Chapter 14
Deedo nodded, "I will be back with word of Deedolett."
That is what she said, and who knew what she would find in Denerim. Her cousin and remaining children stood about as if her and her other children leaving, no, vanishing, were normal. Still mattered not, Cullen was certain this will be where his opportunity presented itself.
He did not wish to hinder her when he almost reached to stop the Elder.
Coupled with what Olett tried to tell him, she warned him of what was coming. He in his disgust shunned her, her kind, tried to push her away when she stayed a few nights longer. Cullen could hideaway for a while in a private room, which was guarded, making sure he would do himself no harm.
In the night Olett would come in, finding him curled in a corner, awake and rocking.
There she stood, patient as ever, with fresh food and drink in hand. But what he had gone through… She needed not to know his shame, his infatuation brought to light, many, many times over. How her image was used against him, how her touch or her gentle words brought him near to his knees.
Now he sets right his feelings, or so he thought, but with her mother gone, in search of her child… Perhaps he could seek the words of the Uncle, or of her siblings that remained. His thoughts ran about his mind, seemingly daydreaming, but he was afraid of what the Lady and her two other children would find, or the news she would bring back.
Xellexes thought for a mere moment, breaking the silence that was suffocating the room with a clearing of his throat. "My nieces are more important presently, and in need of rest. Is there any way to accommodate us until my Cousin's word has reached us?"
The Knight Commander, roused from his stupor, quickly arranged rooms for their guests in the Senior Mage's Quarters. It was indeed late, his hands tied. The girl he knew who came to receive aid for the Blight found they needed her aid. As she and her group expelled Kinloch from the fleeting rule of Uldred those many months ago; Seeing a woman who not only shares the same name - showing up looking for her lost child. And the same mage who was surely the same who saved Ferelden from occupation, placing King Maric back on his rightful throne.
The sounds of their footfalls when they led to their temporary room, the short-haired woman, Lili, called out to reassure the Knight Commander all would be well, "Our Mother will return or we will have a word, have no fear of that. I, however, do fear if my brother, Uncles' and God-brother are in trouble. Mother can be beastly when we are in danger." They all agreed to her statement as they made their way to the prepared rooms.
Cullen trailed behind them, observing. The Norrathians differed from the other elves, tall and elegant, not fearful or cowering, heads held high, extruding unmatched authority. Never has one seen such a manner, from his time as a young boy to his time in the tower, he had never seen such confidence from one of the Elven folk. Even Deedolett's head seemed never to bow. She is indeed related to these magnificent people.
Cullen's eyes rested on them all, admiring their look, seeing how the girl Ruroni, who favored Olett in height, continued to strum her lute softly as they walked the corridors, then silently watching the male elf name Xellexes, jumping slightly when the man watched him from the corner of his eye, a soft snort signaled Cullen was staring a little longer than he should have.
The Knight Commander stopped in front of the large wooden door. "I hope the room is to your liking. I am unsure when the First Enchanter will return until then we wait for Lady Deedolit to return." Bowing, he left, returning to his previous tasks.
Taking notice the room was large, sparse of decor, and cold as it held five beds, a pillar in the center of the room with ample space for just the basic needs. An enormous fireplace that took up the better part of the left side of their room, the Apprentice that led them to their room was stoking, setting new logs into the flames. Satisfied the flame was heating the room, left quietly, without acknowledging the newcomers. The elves busied themselves as they began making themselves comfortable. Ruroni climbed onto the bed, no longer strumming. Sat with a heavy sigh, removing her cloak, using it as a blanket.
Xellexes took to the right side of the room near the window, unclasping his cloak, removing his outer robe, and going to remove his boots as well.
Lili'Enyel took the bed nearest Xellexes, she could see the sky from her position by the window, she leaned her bow against the wall, along with personal effects, then she pulled a large box from her bag and metal arrowheads, strips of leather, and shafts creating arrows quickly and quietly.
Cullen went to head back to his room when Xellexes stopped him, "My Lord?" closing the door behind him.
"No just Xellexes, please. You know my niece?" Xellexes watched him closely. He seemed to think, and unsure Xellexes could not put his finger on it, but it looked like he held guilt. Every so often his eyes would travel to Ruroni.
"Tell me, is she pretty?" The Wizard smiled as he offered one of the two chairs in the room by the fire.
"Very." He closed his eyes as he hung his head. "She looks like her… I mean… she looks like her Ladyship." He felt long, warm fingers touch his shoulder.
"She gave you the necklace you said, did it come in a box with two creatures on the lid?" Xellexes remembering that very treasure box Deedolit showed to him when she returned home from her eighteen-year disappearance.
Cullen nodded, "I did. Before she left the tower, I wanted to go with her, but my duty lay here." Pulling out the chain with the small rose quartz stone dangling on the end, fiddled with the stone, once more lost in his thoughts.
Xellexes let the boy be staring into the flames as they crackled. The sound of rustling from behind them alerted the Elder Elf, seeing his niece stand to her feet with the look of absolute joy on her face, then tears.
"What? So soon. Uncle, Sister." Ruroni bounced in place as she seemed to be in an absolute tizzy. She was speaking elvish so fast he hardly caught what the young girl was saying.
"They, thank the Gods! They found Olett!" Xellexes gotten up from his chair and took hold of the young wood elf's shoulders, "Are you certain?"
Lili was on her feet speaking with Okhor and confirmed that they found their long-lost sister. "Aye, Mother is with them now, with Uncle. Tenkou says that she is not awake, something about a battle that Olett stopped?" The Ranger looked puzzled. "They are rushing into the castle and the healers there will see her, and Tenkou will try as well."
Cullen stood upon hearing the exchange between them all, as one-sided as it was, heard the news that Miss Surana found and well, "Thank the Maker." was all he could say, he watched as the three elves hugged and shed tears, before the Bard came to him, removing her earring.
"Mother wishes to speak with you." she placed the earring near his ear, ever so faint he could hear a calling.
"Yes? My Lady? Yes, I would like that very much." He gave an assured nod. Ruroni took back the earring, and she talked with her mother once more.
The Wizard clasped Cullen on his shoulder, pulling him from the pleasant surprise. "You will come with us then?"
"Ye-yes, her Ladyship just queried. I-I…" He knew this would be his chance to apologize, and yet hesitation was eeking to the forefront. Cullen turned from Xellexes facing the fireplace.
Xellexes knew that look. He saw it when his beloved cousin decided to leave her firstborn when they made ready for the trip back home. "You are hesitating, why?"
"I wish nothing more than to travel when you depart…"
Xellexes raised an eyebrow. "Go on." he prodded, needing the young man to continue his thought.
Shaking his head, as if he was reliving the moment, "I said… I said several damming things that…" Cullen retreated into himself.
Xellexes cleared his throat. "You are leery of magic, and mages, correct?"
Aghast, Cullen turned, backing up away from the tall elf, "How, di-did... you?"
"I observe, I had noticed from the time you met us, and you kept stealing glances at my niece, you knew she was casting within her playing."
The Young Templar's eyes widened. "She was?" He had felt something but knew not what it was precisely. It was so faint.
With Xellexes nodding, he escorted the young man to the door, "My Cousin has already assumed you will travel with us, I can tell her now you do not intend to go. I will have to ask for my niece's possessions in her stead before we are ready to depart. Including that necklace you are so very fond of."
Cullen stood taller, taking a deep breath, his hands clenched at his side. "I will go with you all. Till morning, goodnight."
They rushed into the palace, Loghain and Alistair shouted orders once they arrived in the castle, Deedolit was already leading the large man who carried her precious cargo, Okhor kept in step as he hovered over Sten, who held tight to the Warden making their way to a part of the castle Deedo knew too well, her personal apartments on the west side of the Royal Palace. The others followed behind, staff running ahead to clean the room, airing it out as fast as possible, rustling and clanking, of things being brought in and changed.
The Blight companions stood as Deedolit floated into the room. Looking around, she raised her hands, whispering a spell as all the staff seemed to move in great haste.
The others gasped as they saw the unimaginable. Tenkou quietly slipped past them all. She set to guiding Sten immediately. The Qunari held Olett as he followed behind the young woman "Place her here, please." Tenkou instructed, lighting a few candles and pulling her backpack off, as Sten gently placed the Warden in the bed that had been prepared for her in haste.
The Castle staff continued their scurrying about, cleaning, and dressing her per order of Alistair. They brought in chairs set about the room as food and drinks were brought in as well. Everyone looked on as they took to helping the staff. Adrenaline was high as they all worried over the state the young Warden was in.
Okhor sat on the bed, taking his sister's hand. Tenkou tried to look her sister over, with Okhor hovering the way he was. "Brother, please, you are in my way." She tried to shoo the young man, but he refused to budge.
"Tennu, no, allow me this, she is my twin as Roary is yours."
With a nod of her mahogany tresses, she worked around her younger brother.
Deedo held herself, her breathing heavy, tears threatening to cloud her vision once more.
This was too much to bear. Deedolit covered her mouth to contain a sob that erupted. As glad as she was for her daughter to be back with her, she knows she should be by her side. With Loghain's words remaining, she felt selfish. 'Gone, you knew the same as I.' Her face scrunched, twisted, she wanted to scream. Her heart knew what she saw in Denerim was what the old witch so long ago proclaimed. The High Elf looked at her three children and tried to smile, but the tears would not allow her to see them clearly.
"Your Ladyship, might I have a word or several?" Loghain followed her sight to the children at the enormous bed. Hearing Deedo sniffle, he looked at her completely. She did not age, not one day from the last and first time he met her.
"Loghain, where is…. Where are..." Her voice broke, she sniffled again, hugged herself tighter, she knew what he was going to say, and as much as she did not want to hear it, the only person in this world knew who she would refer to. Loghain gestured to the doors, nodding. She wiped her tears, allowing herself to be led out of the room.
Loghain cleared his throat, gently touching her elbow, escorting her onto the veranda, closing the glass doors behind him, stripped from his armor he felt naked, the chill in the air this night, typical Ferelden winter season creeping slowly from the south. He scanned the night, scanned more so to find the words to lessen the blow.
Deedo stood there alongside scanning out as well, a spirit forming. She could see its outline. Heavy clouds carried the smell of ice dancing on the winds.
"I do not know… How to tell you any simpler, or gentler." His eyes stung. He reached into his breast pocket, pulling from it the note that Olett handed to him over a year ago.
"We missed you, counting the days upon your return. Kal'an knighted. Won many a tourney." Beyond the sting, the pride was there, making the news bittersweet, even to his ears.
Then it came. Loghain growled at his lividity as his tears fell hot on his skin.
Teyrna, Lady Deedolit Meleth Swiftleaf Ambassador to Felwithe of Norrath and Ferelden, Mother of Teyrn, Lord Ikal'antulien Gareth Aehswin Mac Tir Swiftleaf, wailed in mortified horror. Her firstborn was murdered a year ago.
The scream, if one could even call it that, distorted as it rattled the glass panes, reverberating in the hearts of those who heard. The Blight companions felt what seemed like hours ago when Olett was in great pain and heard a similar gut-wrenching sound. But the one they heard seemed otherworldly, demonic, and in severe pain. As the Norrathian children sat nearest their younger sister felt despair.
They looked at each other silently, and their own tears fell. They knew, somehow, all was not well. Whatever their uncle revealed, they would have to inquire about it later.
They rushed to protect Alistair, none making a move, deciding if it was safe to even approach the doors. Weapons drawn, Zevran and Sten crept closer. The tall Elven man that clung to his sleeping twin rose to his feet, placing himself between the door and the strangers.
"I believe my Mother has had some news. Please do not distress. We were also looking for my brother, An… Pardon, Ikal'antulien."
Loghain reached for the Enchantress, only to have his hand slapped away. The High elf trusted him with their child, trusted Maric, and he was not here himself.
"Deedolit, I am sorry, I am so sorry. His death pains me still. They had found his murderer..." He went to reach for her again. In the scant light from the torches outside, Loghain saw her haunched, holding herself tighter than before, the sound of the parchment in her hand crumpling.
A finger raised Deedo felt hot, her resolve to slip, she could feel it just behind her eyes, she shook her former lover off, shaking her head, "I trusted you with my child. The both of you." She could feel it, the burning forming in her chest. Shaking her head quickly, she blinked back the rage she took within herself.
The edges of her vision shifted in color, blinking it back fresh tears cooled her cheeks when she stood, dropping the papers she pushed from the stone veranda.
"My Lady do not leave." The former General pleaded, picking up the papers she dropped. "What of the others?"
Deedo needed to leave. She felt herself slipping into a place she fought hard to never return. As if she vanished from his sight, the gold in the outfit she wore caught the sparse light as the winds blew back into her thick cloak.
Deedo suddenly appeared in front of him, catching the man unaware, even more, unnerving than the look on her face. Calm, murderous calm.
He could feel waves of heat extruding from her, as she was inches from him. Unblinking her eyes, no longer the warm jewels he knew. This creature before him was... dangerous.
Then when she spoke, his blood chilled, "If anything happens to them, may the Goddess bless you." And before Loghain knew it, she disappeared completely from sight.
Alistair snapped into action once he heard Olett was sleeping. He had people sent out to find out what exactly happened, a report coming in of a woman who sped off moments ago. The one who examined the Warden said that it was their mother, as she took a seat on the bed her younger sister laid. Dropping the subject when it accounted for as Loghain walked back into the room.
Alistair granted The First Enchanter with his mages to stay in the Estate in Denerim, the soon-to-be King pleading as they looked into the situation once they had sufficient rest.
Alistair had a million and one thoughts running through his head, and there really was no time to rest. He sent everyone out. The staff who were awake showed the others to rooms that were prepared. Alistair needed to be with Olett; he took it upon himself the first watch, with Leliana and Zevran refusing to leave his side. With word was surely out that the Archdemon defeated, it would be just a matter of time before the whole of Thedas heard.
Tired and unsure of what to do, he looked at the two strangers. "Who, may I ask, are you and what do you know of Olett?" Exhausted, he needed that answer.
With a nod of his head, "Lord Okhor, Paladin of Felwithe. My twin sister, Lady Deedolett, and elder sister Lady Tenkou, Druid of Kelethin, or is it Surefall?"
Chuckling lightly, "Both, baby brother. We are Lady Deedolit Swiftleaf's children, and this is our baby sister, who was taken from her years ago." The druid looked back, taking the girl's hand in hers.
Alistair kept looking at Okhor. He seemed familiar though he never once met the man, yet he also refused to leave Olett even when it came to Leliana convincing him they would keep watch over them. He needed rest and he would be no good to anyone, as there was a lot to do.
"My friend, if something happened, anything at all, I will personally inform you." Zevran patted the taller man's shoulder.
There she lay still, with no visible movements. She looked so peaceful, something none of the Blight companions saw. Alistair remembered the night he went to fulfill a near improbable task. When he met Loghain in the halls, Alistair tried to hide his disgust, but remained semi civil, then confused when he headed back to his quarters.
On his way to his chambers, being escorted, "Maybe something went wrong, and she never wakes." Alistair felt his anger rise. Morrigan disappeared, leaving no trace when they found Warden Surana unconscious. "Maybe they planned this? Guard." Alistair thought bitterly aloud.
"Your Majesty?"
"Find Loghain, bring him to me. Please."
The man went off doing as told, bringing the old General before him, finding answers to questions as to why there seemed to be a sense of familiarity between the two.
Alistair led Loghain back to the chambers Olett is occupying. He entered, looking at the girl lying there, seeing her siblings asleep, each with a hand touching her. Shaking his head, he took an empty chair, dragging it to the bedside, walking past the redheaded Bard, who gave a quizzical look to Alistair, who held his hand up in response.
Loghain's blue eyes tired, his mind tired ignoring the others in the room, "You look just like her, Deedolit. When you awake, I will tell you this tale again. Deedolit saw through me, Maker knows if she will ever forgive me, she is furious with me. I finally let her down as well."
Loghain spoke softly, as to not wake the children. He told the tale of when Deedo had shown just how powerful she was. They had just secured Gwaren. "She was homesick. Her feelings developed for Maric. I and anyone around could see it, she did her best to hide it." When the room fell silent Zevran, Alistair, and seeing the man who had allowed unspeakable things, was telling a tale of the Hero named Deedolit of Felwithe.
The former General picked the small Bard up, laying her on the bed, removed her boots then covered her with a thick blanket.
Alistair is confused. Even he heard of the mage who helped his father to the throne, but to hear it from someone who was there, even he could allow this. Loghain is a stern man, who says little, but lights up when he sees this girl. He cannot help but tell of his friend who showed him a fraction of her world.
"She called herself an Enchantress. For that's what she is. It drew people to her, just a look at her and you felt at ease. We both had a rough go, she felt the same as I." Recounting the time that she saved his life, the smile she had seeing that he was safe, chuckling when she expressed her anger, stunning Maric when he became battered from fending off attackers, so she could examine the wounds.
The time when she showed a glimpse of the world she came from, her memories projected, and how she included in her fresh memories; Maric, himself, and Rowan.
"She had taken off. I had a few of the group I led the search for your Mother, but she in her form was hiding. Next light she sought me out, 'I need to leave.' , she said. I had made the decision to leave as well, before her council. I could tell she was hesitant, her love is strong, I would help her leave here if that's what she needed. Of course, Maric had other plans. Deedo and my loyalty tested, inadvertently, for her… strained."
With a nod, he retold the day he was ready to take off looking for the Elven woman, then leave the rebel camp entirely. As he saddled his horse, Deedo came to him, placing her on the steed, tugging the reins just as they went to step from the stable.
Loghain snorted as he continued his stories, admitting he had grown fond of the Enchantress. "I asked her once to stay, to be my wife. She refused, she needed to go back to her home. When she returned, I missed her, Maric, and I. Even though I had eventually married, and had my Anora… We still missed her." he said with a sigh.
He went on telling of how he was summoned to the Royal Palace. "When I saw Deedolit again, it had been several years, she brought with her not only her enrapturing warmth in the direst of times, she brought with her beautiful children, and me, a gift. Our son, Kal'an, Lord Ikal'antulien Gareth Aehswin Mac Tir Swiftleaf."
Alistair's head shot up. He knew the Knight that he spoke of and heard of as a boy. Many speculated that he was Loghain's son, much like he was Arl Eamon's bastard. Brought his body back with Olett and the other recruits. Leilana covered her mouth, and Zevran raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
Tenkou shifted in her sleep, and Okhor spoke, "Was my mother's scream your cause?" Sitting up, listening for a response.
Loghain nodded, "Yes."
Okhor's head hung, expelling a deep sigh, "My Brother is no longer living is he?" held tighter to Oletts hand.
"Correct."
"How, tell me plainly."
"Murdered. Days before the battle, found and brought back to me by Warden Olett, and Alistair. Cailan confessed to sending him out. I have not yet forgiven him."
Alistair looked up. "You let Duncan die on the field, as well as the King, I might add. Over a dead son? You have not forgiven King Cailan? I should have taken your head, traitor." He scoffed under his breath. Bitter from his thoughts, the man should be long from this world. If only.
Not hearing the other who would object to his outburst, the sudden chill, a looming shadow stood over the King. Okhor rose from the bed, striding to stand before Alistair, towering over the young man, "You do not speak ill of my deceased Lord Brother, or his father." His eyes shifting of blue and green, a sneer curled on his lips.
Hazel eyes followed up to meet the scowling elf before him. "You were not there, you do not know of this… traitors' crimes!" Alistair spat back fervidly, gesturing to Loghain.
Loghain cleared his throat, doing nothing to admonish the boy King's claim. "My boy, please, he is correct. I still have yet to explain to your mother. I will then indulge you as well. Please sit."
Okhor growled through narrowed his eyes, turned from the young King, and knelt before Loghain, "Do you know where my father is?"
Loghain searched the face of the boy before him, slowly realizing just who he saw in front of him, looking to the girl asleep on the bed, inclined his head, "Your twin?"
Okhor nodded, looking at his sister with worried eyes.
Loghain closed his eyes in regret.
Kinloch Hold, Lake Calenhad.
When Cullen left the elves back to his shared quarters, he held onto the chain he wore and looked at it with newfound interest. Thoughts danced. They would head to Denerim, and he would get the chance to seek Lady Surana's forgiveness. A singular thought just suddenly dawned on him, he had not submitted the proper paperwork seeking permission from the Knight Commander nor did he know anything about the City for he had been in Kinloch Hold for many numbers of years and before that training as a Templar.
The Templar groaned inwardly and ceased his packing; he went over to his bed sitting on the edge falling back slightly disappointed. He tugged the covers down to settle under them, looking at the rose-colored stone once again, rubbing his calloused thumb over the smooth stone before slipping into a peaceful slumber.
In the Elven chamber, all was quiet–except Lili'Enyel's soft snoring, Xellexes was partly away speaking with his cousin. She was explaining what had transpired and how she took off before heading back to them. Xellexes mourned, "I shall leave a light for you, wake me when you arrive."
Above the boughs over the expansive Hinterlands, the High elf poured the death of her son out as she spoke with Xellexes. Deedolit en route to the Circle tower, anger quelled and replaced with sadness. She flew through the night. The sun would rise soon. Thinking of the day to come, with the first and last time she was here, as she flew over the Hinterlands, forest dark and thick.
Her Ladyship had time to think as she soared on the wind, closing her eyes, feeling the winds rushing past and around her. She trusted her lovers with her most precious, but he was murdered before his hundredth year. When she has calmed enough, she will have to gather more information.
The Enchantress then could not be around anyone. Her rage was bubbling, and it took her years to learn to control the element for what wanted to come forth.
"When I bring back the others, I will finally get my answers and apologize. I will also take a better look at you, the young woman that you are. Truly I apologize for leaving suddenly. Maybe I can find out what happened to Maric and Cailan as well," the high elf whispered in the wind. Seeing a light flicker, she knew that must be the one her cousin left for her.
Cullen found himself within his dreams, back when times were simpler, lost within his mind. He felt comfort in his dreams, when they were pleasant, seeing the one who makes his heart soar. The memory, he recalled. He felt himself walking to himself, seeing Olett quietly sitting upon the sill of the window reading her book.
"Cullen, if, and I know this is going to sound odd, if we were not here in the tower and out in the world, do you think that we would have met?" Deedolett looked up from the book she was reading, to look at the back of Cullen's rust-colored hair.
He shifted from his position near the door and turned to look at her with a puzzled expression on his face.
"Why do you ask?"
Propping her chin on her hand, she thought about it and then waved the book she was reading so he could see the cover.
'Fate.'
"Ah." He thought for a moment, considering her question, "Well that is tricky, I believe people meant to cross paths in life eventually, so I would have to say yes if we were out in the world then it would be possible to meet one day." He leaned in a little closer so no one could hear. She smelled of honeysuckle in the summer.
Deedo blinked and smiled. "Sir, I always find something new about you every time we talk, and here I did not think that you believed in this, Oh mighty Andrastian, it goes against your teachings." She rose from her seat to get a snack from the kitchens. He followed her to face the door once more.
She stopped turning to face him, smiling, suddenly being pulled away by Jowan, her laughter filling the air. With a look of absolute longing on his face. Clasped on the shoulder, a voice sing-song, "I do believe you are blushing ~." Came from the other side of him. "Well, well, someone has fallen." A tall blond smirked.
Cullen's face burned hotter as he watched Anders trotted off after the young Elven woman, leaving Cullen fiercely trying to regain his composure.
Visions of Olett, as she is in her own world, lost within the pages of a book.
Deedolett was reading near the window in the enormous library. She looked so peaceful and perfect; he did not want to disturb her reading.
"Deedolett?" Cullen tentatively called a few feet away from her.
She looked up, blushing when she realized who was standing before her, placing her finger in the spot she last read, "Oh, hello." She had not heard him approach. Her thoughts had wandered to being in the position the book described. Then it became too fascinating to put down.
"The First Enchanter asked if you could go to the nursery to see to the new children that arrived, a set of twins amongst them." He looked at the book in her hand, then to her lovely face.
"Twins?" She hopped down from the sill and handed him the book as she made her way to the door. "Oh, that book I will need back later if you do not finish it first." She then hurried to the nursery.
He turned the book overlooking at the title, 'Lucid Dreaming'
Opening the book where she left off, 'Dream-walking' Cullen stood for a moment reading just a small paragraph.
'Fade-walking is a way to communicate with others by either being conscious or unconscious- close and vast distances. One must first master the conscious state before trying to communicate to those you wish to see. Be it a simple desire to see them, or they are in need of help.
It is a meditative process varying from person to person, but once mastered, you can enter the dreams of others, and it will be as though you are standing there with them.
Every touch, taste, and smell is more intense than the living world. It is also said that one can lose themselves to the feelings that they created or provided.'
"Every touch, taste, and smell." Cullen's mind wondered, "Oh, Maker!" He blushed as he promptly marked the place for Deedo and returned to his duties.
Cullen awoke he slowly opened his amber eyes to the partly darkened ceiling, 'Miss Surana, why are my dreams of you so vivid?'
Seeing that he would not be going back to sleep, saw that the sun was creeping, casting colors of deep pinks and blues. He went to his dresser and pulled a few books, which he had stolen shortly after her departure, from their hiding spot under his tunics. He kept them hidden, but they saw plenty of ware from his thumbing through. Lighting a candle, he sat back onto his bed and read.