I've been having a bit of a time trying to write the newest chapter for Girl with the Voice. Since I seem to be stymied, I figured I'd try to go at stimulating my creative process using a different means – a side chapter. I'd like to think that I was successful at turning this prompt into a bit of a double entendre – in an ironic sense, not an erotic one. Yeah, anyway...really, the whole thing is just an attempt to get me writing again.

Ugh...even this attempt has been slow going. But, I've finished it. Hope it's up to snuff!

When Our Eyes are Closed

"Welcome home," announced Savos Aren, as Tolfdir – with apprentices in tow – entered the Hall of the Elements.

Or as close to home as one could be when they don't have one, Marieka thought to herself as she followed close behind the old, Nord mage.

"It is good to be back in the warmth of Winterhold," Tolfdir chuckled with a smile.

Savos offered the man a look that acknowledged the longstanding inside joke before continuing.

"I trust that your exploration of Saarthal was...uneventful," he said.

None of the students dared make eye contact with the Arch-Mage once he spoke.

"It was...not?" he asked. "Perhaps you could provide me with a report, Tolfdir?"

The old mage nodded. "You may all return to your rooms," he advised the students and they began to head off. "Not you, Marieka."

The Breton spun around, though not surprised at the mention of her name. After all, she was instrumental in everything that had happened in the ruins. When Onmund, J'Zargo and Brelyna had closed the door to the hall behind them, Savos waited expectantly for an explanation of what occurred at Saarthal. For the first time, he noticed the minor injury that Marieka had on her chin – scratches, covered up well by dirt from some unknown skirmish.

"What happened to you?" Savos asked, angling towards her face for a closer inspection.

"We..." she began, pausing to look at Tolfdir.

"Go on," he advised. "You should tell him what we found."

She took at deep breath. "We encountered some draugr – once we found...this." She lifted a chain from where it rested upon her neck, dangling a carved amulet in front of her.

"The girl was quite useful in helping to dispatch them, Savos," Tolfdir interrupted. "I foresee very good things for her arcane abilities."

The Arch-Mage raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Still, a few draugr can't be all that you discovered. At least, not judging by the reaction of the other students."

Tolfdir shook his head. "No. We discovered something more impressive. Far more impressive."

The three discussed the discovery of the large glowing orb at Saarthal. The way it was guarded by the most powerful draugr Marieka had ever encountered...the sheer beauty of the massive floating object as it hovered in the ruins of the ancient city. When they concluded their exchange, Savos paused in thought for several moments.

Marieka and Tolfdir stood quietly, glancing at each other briefly and waiting for Savos to speak.

"Tolfdir... prepare yourself for a return to Saarthal. We shall retrieve this orb for study at the College," he announced. "Leave me with Marieka – I should yet like to discuss some things with her."

The older mage nodded and graciously made his exit.

Savos turned to face the young woman in front of him once again.

"I should like you to help me with some research on this orb," he said, heading towards a small desk and retrieving a scrap of parchment. He glanced back over his shoulder at the Breton in between scribbling on the parchment quickly. "Head up to the Arcanaeum and speak to Urag. He will be able to help you retrieve this list of books." As he concluded writing on the parchment, he stood straight and passed it to Marieka. "Any information you can find on the Eye of Magnus will be useful."

"The Eye of...?"

"That is the orb you've discovered. I trust Tolfdir can't have remembered its name," he chuckled. "The old man can barely remember his own."

She smirked at the comment, but remained silent.

"I prefer that you did not speak to others about the orb," he advised. "Please remind your fellow apprentices that their discretion would be appreciated."

She looked at him oddly. "Arch-Mage? Is there something you aren't telling me?"

"It is sometimes when our eyes are closed, that we are able to see most clearly, Marieka," he advised. "While I certainly will require you to keep your eyes open to the dangers that are coming, there will be times where shutting them is just as important. You'd do well to remember that."

"Of course, Arch-Mage," she replied, nodding quickly. As she turned and began to return to her room in the Hall of Attainment with her head down, a strange feeling gripped her stomach. Near the door, she looked up just in time to prevent running into the Altmer mage, Ancano.

"Watch where you're going, apprentice!" he hissed as she passed him.

The chill that hit her spine at the sound of his voice was enough to cause her to wonder if he wasn't exactly whom the Arch-Mage had been alluding to. Eyes open or closed...Ancano was not all he appeared to be, and Marieka wasn't about to let her guard down.