With the loneliness and emptiness a Dragon or a Rider can feel with outliving their significant other, you want to feel bad for Galbatorix, but then you realize there must have been something fucked up in him his whole life if this is the solution he turned to. Hearing him going over the story of his own descent into madness sure is something.

YO WHAT THE FUCK

The LONGING, I love all these chapters even if I don't leave a review on all of them.

I gotta say I think Christopher Paolini really hit something with the platonic soulmate bond in this series, it's the best part and I appreciate seeing Thorn and Murtagh being there for each other.

I hope you're happy that this chapter ruined me emotionally, I'm this close to crying right now. The bond between a dragon and their rider is something I just love so much, and I feel bad that Baby Thorn's first moments in this world were so bad when he could barely understand it. Their relationship maybe be kind of rocky now, but at least they will have each other.

I am enjoying this immensely. As for Murtagh and Nasuada's relationship? I actually really did like them together in canon, but I also admit that some of it came a little out of nowhere, and I'm glad it's getting the development it needs here. (However, I was still upset about the note they ended on, I can understand it but it doesn't keep me from being unsatisfied with it).

I'd like to think they were able to be together in some capacity eventually, I think they both deserve it (this is also why i'm so happy when I can find really well written M/N fic, because there doesn't seem to be enough of it in my opinion).

I know it's been two and half years since the last update to this story, and I don't know how often people use anymore, but the some content I've been able to find here (since AO3 was lacking on the M/N front) has made me happy that there are really good writers out there.

I really love this story so far, and I might not get to review every chapter, but I'm going to read the everything that's out right now.

A couple of things I would just like to start off saying before getting into the review.

Firstly, I hope you are still reading reviews and that you are well, especially at this time in the world.

Second, I am so incredibly sorry I have not reviewed yet. In truth? Despite being a longtime reader of it, I felt myself inadequate when it came to properly putting down a review worthy of this work. This story which you have clearly put so much time, thought, heart, and creativity into. But I've decided that it is better to put down some words than say nothing at all. Let's do this.

To start; Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Thank you for giving Murtagh the attention he deserves. Yours is the very best, not because it is the only story on here like it, but by virtue of the skill you've shown here.

You so wonderfully included flashbacks of his growing up, snippets of his parents. His views while he was on the road with Eragon, Saphira, and Arya. The moment we never got to see but was hinted at between him and Nasuada in Farthen Dûr! I loved it. You capture them so well. And finally, (my most anticipated scenes) his being brought before The King by the Twins. How they abused him on the way there. . . My heart broke. Well done for remembering his mentioning that to Eragon at the end of Eldest. And you added so much to it. I tip my hat to you!

And when he was before the King for the first time in so many months. . . I got goosebumps, it was brilliant. It was so dark and foreboding. The way Galbatorix just casually ordered him to follow him. The way I am typing it down does not do it justice, but you truly captured the king so well. Few, if any, have been able to. Then, when he was being whipped and thinking of Nasuada at the same time. . . My gosh, that scene could be looked at as a How To for writting suspense and drama. Phenomenal. And when Thorn hatched..I adore your take on how it played out. The whole thing. Thorn's confusion at being rejected. The King torturing him, and snaking across their mental link to get to Murtagh. Brutal and cruel. It was so precious and sad as he held the newly hatched dragon, ugh. But so well done. How he named Thorn! Loved it

His growing relationship with the little girl (who I hope is actually not dead, but you are tricking us. . . I hope), him and Thorn. I love how you have characterized Thorn. You had nothing to go on, but you gave him so much and I truly applaud you.

This was just. . Magical, I guess. I hope you have not given it up. You have inspired me to write my own stories for him. Not because I feel I can do better (heavens, no), but because you have displayed such passion and dedication for this story for one of my all time favorite fictional characters..I feel as if there is a wind rising beneath my wings. Paolini would be proud of this, I think.

May your swords stay sharp,

May the stars watch over you,

And I hope to read more soon,

Sincerely, PasoFinoLoverr

Please tell me you have not abandoned this amazing story! I'd love to see what happens next!

The Princess was so adorable! But now she's dead?! Nooooo! :(

LOVE THIS STORY!

The way you write gallbatorix is just brilliant

Love everything about this story. Hope you're able to update soon!

WHAT!? You stopped writing!? I hate you (I don't actually, just because you didn't write more)! It is such a good story! Murtagh is my favourite character, I was so eager to know what happened to him, and then I find this fic, read it and find out THAT THE AUTHOR DIDN'T CONTINUE! So please, continue? Look, I even reviewed!

Absolutely stunning writing, please continue!