of the court.

That evening at dinner with Eragon and Saphira, Nasuada found herself laughing as carefree as she could remember.

She valued her role in their new society, truly believed she was the right queen to usher in the new era, but along with it came a near mind-numbing exhaustion that very rarely let up. And with so few people she trusted as intimately as Eragon and Saphira, she relished any moment she could spend with her guard down, and so for the night she let her desire for companionship prevail over her worries.

Until, of course, Eragon's head shot up unexpectedly, and a blank look crossed his face.

With a sinking heart and a rising stomach, Nasuada knew what that meant.

Eragon nodded. "Murtagh is near. How would you like him to enter?"

Nasuada sighed. "Through the east wing, I suppose. I shall accompany you."

They walked in silence, and Nasuada sensed that Eragon was holding something back. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, but then cautiously asked, "Forgive me if I overstep, but... has something happened between the two of you?"

"Excuse me?" Nasuada asked sharply, and Eragon hastily backtracked.

"No, I don't mean - I apologize, all I meant was whether or not the two of you exchanged some... differences since Urû'baen. During your correspondence."

She didn't realize Eragon knew how frequently they had talked.

And she surprised herself with a sudden desire to know just what Murtagh had told him.

But she suppressed it, and cleared her throat. "We've had to navigate some unique circumstances, true."

She refused to say more, and Eragon said quietly, "At the very least."

The rest of the walk to the east wing was silent once more, and with every step Nasuada's trepidation grew.

Her mind buzzed with a hundred questions - would Murtagh apologize? Ignore her? Come to her room? Hide away in his? And the meeting tomorrow - would he speak only when spoken to? Address her even if she did not ask a question? Bow? Sit? Stand to the side? Would the Council notice a rift between them, or think them too friendly? If Orrin kicked up a fuss, would Murtagh stay silent? Expect her to interject?

So preoccupied was she that she almost did not realize that they had approached the door, and the guards nodded.

"My Queen. Rider Eragon."

"Hello." She gestured to the door behind them. "We are expecting a visitor. I believe he -"

A knock sounded as if on cue, and the guards adopted a battle stance as one of her Nighthawks eked open the door.

And there he was.

"Your Highness -" began the Nighthawk in a doubtful voice, and Nasuada held up a hand.

"He is welcome. Hello, Murtagh."

"Greetings, Your Majesty," he replied with a bow, and his voice was as devoid of emotion as his face.

Against her wishes, disappointment swelled within her.

But she cleared her throat all the same, and ushered him in. "Come, please. Have you eaten?"

"Yes."

He did not elaborate, and Eragon said, "I imagine you are eager to rest."

"I am."

"Allow me to show you to your rooms," Nasuada said stiffly, and he nodded briefly before following them silently.

They approached the central staircase, and Eragon said, "I planned on sleeping in the dragon hold with Saphira, if that's quite all right with you."

"Of course," Nasuada replied. A hint of a smile crept onto her face. "I should have expected nothing less."

He smiled back, and nodded to her before glancing at the Nighthawks and Murtagh. "Goodnight. I shall see you in the morning."

"Goodnight."

He departed, and Nasuada, the Nighthawks, and Murtagh continued in silence.

As they approached the turn for Murtagh's room, she made up her mind, and continued forward instead.

A Nighthawk said hesitantly, "My Queen -"

"Yes?" she asked sharply, but her tone did not seem to have the desired effect.

"Are you quite sure -"

"I am."

That appeared to silence him, and although she could sense the doubt emanating from the rest of the Nighthawks, she marched on.

She refused to be a child, avoiding Murtagh and pretending the problem away instead of facing it head-on. She was a queen, and she did not like to leave any loose ends untied. She had won the Trial of the Long Knives, she had endured Galbatorix's torture without breaking, she had led the Varden to its successful revolt, after all - a conversation with Murtagh could hardly compare.

So she led them down the hall to her chambers, and stopped at the room next to hers.

"You may sleep here," she declared, and caught a flicker of surprise cross his face.

He said nothing, though, and so she opened the door for him and said, "Thank you," to the Nighthawks in a clear dismissal.

They knew better than to push back, and so their wary glances were all the response she received before they assumed their positions in the hallway.

Nasuada led Murtagh into the room and shut the door behind her, acutely aware of how it may seem to the Nighthawks.

But all Murtagh said was, "Thank you for your hospitality."

She stood there for a moment more, and swallowed her pride. She would not shy away like a child. She was a queen.

So she said, "I would like to address our... last discussion."

"Aye." Another moment passed, and he sighed. "I am sorry, you know. It was - I should never have said what I said."

"But you do not regret your opinion."

"No," he stated baldly, and held her gaze. "I think it unwise to exert any level of control over magic users of the realm. But I recognize that your reasons for desiring it are far, far different than Galbatorix's, and that you would never seek to... enforce it, I'll say, the way he did. And for insinuating otherwise, I apologize."

"Thank you." She didn't doubt his sincerity, and was slightly surprised at the strength of her conviction. "I apologize for the tone of my response. It was... unseemly."

He could not hold back a snort, and despite herself, she quirked her lips. "And somewhat unfair."

"Thank you."

They fell silent once more, and then he ventured, "Can I ask... why you allowed me to come?"

She blinked. "I would have thought that obvious."

"Not to me."

"Well, I assume you know another egg hatched for an elf?"

"Yes."

"I have some concerns about that."

"As do I."

Nasuada gestured vaguely to him. "And that is why."

"So that I could be your lapdog?"

"No. So that you can share your perspective."

"Would my perspective be welcomed if it differed from yours?"

"Yes." He leveled a stare at her, and she lifted an eyebrow. "I do not seek to surround myself with those who mindlessly follow my lead."

"And yet you do not wish to 'address our discussion' until it is politically advantageous."

His words hit her like a slap to the face, and she glared at him. "That is hardly the reason for my apology."

"Is that so?"

"It is, and may I remind you that you too were capable of reaching out to 'address our discussion' before now? And don't think that your intention to ignore it during your time here escaped my notice."

His jaw snaps shut, and to her surprise, he looked chagrined. And after a moment, he reluctantly said, "You're right."

"I know."

"No need to rub it in."

"And yet I shall."

The ghost of a smile flickered across his lips, and he added, "And I apologize for accusing you of politicking. You would not engage in behavior so... unseemly."

"Thank you."

They shared the silence, and then Murtagh surprised her. "I missed you."

Nasuada blinked. "I can imagine," she said without thinking, and Murtagh snorted.

"A modest queen is no worthy queen, I suppose."

"No, no - all I meant was that... your life, it must be - you must be lonely, that's all."

He fixed a long, hard stare on her, and after a moment said, "You know that isn't why."

"I suppose so," she said quietly. "And for what it's worth, I missed you as well."

"That lonely, eh?"

"That isn't why."

"I know."

Time passed, both infinitely slow and yet speeding by, and Nasuada summoned her courage once more. "Murtagh, I do not wish to continue with you like this."

"How do you mean?"

"With such uncertainty. Resentment. In - in Urû'baen, we never... I knew things between us would be difficult, but..."

"Aye," he said sadly. "In some ways it was easier then."

"Oddly enough, I agree."

She watched his throat ripple as he swallowed, and then he asked, "Is it hard? Being here?"

"With the Hall so close?"

He nodded, and she absentmindedly traced her finger over a scar on her arm from the burrow grub. "I had it closed off."

"Does it help?"

"At times."

She saw an apology building within him, and shook her head. "You do not have to."

"I know. But it doesn't mean I don't want to."

"I know."

They fell silent again, and Nasuada noticed the lines of fatigue tightening around Murtagh's eyes. "Get some rest. We will reconvene for the meeting tomorrow."

"Are you sure you want me there?"

"Absolutely."

He nodded. "Then I will be there."

She nodded back, and as she turned to leave, he caught her by the hand. "Nasuada?"

She looked back at him, and his eyes were strangely glassy.

He squeezed her hand. "Thank you."

"Before we begin, I would like to address the... circumstances under which we are meeting," Nasuada stated as the Council took their seats. "I am aware that Murtagh's presence is... contested, but I ask that you welcome his perspective as much as you welcome Eragon's."

She was met with a few sour looks, but everyone stayed silent, and she nodded her head. "So. As I informed you previously, another egg hatched for an elf."

"Which I find to be grossly unfair," Hadalfa interjected. "Two elves and an Urgal, but no dwarves?"

"Or humans," Jörmundur added sharply.

"The egg chooses the Rider," Eragon stated. "The elves do not force them to hatch.

"Nor would we want to," Lifaen said quietly.

"Of course not. But the egg is not destined for one Rider only," argued Nasuada, and Eragon nodded.

"This is true."

"So what is your proposal?" Maud asked. "Send an envoy of humans and dwarves -"

"- and Urgals," Skgahgrazh added.

"- and Urgals, yes, to your new Rider outpost every few weeks?"

"I assume not, as you refuse to disclose its location," Orrin said with a scoff, and Eragon bowed his head.

"As I have explained before, my concern -"

"Your concern is that suddenly, your outpost will be flooded with those you deem unworthy or traitorous, and that we will seek to encourage another fall." Orin interrupted, and Nasuada caught the faintest flash of irritation cross Eragon's face.

"Orrin -"

"King Orrin," Jörmundur said, and Orrin nodded.

"Apologies. King Orrin, I do not intend to distrust anyone in your kingdom or the queendom at large, but as the Riders are independently governed, I should be able to decide how we choose to interact with the rest of Alagaësia, with or without anyone else's approval."

They fell silent, and Nasuada said, "Fair enough. My solution is to have humans, dwarves, and Urgals each ferry eggs to their own regions. The elves may only have access to a new set of eggs once new Riders have been chosen."

Eragon shook his head. "That could take years, Queen Nasuada. Possibly decades."

Lifaen nodded. "Eggs may not be tied to one Rider only, but neither are they guaranteed to hatch for anyone."

"So be it."

"And what of the rebels? The envoys' safety would be compromised," Eragon added, and Nasuada's mouth flattened into a thin line. She was well aware of Eragon's objections to her decisions on use of magic throughout the queendom, but to allude to his disapproval and her failure to suppress the uprisings during a Council meeting -

"Urgals can protect themselves," snapped Skgahgrazh.

"As can dwarves!"

"And humans are not helpless animals, or have you forgotten our victories during the War? Your own cousin's victories?" Orin snarled, and for once, Nasuada could not help but privately agree.

"I did not intend to imply otherwise, but I find it foolish to invite more unnecessary danger to such an important task," Eragon said coolly.

Maud sighed. "So what is your solution?"

"I understand all of your objections, but I believe the best course of action is to maintain the one we have."

"The rest of us disagree. You and the elves do not have sole claim to the eggs," snapped Jörmundur. "It was your idea to invite all races to become Riders, so your solution must not exclude the rest of us."

We are talking in circles, thought Nasuada with frustration, and so she said, "Murtagh. What say you?"

The room fell silent, and Murtagh shifted his weight from the corner in which he'd chosen to stand. "I too think it foolish to have multiple envoys constantly traveling with the eggs."

"Of course you do," Hadalfa said coldly, and as the unspoken Kingkiller rang loudly throughout the room, Nasuada wondered if Hadalfa's approval of Murtagh's presence was influenced by her desire to confront him about Hrothgar.

Murtagh, though, refused to flinch, and Nasuada could not help but be impressed by his composure. "You asked for my perspective. I gave it to you."

"Your egg hatched while under the control of Galbatorix," Orrin said. "And for the record, I did not ask for your perspective."

"His egg hatched under the unlikeliest, most extraordinary circumstances, after decades of the Empire's attempts to foster a new generation of Riders. Does that not mean that he may understand the importance of inviting a diverse range of candidates to have access to the eggs?" Nasuada said sharply, and Skgahgrazh nodded.

"This is why I voted for his presence," he said.

"I as well," Hadalfa added reluctantly.

"So does your perspective allow for any other solution?" Jörmundur asked coldly, and Murtagh glanced at Eragon for a moment, who remained impassive.

So Murtagh locked eyes with Nasuada, and said, "I would be willing to ferry the eggs."

The room was shocked silent, and then shouts erupted.

"Absolutely not!"

"And give you the chance to corrupt them?"

"Who's to say you won't fly elsewhere with them?"

"Fostering a new set of Riders outside Alagaësia?"

"Why not Eragon?"

"I am responsible for training the new Riders," Eragon said shortly, and the room fell silent. "I was under the impression that you all found Murtagh to be unqualified to train them himself."

"He has not proven himself trustworthy," snapped Hadalfa.

"He has not been given the chance," Nasuada said with as much authority as she could muster. She could sense Maud glancing at her with curiosity, but Nasuada refused to meet her eyes.

"And why should he be?" Orin challenged.

"His actions were not his own," boomed Skgahgrazh, and Nasuada watched as Murtagh's jaw flexed.

"You cannot seriously agree with this, Queen," said Jörmundur, and Nasuada narrowed her eyes.

"Have you forgotten that the Urgals were under the Shade's control? And how they then became our allies?"

"Yes, but -"

"But nothing, Jörmundur, and I would like to take the chance to remind you all that I am well aware of just how powerful Galbatorix is." She took the opportunity to stand up and hold out her bare arms. "Or do you not see the scars he left upon me?"

"And I would like to take the chance to remind you that Murtagh Morzansson was the one to take you to Galbatorix himself!"

"And yet I trust him."

Her words rang out, echoing around the room, and after a moment she sat back down and met Murtagh's heavy gaze. "I believe he is capable of ferrying the eggs himself. Not only can he fly far above the rebels, but should he encounter them, he and Thorn would be able to dispatch them far more easily than anyone else, and with no casualties."

The room was silent, and Nasuada could sense that her words were sinking in.

Then Maud said, "A trial period."

"What do you mean?" asked Hadalfa.

"Just that. We give him one egg, have him bring it to a region - not Du Weldenvarden, clearly -" and Lifaen's face remained impassive - "and pass it around, and if it does not hatch, bring it to the next."

"And I repeat, how will we know that he won't simply fly off with it?" Hadalfa demanded.

"I will swear it in the ancient language," said Murtagh from his corner, and Nasuada looked at him.

"To all of us?" Jörmundur asked.

"To the Queen."

His eyes did not leave hers, and Orrin scoffed. "And why only her?"

"Because swearing to each of you may have unintended consequences," Elva volunteered suddenly, and everyone turned to her.

"You are here only for our protection, girl, not to offer advice. That was the agreement," Orrin snapped.

"On the contrary, I am here for the Queen's protection, and I would thank you not to call me girl, Orrin."

"Your opinion -"

"My opinion, in this particular matter, is the only opinion that matters," and she brushed her bangs away from her forehead to expose the star shining brightly on her forehead. "I am exclusively aware of just how fragile the ancient language is."

Nasuada could not help but flick a glance to Eragon, and he bowed his head, but did not speak.

Nasuada turned her attention back to the table. "I say we provide one egg to Murtagh, and have him ferry it to me for the chance to procure a human Rider."

"And why not us first?" demanded Hadalfa.

"Because if he swears to me, I do not wish to invite unintended consequences of the ancient language by ferrying it elsewhere. And I have magicians that will be able to detect if the eggs have been corrupted. Not that I believe it possible, but if that will reassure you all -"

"Fine," Jörmundur said quickly, and Orrin reluctantly nodded.

"Surda agrees."

"I as well," Maud said.

"Urgals too."

Hadalfa sighed, and simply said, "Aye."

Nasuada looked at Lifaen, who after a moment gave a short nod, and Nasuada declared, "Then it is decided. Murtagh, if you will?"

They locked eyes, and as Murtagh swore to her in the ancient language, she could feel a ripple pass through her.

"It is done," said Eragon, and Nasuada nodded.

"Then you and Murtagh shall return, procure an egg, and bring it directly back to me."

"As you wish."

"Adjourned." The Council stood to leave, and Nasuada added, "Murtagh and Eragon, if you could please stay -"

They nodded, and as soon as everyone else filed out, Nasuada rubbed her eyes.

"That was exhausting."

"Aye," agreed Eragon. "Would you like us to depart now?"

"Must you?"

"Truthfully, I am worried about the optics of delaying my return. Today was... trying enough as it was."

Nasuada nodded. "I understand. But Murtagh should wait until nightfall."

Eragon and Murtagh exchanged a look, and then Eragon said, "Aye."

He grasped her hand, and added, "Thank you, Nasuada."

"Thank you. And you are always welcome here. Please pass my farewell to Saphira."

"I shall." He looked at Murtagh, and said, "I shall see you shortly?"

"Aye."

And with that, Eragon left, and Murtagh and Nasuada were alone in the room.

Murtagh glanced at the door, and said, "I suppose I should return to my quarters."

"Likely for the best."

He paused, and asked uncertainly, "Will I see you before I leave?"

"I have dinner with an earl from Dras-Leona, but perhaps I could visit you afterwards?"

"Your evening is free?"

"I can push my letter-writing to tomorrow."

"Then... I shall see you tonight."

"You shall."

That night, Nasuada approached Murtagh's room with an odd sense of trepidation.

She shook her head. You are a queen, she scolded herself, and knocked on his door.

He opened it almost immediately, and flashed her a small smile before stepping aside.

She entered, and as the door shut behind her, she asked, "Are you truly comfortable with this? Ferrying the eggs?"

"It gives Thorn and I something to do, and if it fosters trust in me from your people, all the better."

"Good."

They looked at each other for a moment more, and she asked softly, "Are we parting on good terms?"

"I'd say."

"Good."

"Yes, it is."

"When do you think you will return?"

"Before the new moon."

She quirked her lips. "Are you simply turning a phrase?"

"Aye, but with sincerity."

"I look forward to it."

"As do I."

She cupped her palm around his face, and murmured, "I shall miss you."

"As will I."

They looked at each other for a moment more, and Nasuada glanced at the window. "I think it is dark enough for you to leave unnoticed."

He sighed. "I believe you're right."

She dropped her hand, and he grasped it, running a thumb across a long-healed burn on her skin. "Have I told you how much I admire you?"

"Once or twice."

He did not smile. "I mean it. Cuffing your sleeves, showing your arms, bearing your scars for the world to see... you are brave beyond measure, Nasuada."

His words warmed her cheeks, and she softly smiled. "I am not ashamed of what I have endured."

"And you should not be."

"But thank you."

"Always." He held her hand for a moment more, and then let go. "I suppose this is goodbye."

"If only for a short while."

"Would you like me to scry you when I have the egg?"

"Yes, but if you cannot reach me, try every hour until I respond, even if it is late into the night."

"I shall."

"Then I shall see you soon."

"You shall."

They walked to his door, and as he placed his hand upon the handle, he quietly said, "Thank you, Nasuada."

"Of course."

He nodded, and opened the door, and Nasuada watched as two guards escorted him out.