Later in the evening, a bruised and beaten Athal sat in the corner of the New Gnisis Cornerclub just drinking away. He could hear Ambarys telling him not to drink too much in case he was needed but Athal paid no mind to him. The alcohol eased the pain brought by the beating by Jorn a few hours ago and the pain brought by what he saw before that.

The events in the market continued to swirl in his mind hours after it had happened. He was disgusted and angered at Ullia's father for acting in such a manner to his own blood. It also took him by surprise. During one of their walks, when she spoke about her father, there was admiration in her voice. Now he wondered if her love for him had made her blind. To make matters worse, she would no longer be able to meet with him. Despair filled him as he thought of never being able to talk to her again; to never see her smile or touch her soft skin. As Athal finished his second bottle of mead, he became even more angry that he couldn't do anything to stop her father from hurting him.

"Might want to slow down there, Athal, or else you'll pass out on the floor. I don't think Ambarys would appreciate that," said Aval Atheron, who took a seat across from him.

"Why don't you do me a favour and go bother someone else, Aval? I'm not in the mood," said Athal as he opened a third bottle of honningbrew mead.

"Hmmm, I can see that. Mind sharing what's going through your thoughts?"

"I do mind."

"Very well then," said Aval. Athal chugged half of the bottle when Aval spoke once more, "So this afternoon was quite dramatic don't you think? I knew Jorn likes overreact but..."

"Didn't I tell you to leave me alone? Or have you gone deaf Aval?" Athal whispered angrily.

Aval looked around the club, as though checking if anyone was listening, then whispered, "Look, I saw your face when Jorn hit Ullia and dragged her home. I'm not stupid Athal."

"What are you playing at?" asked Athal through clenched teeth.

"Calm yourself, brother. Being discreet is my expertise. I swear on my life no one will know."

"Perhaps if you swore on something more valuable, I'd believe you."

"I'll just blame the alcohol on that jest," he said. Athal glared at him but he continued, "I can help you, if you want of course."

"Can you now?" asked Athal in mocking surprise.

"Jorn and Ullia often come to the market together. If she ever does accompany him again, I might be able to sneak a note from you to her without her father noticing. That way you two can still talk."

Athal looked at Aval through narrowed eyes. What he offered was too good to be true, but Athal still wasn't sure.

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"Look, Athal, in times like these we have to help each other. What reason would you have not to trust me? I'm just trying to lend a hand."

Athal continued to examine Aval's face. He did have a point, there was no reason for him not to trust him, and Athal couldn't help but think of the chance he might get to talk to Ullia and hear her sweet voice again.

"Fine, I accept your offer."

Aval smiled and slapped him on the arm, which made Athal wince. "I knew you'd come around. Go grab a piece of parchment and write anything. I'll be sure to give it her the next time I see her."

"I'll be right back," said Athal. He limped up the stairs, trying to be as slow as possible since breathing hurt him, in search for parchment and some ink. His hands shook as he scribbled a message and sealed the note. He returned downstairs and passed the note to Aval.

"Tell me when you give this to her."

"Of course. You don't need to worry Athal," said Aval as he took the note and shoved into the inside pocket of his shirt, "She'll get this note sooner or later." Hopefully sooner, thought Athal.