Author's Note:

The Inheritance Cycle belongs to CP!

This is a filler between my chapter stories for Harry Potter. As I have yet to write them, inspiration will (hopefully) strike me soon.

I've always wanted to write an Inheritance Cycle fanfiction, and it was only fitting that I write it about my favorite (coughshouldbecanoncough) pairing, Nasuada and Murtagh. Some of these are my liberties, probably AU, and hopefully in-character.

And, toward the end, are my predictions for Book 4 (heh, which probably won't happen; seeing as Arya is not one of my favorite characters). As we wait for Empire...

Tell me what you think, how I should improve/change it, etc. Enjoy! (:

Loligo7687

Author's Note (6/19/11):

All chapters are edited for spelling/grammar/and previous canon mistakes. Book 4 is called Inheritance, oddly enough! November, hurry up! c;

~Lucy

Author's Note (11/30/11):

Anyone read Inheritance?!

~Lucy

Author's Note (7/4/12):

Story image added. Edited in Photoshop.

~Lucy

Inheritance

Ten Things You Didn't Know (Or May Have Known) About Murtagh and Nasuada

1. As Nasuada grew up, her father insisted that she learn everything she could. Lessons in mathematics, military strategies, proper lady etiquette, reading, writing, speaking, leadership, and minor sparring techniques were quintessential to her understanding of the world of Alagaësia and the Varden. Ajihad prided himself over the fact that he had raised such an accomplished daughter. Once he felt that Nasuada was ready (once the innocence of his child began to depart), he began to tell her the stories of the Varden; and also those of the Forsworn. She always listened with keen interest, ever captivated by the feats of the rebel group and the audacity of Galbatorix and Morzan to commit such evil. What interested her most, aside from the clashing of good and evil, was that her father had warned her to be wary of Morzan's only son and heir. Nasuada's curiosity was piqued, of course, when Ajihad was condemning a boy her age because he was simply the son of an evil man. She believed that people were inherently good, but some lost it as life progressed like Galbatorix. If there was one person she wanted to meet before she died, it would be Murtagh, son of the evil Morzan. So, naturally, when Nasuada heard of his imprisonment in Farthen Dûr, she just had to meet him.

2. To say the least, Murtagh had an unpleasant childhood. He hardly knew his parents, aside from the drunken and angry father that raised him with fighting skills unparalleled to those of his kin. Even then, Murtagh felt like he never owed his father anything. As he gazed at the long scar in the mirror that marred his back, he felt rage bubble inside of him. Was it fair that his father pitched a sword at him in a drunken stupor? That a child, no more than three, had to endure pain from a sword that had seen many deaths? No, it was not fair, but it was justified in Morzan's eyes. Murtagh was just a tool to pass his inheritance to; to make sure that his lineage would survive. As long as he wasn't dead, the lineage would continue. But Morzan would eventually die, and he died at the hands of Brom. Murtagh did not cry; he held the same stoic face that revealed nothing. Even as Galbatorix swiftly made a point to befriend him, and give him an 'honorable' deed to commit, Murtagh was stoic in expression. Not even when the boy he met outside of Dras-Leona wanted him to direct the Rider to the Varden did his facial features waver. The only time a smile flickered over that somber face was when he saw compassion come from the only welcoming soul of the Varden – Nasuada.

3. No magician was allowed access to Murtagh's mind. Murtagh had only his mind and heart left as his only sanctuary. For too long had people given him the reason to distrust them, and most importantly, helped him lose the capability of loving people. There was no more room for love in his father's heart when all the evil took over; his mother saw him on rare occasions and eventually left him for good. Though this was reasonably outside of his control, Murtagh had no way of knowing this. Therefore, his heart and mind became closed off to all. And, in any case, if happenstance occurred that he'd be recognized, he knew he'd never get that second chance again. But Murtagh did realize that there were exceptions to the rule, however few they were. Eragon had been one of those few, the few that were kind and generous and selfless; and for that, that made Murtagh agree (although reluctantly) to help the boy find the Varden. He also knew the consequences of appearing in front of the rebel group, especially when he recognized the leader, Ajihad. When his fate was sealed to be sent to prison, to be a prisoner for his relations, Murtagh had succeeded in barricading his mind, but his heart began to freeze again. It melted for compassion, however. Even if his heart wasn't totally swayed.

4. As Nasuada made her way down to the prison in Tronjheim, she considered what she was going to say to this Murtagh. Was she going to be able to hold a conversation with a stranger, much less a stranger who wasn't welcomed in her world? Could her words be enough to get him to speak? Nasuada wasn't entirely sure, but the opportunity arrived to meet him at last. And even if she didn't get to talk to him, it was enough that she got to see him.

"Good evening, Murtagh," Nasuada said politely, looking between the bars at their prisoner. He peered up at her, somewhat startled she could tell. "I don't agree with my father's decision to put you here. Not that he'd agree to let me visit you either, but I don't really believe that that's very fair," she added, when Murtagh remained silent.

His initial sharp look softened, but his tongue remained quiet. She left soon afterward, giving him a promise that she'd return another day. And she kept that promise as said, and eventually Murtagh replied to her. They'd share intelligent conversations and they were both impressed with each other. If Nasuada didn't know any better, she thought she had growing feelings for the captive. Even with Ajihad forbidding her visits to the captive, it made her all the more willing to disobey him.

Nasuada never disobeyed her father.

5. Nasuada was thoroughly depressed at her father's death. Her father had been her only family for all of her years and now she was completely alone. Well, not in a literal sense. She had her advisors, her people, and Eragon. The Council of Elders had named her the successor to Ajihad, and with the help of Eragon and Saphira, she became a great leader and simply not a puppet to be controlled. Nasuada came to terms with her sudden thrust into leadership, her father's death, and the fact that Murtagh had disappeared. Of course The Twins were another issue, but Nasuada wasn't sure if Murtagh was dead or alive.

When she heard that he was alive and well, and in the hands of Galbatorix serving as his secret weapon, Nasuada dismissed herself to her tent and wept for the first time since her father's death.

Betrayal stung deep and it didn't make it any easier that it could have been by Murtagh's hand by which Ajihad died. The order to kill Murtagh within Varden boundaries was soon proclaimed, especially when Eragon and Saphira barely survived their encounters with the new Rider.

She hoped to rescind her order. She really did.

6. If there was some sick irony in his life, it would be that he had stumbled back into Galbatorix's reach. Not just that even; when Galbatorix had brought the red egg that he possessed to Murtagh, it had hatched for him. The ruby red dragon was a reminder of his father, the evil done to the innocent, and the blood spilt from Zar'roc. However, there was a certain amount of love Murtagh felt for his dragon, an amount he had truly never felt before. Even as he served the enemy, he felt inclined to share his heart, especially when his life was centered around Thorn.

Murtagh was moved by pity when Eragon and Saphira had little strength left to fight. To kill Eragon would be very wrong. To kill one of Thorn's kin would be even worse. Even as Murtagh had expected harsh punishment, even worse than the first time, there was a fine line he was walking.

As he grew as a person, the oaths that bound him fell loose, unable to constrain servant to master. Thorn hurried off like the wind, finally experiencing the freedom he had never known. However, Galbatorix had not gone without a fight.

Do not worry, Murtagh. Thorn comforted his Rider as best he could, but Murtagh had slipped into unconsciousness.

7. The Trial of the Long Knives was more than just a test of will and strength. Nasuada had to prove her worthiness of the position of leader of the Varden, although she was more than qualified for it. Fadawar was defeated, since she would fight until all her blood was spilled. This would demonstrate to her people once and for all that she truly deserved her position, that she was able to lead them into battle.

Nasuada insisted that her wounds be healed normally, even if it meant that the cuts would scar her arms permanently. It was also a declaration for the men that were wounded badly in battle. She was not above her people, so she insisted that she suffer like them.

Because of this, her people were willing to listen to her and agree to go to battle, the battle that would decide Alagaësia's fate.

8. Murtagh had returned to the Varden in ragged, bloody shape, but Nasuada had rescinded her order to kill the Rider within Varden boundaries. The soldiers spared him and he was sent to the Healers immediately. On Nasuada's request, Murtagh was sent to her tent when he was feeling completely rested and well.

Hearing the flutter of wings outside her tent, Nasuada turned to face the entrance to welcome her visitor. As expected, Murtagh entered and bowed his head gently to give his respect to her. As he straightened, she approached him and moved her hand swiftly across his face.

"My Lady?" Murtagh said, sounding slightly surprised.

"Why?" she replied coldly, flexing her wrist. "Because you kept me waiting too long."

And, as the previous façade gave way, Nasuada threw herself against Murtagh and cried for the second time since her father's death.

"I had orders to kill you, Murtagh. Why come back?" Nasuada finally asked, her ebony cheeks stained with tears.

Murtagh's eyes were soft. "I stayed away far too long. It's time I make amends."

Before he realized his feelings, or for that matter what he was going to do, Murtagh pulled Nasuada close and pressed his lips to hers. She didn't pull away.

9. During the final battle, the one that would decide Alagaësia's fate, Nasuada had to summon the strength to let her people fight this one bloody battle. She had many alliances on her side, including three Riders and their dragons. Roran, Eragon's cousin, had been the newest addition. The emerald dragon was young, but was taught by Saphira and Thorn so he had knowledge beyond his years. Beroan and Roran were a formidable duo and they were ready to fight as twilight approached.

Nasuada's cuts had healed, enabling her to fight beside the Varden and its alliances. It was a long, bloody battle.

Eragon's weak smile transformed her tired expression, as well as the message that was conveyed from his eyes to hers. Galbatorix's dead. I killed him. It's finally over.

The enemy fled after their king had perished and were being pursued by some of the Varden. Roran had returned with Eragon, but Murtagh had headed the pursuit party with Thorn.

Nasuada felt like her father's death had been avenged and she had not disappointed her people. Most of all, they were all finally free.

10. The days following the war were absolute peace. Of course, save for the occasional sighting of an Urgal, but other than that, it was quite peaceful.

Katrina, Roran's wife, was pregnant with their second child. The first, a daughter, they named after Roran's mother.

Saphira and Thorn grew closer, even though Beroan was constantly chattering to both. Shruikan took charge to distract him, as the King's dragon was spared in battle. Like Murtagh, the obsidian dragon had merely been a tool as revenge.

Eragon and Arya's relationship blossomed and it was safe to say that she no longer spurned his advances. As Islanzadí's position belonged to Arya solely (since the queen's death), Eragon and Arya went away with Saphira for the time being to rule Du Weldenvarden.

As for Nasuada, she was no longer alone. She loved Murtagh and he showed no indication of leaving again. Though the old Murtagh was gone, the one she first had feelings for, the new Murtagh was even better.

And Murtagh, who thought himself incapable of loving, found out that he could love.

Finally, Nasuada's theory that people were inherently good was still upheld – one just had to give them the chance.