"Big brother!"
Alvis rolled over and sat up, glaring at the intruder.
"Azel, what are you doing?"
"I-I'm sorry," Azel stammered. "It's just so cold and the storm's so loud and scary, I can't sleep!" It was dark, stormy and unnaturally cold for a night in Velthomer, and Azel did not do well with thunderstorms. "Can I sleep with you?
"Why do you always do this, every time there's the smallest hint of a storm?" Alvis asked. "Go back to your room. I have an early lesson tomorrow and I need my sleep."
"But Alvis-"
"You'll just have to try harder to ignore it," Alvis said. "Go back to bed."
The boy opened his mouth to protect, but kept it shut and turned to go back to his room. Then another gust of wind came, and Alvis shuddered.
It was much too cold. Even in the safe confines of the castle, he could feel it.
And the sight of Azel standing there shivering in the thin pajamas he wore wasn't helping.
"Very well," he finally said. "You may stay with me."
Really?!" Azel smiled brightly and turned around. "Oh, thank you!"
"But only for tonight, you understand?" Alvis said. "Now get under the covers before I change my mind." Azel nodded, scurrying over and sliding under the covers next to his brother.
"You're the best," he mumbled.
"Go to sleep, Azel."
"Right." Azel yawned. "G'night, brother."
"Goodnight, Azel." Alvis pulled the covers back over them and let his head drop against the pillow.
As soon as Azel fell asleep, however, Alvis put a hand on the boy's shoulder and frowned. He was still cold.
Even with Fala's blood in his veins, he'll still catch cold...
Carefully, Alvis slipped out of bed and searched the closet. After searching for a few moments, he returned with a thick fleece cloak.
"This should be just about right," he whispered, draping it over Azel. Almost immediately, the boy stopped shivering.
"There." He got back under the covers, and, after a moment's pause, stroked Azel's forehead. "Sleep well, brother," he whispered.