Hal felt the barest of movements as the weight of the bed shifted under her, pulling her out of her slumber. Her hand reached out to the space beside her, only to find it empty. She groaned, not wanting to open her eyes and risk breaking this small halo of sleep she managed to maintain. The sheets were still warm, but she was shocked Murtagh had moved so quickly that she had missed the feel of him altogether.

"Murtagh?"

"I'm here, iet dunei." His lips were right in her ear — as if he had timed it — where he planted a gentle kiss. "I didn't mean to wake you; go back to sleep."

The command felt assuring as it always did. But Hal forced her eyes open, squinting up at him. "Is everything all right, my love? It's still dark out, why are you awake so early?"

"Eragon just arrived. Arya and Fírnen are meeting him and the students now. Thorn and I will join them."

It's not that she didn't believe him, but she still rolled fully onto her back, keeping a firm grip on his arm so he could not pull away. "You were restless most of the night. Did you get any sleep at all?"

"I got enough to get me through the day. I just had a lot on my mind."

She nodded in understanding, unable to help the small pang of guilt she felt knowing she had put so much on him yesterday. "Anything I can do?"

He gave her a gentle smile, leaning forward to give her a chaste kiss on the lips. "Be here when I get back?"

She lifted her head off the pillow and kissed him again. "Aye, I can do that."

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes locked on hers. She gave him a reassuring smile, although she wasn't quite sure what she needed to assure him of. When she did, his eyes dropped to her mouth, then back up. He leaned in and Hal closed her eyes just as his mouth covered hers. She held his face in her hands, falling back on the pillows and bringing him down with her. It wasn't a sensual kiss. There were no underlying intentions. Not after what they had discussed yesterday. However, the intimacy of the moment, the gentle ways in which they held on to each other, felt necessary. She knew he was hurting. Knew he was still coming to terms with much of their new reality. This was something for them both. Something familiar that they could both hold on to, just to get them through another day.

When he regretfully pulled away, Hal said, "Go. Do your rider duties. I will be eagerly awaiting your return."

His smile was brief, but some of the tension in his muscles dissipated as he nodded. Hal watched him as he left, but not once did Murtagh look back. Tears pricked her eyes, but she was quick to wipe them away. At least he wasn't being distant. She knew he was not upset with her, blamed her, or anything like that. But she still felt responsible for his mood. They had buried the memory of what could've been, but Murtagh's cheery demeanor had all but vanished afterwards.

Eragon's arrival will do him some good, I think, Thorn assured her. The distraction will help keep him busy.

I know I don't have to ask, but do keep an eye on him, Thorn. We've gotten better, but I still wouldn't be surprised if there were feelings he may choose to keep to himself than disclose to me.

I shall. Although, I do regret that we are leaving you alone like this.

Oh, I'll be all right. As she said this, she spotted the stack of letters Murtagh had shown her before she had fled. I can keep myself busy in the meantime.

…

Murtagh was surprised to find himself warmed at the sight of Eragon and their pupils standing and waiting for him. They were all waiting inside the same hall where Arya had greeted Murtagh and Hal upon their arrival. For a moment, he had to pause. For the first time in six years, all the riders were together again, with four new riders in tow.

"How does it feel?" Murtagh called out to Eragon as he approached, forcing a smile until it felt real enough, even to him. The two brothers shared a hug. "Back in the country and neither it nor you has burst into flames yet."

Eragon pulled away with a shake of his head, the tips of his ears turning pink at the taunt. "You hear a prophecy that says you are to leave a place never to return, and tell me what worst-case scenario doesn't run through your mind."

"I'm not stupid enough to have a reading," he threw back. Then he turned to the others. "How about you lot? You better not have caused any trouble on your way over."

They all exchanged lighthearted greetings and quips before Arya announced they were ready and everyone took their seats at the table. Arya sat at the head, Murtagh and Eragon on either side of her, followed by the others. Everyone's dragon sat behind them. And there, standing in the middle of the table facing everyone was a mirror where Nasuada sat in her office, looking tired but beaming at them.

"I can't tell you all what the sight before me right now means," she said, her chest swelling. "A new generation of dragon riders await this new land, and we are most eager to have all of you. I know it is early, but I wanted to meet with all of you as soon as you were all together. Normally, I would have brought you all here, but Arya and I both agreed that with Ilirea still rebuilding and recovering, Ellesméra would be a better host to you all. I remember hearing the announcement of each of your names when your dragons hatched." At this, Nasuada looked at each of the youngest riders and spoke to them directly. "I know who you are from those reports, but I would like to make proper introductions now before we get into things."

Each student seemed to puff up just a bit before they spoke. Latham, of course, stood out of his chair and made a show of bowing low, to which Murtagh rolled his eyes and Eragon held his face in his hands. Murtagh knew Latham was eager to prove himself and had a habit of coming off a bit too strong. It was all harmless, even if it was a bit embarrassing. Gloria looked ready to burst out laughing but caught Murtagh's stern glare and quickly sobered up. However, he couldn't chastise the snort-turned-cough that came out of her when Latham rushed to sit back down in his seat, missed, fell to the floor, and scrambled back in his chair and staring at the table for the rest of the meeting.

"How are things coming along, Nasuada?" asked Eragon, getting the conversation back under control while everyone pretended not to see how Ovdkel, who thought Gloria was actually choking, was patting her on the back.

"Better, now that we have magic again. Things are still progressing at a pace a bit too slow for me but, understandably, the users under me are now being…overwhelmed. I was thinking of making a call to other cities and towns, to compensate other magic users and skilled laborers to help with healing, restoration, and all the other many things we need. It might be fast-tracked, but I want Ilirea back and running in some capacity in six months."

"Do we know how many users there even are to call upon?" Murtagh asked. "More importantly, can they be trusted? The last thing we need is members of the Black Hand sneaking back into the city."

"Well, to answer your first question, we did manage to collect quite a bit of names when I issued the registry." Eragon and Murtagh briefly shared a look that no one else seemed to catch. Murtagh had informed Eragon, in painstaking detail, of Nasuada's registry and his feelings on the matter. Eragon, he was relieved to find, shared many of his sentiments. "Perhaps if we asked them to submit to having their minds searched before they enter the city —"

"They will never agree to that," Murtagh stated. "Not even for fair compensation. Honestly, I do not think it's a good idea to expose the city to magic users coming in from all over with no means of knowing where their allegiances lie. The city and its citizens are still too vulnerable."

"Honestly, Nasuada," Eragon added, "that is why we are here." At this, he gestured to the students. "You mentioned wanting to do a proper introduction of the dragon riders to the people. I think this is the way to do it. They still have much to learn, but they are ready for this."

Nasuada looked to be thinking it over. "Would you or Murtagh consider coming with them? I know I cannot pull Arya away from her duties at this time, but I would like a more veteran rider as well. I will make it clear the riders have my full support, but I am not one myself. Murtagh, you made strong headway with the people while you were here. And Eragon, your presence alone will help to bolster support."

"Of course we'll come," Eragon said, and Murtagh cut his eyes at him, irritated but not willing to say anything in front of the others. "When do you need us?"

Nasuada took a deep breath. "Ideally? About nine months ago. But now? End of week would be best. I really don't want to delay much longer."

Eragon nodded and Nasuada beamed. "Wonderful. I'll let my staff know so we can have room prepared accordingly. Now, I know we will have time to discuss matters further when you all arrive, but I do quickly want to tell you all while I have you that I would like for you all to come prepared with ideas for how we can best work with magic users in a way that doesn't make them feel criminalized while also allowing some means of regulation. I see now that my preference for a registry was rushed and ill-advised. I want to do it right to make sure all of my citizens feel safe. Can you help me with this?"

Murtagh looked over at Eragon, who seemed to read his thoughts because he nodded, and then said, "If you are willing to seek our help, then we will offer it. I must say that my feelings have not changed all this time: I do not believe there is going to be a wholly satisfactory law. Nasuada, you must be prepared to accept that there might be some things that are just out of your control."

"Indeed," she said, her smile somewhat restrained. However, she was accepting their terms, and that was certainly better than nothing.

By the time they were done with their discussions, Arya was rising with an offer to give the new riders a proper tour of the city now that it was bright enough. She looked to Eragon and Murtagh and added, "You both of course would be welcome to join us, although I imagine that neither of you needs to."

"I don't mind," Eragon said quickly. "It's been so long since I've been back. I've missed Ellesméra the most — after my own home, of course. I'd be honored to receive a tour from you as queen."

Arya looked pleased before turning to Murtagh, who shook his head. "I should be getting back."

"Are you going to go see Halen?" Gloria came bounding up behind him with a teasing look. "Are we going to finally meet her while we're here?"

"No."

She made a noise of irritation when Latham added, "My money's on Halen not being real but a figment of Ebrithil's imagination."

"Someone's feeling better after face-planting in front of her majesty," Vaeril commented, and Latham's smile fell as his peers laughed.

Murtagh shook his head, but felt the familiar teasing pull a small, genuine smile out of him. "Halen will likely join us for tonight's meal." At this, he looked to Arya. "Assuming, the invitation is not limited to dragon rider's only?"

"Halen is, of course, most welcome to join us. I've missed her company since she's returned. If it would not burden her, please tell her that."

"I think you would make her day," Murtagh assured Arya. "Aye, I'll let her know then."

As the group turned away, Eragon held back a bit. Murtagh waited for his brother to speak. "I meant to ask you, but is it all right if I find you later? I would actually like to meet Hal before the others."

Murtagh raised a brow. Not that he minded, but something about the ask felt suspicious. "Why?"

"Because I'd like to meet my sister-in-law properly and in private, if you don't mind."

Murtagh hesitated before reaching out with his mind, searching for that gentle, familiar presence. When she felt his touch, she said, How did you know I was just thinking about you?

Murtagh hesitated, a small warmth radiating down his back at her words. Good things, I hope.

Always. But particularly, yes. I'm reading your letters. They are very entertaining. Your students are quite the characters.

In that case, I'm happy to report that you get to meet them tonight. Arya has invited us to dine with her, along with the new riders and Eragon. And she asked me to let you know that she's missed your company and hopes you will join us.

She said that?

She did. There were many witnesses.

Well, I can't rightly turn down such a generous invitation then, can I?

No, no you can't. And speaking of invitations: Eragon wants to meet you before then. He's going to remain with the others for a bit for now though.

I'd love to meet him…although I sense that's not why you're contacting me?

It is, I just…do you feel up for company? I know yesterday must've exhausted you. I don't want you to feel pushed to make nice if you'd rather rest.

Hal was quiet a moment, but Murtagh waited patiently for her to respond.

I think I'll be okay. Besides, I've wanted to meet Eragon for so long, it would be a welcome distraction. I'll be okay, my love. But thank you for checking.

Okay then, I'll let him know. I'll be back shortly.

I'll be waiting…

Her withdrawal left him with a hollow feeling, making him even more eager to return to her side. He turned to Eragon and nodded. "She says it's fine. She's excited to meet you anyway."

Eragon didn't immediately respond to this. Instead, he asked, "Is everything all right?"

Murtagh reared back in surprise. "Why do you ask?"

"You just suddenly seemed sad. I thought as much when I first saw you, but thought it might have just been exhaustion. But you looked a bit distracted, even during the meeting with Nasuada."

Speaking of that meeting…

"Maybe because my over-eager younger brother thought it perfectly fine to volunteer my time when I only just reunited with my wife after eight months apart."

Eragon's mouth fell open. "Oh no! Murtagh, I'm sorry, I didn't even think—"

"It's fine," Murtagh deflected with a wave of his hand. He would have to broach the matter with Hal, however. He doubted she would join him with the Sani here, which meant more time apart for them. But he could not rightly excuse staying behind, even as much as he wanted to.

"Still, I shouldn't have spoken for you. I apologize. But…are you okay? Truly?"

He took a deep breath, but gestured with his chin beyond Eragon's shoulder. "You should catch up to the others. They won't want to wait forever and I don't want to leave Latham without a chaperone."

Eragon snorted, but both brothers grinned at their student's expense. "All right. I'll see you later then?"

"Aye. Just ask Arya where to find us — she'll probably be able to explain it better than I can."

"Right. Until then…"

Eragon waved as he ran off to join the others. Murtagh looked back and spotted Thorn waiting for him. You do seem a bit withdrawn, the dragon commented. Yesterday's conversation still bothers you.

Of course it does. For about four-and-a-half seconds I thought I was going to be a father, let alone all of the other topics of conversation that came up. I'm worried, Thorn. I'm almost certain someone or something tampered with her mind, but why? And how? Her shields are steadfast, I made sure of that in her trainings. Not even Thea had managed to break them. If they got through so easily —

That part does worry me, Thorn admitted. And unlike how it was with Galbatorix, there's no sign of a presence in her mind coercing her actions.

Dammit. I meant to ask Arya about checking Hal's mind. I completely forgot.

Let us just focus on what we can right now. Hal seems in better spirits. Let's go make the most of our time together while we still can.

Murtagh frowned, but agreeably followed Thorn back to their accommodations. When he saw her, Hal was indeed sitting at the table, legs pulled up in the seat and her hair pulled back into a braid that formed a halo around her face. She had a broad smile on her face, laughing at something in his letter before she looked up at met his gaze. Almost at once, every ounce of worry and stress being stored in his muscles vanished. The fact that she could still light up the way she did…he felt himself breathe easier as he walked towards her.

"I expect full reports on your pupils from now on," she told him by way of greeting, waving the small stack of pages in her hand.

"They're a headache."

"They're hilarious. And these letters? Murtagh, you adore them, how can you not want to teach?"

He sat down in the chair opposite of her, but grabbed the leg of hers, yanking her close until her seat bumped into his. She snorted as the act yanked her body to the side before it righted itself back in her seat. She looked over at him. "Well hello to you too."

He studied her carefully, letting himself become awash by the light in her eyes. "Hello," he whispered back.

Her smile slipped a bit at the intensity of his gaze. For a moment they said nothing, and Murtagh felt the tension between them. The want and the unease of if they should. It felt wrong to want her, knowing what he did. What her body had gone through. And he feared…he feared…

"I was relieved," he whispered slowly, shame ruining his mood. He pulled back, unable to look at her. "When you told me what happened with the pregnancy. At first, I thought I was excited, then I was terrified. But when I fully understood what you were telling me, all I felt was relief. Because Hal, I don't think I'm ready. I'm sorry, you must think I'm an awful person, a terrible husband, and I wouldn't blame you if you did. That I could even think something so monstrous is —"

"I was too," Hal said softly, cutting him off.

Thinking he'd misheard her, he whipped back to face her. "What?"

She gave him a pained smile, letting her feet fall so that she could cross her legs. She nodded her head. "I was relieved. I was…so relieved. Because all I wanted to focus on was stopping Thea and getting the Sani out of that place. A baby — gods help me — but a baby complicated all of that. Aunt Zola had told me infancy rates were awful. If I stayed, I would've put the child at risk. If I left…"

"You wouldn't see the Sani again," Murtagh finished, remembering what Hal had first mentioned when she made the decision to stay.

"In the end, losing the baby meant I didn't have to make the decision and fear I'd pick wrong. Part of my guilt stemmed from the fact that I'd had these thoughts and then would have to tell you. Knowing you'd be upset when I had been relieved…I was so scared to face you that despite how depressed I was after, I couldn't even scry you. I didn't want you to see me in that state, but also, I just felt like an imposter. Like I didn't deserve to spend weeks trapped in bed. Not after that. But I couldn't…it was all just so much."

"I can't imagine how hard that must have been. For your body to go through something like that. The mental strain of it all."

"It was hard. And it was long. I had never felt so…trapped in darkness like that. Not even when Denu died." She glanced over at the letters. "When I saw these letters, I panicked. All I did while I was up north was think of you, and yet the only thing I would have had to show for it, I was relieved was gone."

She wiped at her cheeks before continuing. "I was many things during the course of my pregnancy. But the only thing I could think of was telling you. And when the time is right for both of us, and if I'm able, I can't wait to see the look on your face when you learn you're going to be a father. You're going to be magnificent."

"You think so?"

"Oh, absolutely." She tilted her head, watching him before he saw the moment she understood a fear he had not even yet expressed to himself. "Murtagh…you know you'll be nothing like Morzan, right?"

Yes. Yes, logically, he knew that. He knew his relationship with Hal and with so many others already proved he wasn't like Morzan. But he didn't know how to be a father. He loved Tornac like one, but the old man's methods were perhaps not exactly what Murtagh would want to apply to proper parenthood. It seemed like another obstacle. But with such high stakes. He didn't want an innocent to be ruined because of him.

"That feeling you have right now, Murtagh? That terror of being a father? Of wanting to be a good father. Of being the kind of man you deserved but never had?" Hal's smile widened incredibly. "That's how you know you're going to be okay. But you have time, rider. Until then, you have me. And you will always have me. By your side—"

"Always," he finished, feeling calmed. She had leaned forward, smiling, and he put her forehead to hers. "How do you do that?"

"Hmm, do what?"

"Make me fall more in love with you than I already am?"

She grinned, sidling up to him even further until she was practically in his lap. "You know that's not something you ask a respectable woman. It's a secret."

"Well whatever tricks you have up your crafty, nefarious sleeves, it's working for me."

The last thing he saw before she closed the distance between them was her smile, as radiant as the sun. She would be okay. He would be okay too.

But most importantly, they, together, would be outstanding.