Lavendir

Alinor, Summserset Isles, 4E 196. 25th of Midyear

I wake with a throbbing pain in my head. I am filled with confusion as I open my eyes. Where am I, and why is it so dark and damp?

I roll over on my side, and a slender hand begins to stroke my hair. I jolt upwards, but find that the strange and unwanted hand belongs to Vallendrel.

"You're awake," he says.

The quick rise causes my vision to cloud over for a moment, before slowly regaining clarity. "What's happening?"

"You grabbed my hand and we ran through the crowd, away from Alonwe and her men. They were thankfully out of sight when you slipped and fell unconscious. The rain became very heavy, and the cobblestones were very slick. So, I hauled you over my shoulder, and knocked on Faela's door. I told her what had happened, and she said she would keep us safe for the time being. We're in her cellar. She opened the door a few minutes ago and said she should be bringing down a meal soon. I told her that you that enjoy goat cheese, but she already knew."

I rub my temples, and rest my elbows on my knees. "Where are mother and father...?" I trail off, a swarm of arrows and blood invading my memory, sending a sea of tears to my eyes and preventing me from expanding on my statement.

"Let's not talk about that right now. Are you hurt?"

"My head is on fire and there's a swinging war hammer where my heart should be," I groan, lying back on the floor. "Val, we didn't protect them."

"Lav, listen to me. We'll talk about it later."

Tears are spilling over my eyelids. "How are you so calm? We stood there and stared. And then, because of me, we just ran. I should have done something. Said something."

"It was all we could do. I've been awake for a while, and I've had time to think. You, however, have not. Shall I ask Faela to fetch you a cold rag for your head?" 

"I suppose so."

Vallendrel stands, and as soon as he moves, the cellar door swings open. Faela comes down the ladder, a silver plate in one hand and a bag slung over her shoulder. Her long white hair is loose and falls down her back, which is unusual for her. 

"He's awake," she says, looking over her shoulder at me.

"Indeed. I don't wish to bother you, but could you fetch him a cold rag?" Vallendrel requests, "I would get it myself, but if someone were to see me through the window-"

Faela grins. "I came prepared." She hands my brother a damp rag, and he returns to apply it to my forehead.

"I can hold it in place myself," I remark, and proceed to do so.

She places the plate in Vallendrel's ready hands, and lays the bag on the cellar floor. "Eat up, boys. There's some bread, butter, and goat cheese for a quick meal. In the bag I have two goblets and a jug of milk. Is that enough to feed you two for the morning? I can chop up some fruit as well."

"Yes, this is enough. Thank you, Faela."

"You're most welcome. Now, I do have some unfortunate news, though I'm certain you may have thought of it already." She frowns, and a shudder runs down my spine. This is the first frown I have ever seen crawl onto her face. 

"What is it?" Vallendrel asks, but I have an inkling of thought as to where this is going.

"You two can't stay with me," she begins. There is a somber tone to her voice, and her green eyes are intent. "Vallendrel, it would be most wise for you to avoid the college. I know your heart is set on magic, and you have rightfully been waiting for this day for a very long time, but it is not safe. And while I would absolutely love the company of you two, you must leave tonight. A Thalmor officer already knocked on my door last night. She was asking of your whereabouts. She was likely the one you told me of, Vallendrel. I played the 'clueless old lady' act very well, and she soon became too fed up to question me any further." She winks, and her frown starts to disappear. "But if any of the Thalmor get any of their usual cunning ideas, or if anyone spots you, you two are in trouble."