"I honestly didn't think you'd actually meet me at the university. I thought they banned you."
"They did. Don't worry."
"Shit, man. How d'you get in?"
"I refuse to answer that question."
"Fun. But even so, thanks for walking back with me."
"I'd say anytime. But after I move to Stros M'kai, I won't leave home for a while."
Sun light beamed down through the treetops, creating puddles of light on the rough cobblestone road. The brush on the side of the road opened up every few feet, revealing rolling hills and more forest.
Valleri and Lexius ambled at an easy pace. The Redguard met her at the doors of the Arcane University after her deposition. The meeting was exhausting. Old, tedious men forced Valleri to go over the events of the last year over and over again. Eventually, the Imperial became so fed up and frustrated she walked out. Lexius' presence was a blessing she didn't even ask for and one she would never turn down.
The Imperial paused on the road and stared down the ravine. At the bottom was a slow moving creek. A path ran besides, barely visible against the underbrush. Without warning, Valleri's chest tightened as she struggled to breathe.
"Lex, I'll be right back!" the Imperial yelled as she ran down the hill, leaving her brother behind. She heard him yelling behind her. But she couldn't bring herself to turn back. Rushing down the hill at neck breaking speed, Valleri halted as she met the edge of the river. Valleri took a deep breath in as she let her feet take her down the path.
Minutes passed as she rushed forward. Valleri slowed as she came into an opening. Time seemed to stop as she stared at an old stone building. The walls were in disrepair, chipped and destroyed by kudzu and vines. Stained glass windows were shattered, revealing the weathered interior of the building. The small garden that had been once verdant with vegetables and flowers was overgrown with weeds.
The Imperial stared at the scene of the priory for only a moment before she heard footsteps behind her.
"Valleri? What is this place?"
Valleri looked over her shoulder to Lexius. "I thought it was a dream, but apparently not."
"Wait, what?"
"I'm gonna look around for a few moments," Valleri muttered, shaking her head. Breathlessly, Valleri made her way to the door of the priory building, stopping when she reached the entrance. The door was unhinged and letting the elements enter the building. Still, the layout was the same. The same table where she sat in her dream was in the parlor and the kitchen was still open in the back. Stairs separated the rooms and led up to the living quarters.
Thoughtlessly, Valleri stepped inside, searching for the woman that may have been making lunch in the back. Disappointment filled her chest when she found the place deserted. Instead, the smell of rotting wood and leafy growth hit her like a door.
Valleri chided herself silently. What did she expect? It was only a dream before.
The Imperial turned back to the stairs. The steps creaked underfoot as Valleri made her way upstairs. Parts of the floor had worn away, revealing grey wooden planks making up the foundation of the second floor. Beds and chests, once pushed against the back wall, laid scattered amongst the room. Valleri stole only a glance, then turned to the rest of the floor. A side room caught her attention. Valleri tensed as she went in. This room was in better shape and fit for a family. A gigantic bed took up a side wall, covered in a torn, moth-eaten quilt, while a crib stood in a corner. Near the window was a desk.
Valleri lingered by the crib for a moment. Memories of the woman's words echoed in her head. Gulping, Valleri chased the tight feeling away and made her way to the desk. The piece of furniture was almost untouched by time. It had been over twenty-five years since someone had used it, and a plume of smoke rose when she opened a drawer. In the back was a small, yellowed piece of paper. Remnants of a water stain marked the corner half of the paper. But the script was readable.
Shivers ran down the Imperial's spine when she recognized the words.
To My Daughter Valleri, From Uriel
"Valleri?"
Looking up, the Imperial woman saw with Lexius' face, filled with tentative concern. His eyes darted from her to the letter. He walked over and read the sentence. Finally, he exchanged an uneasy glance with his sister.
"You okay?"
Valleri paused for a moment, staring into space to mull over her words. They came out slowly, shakily even. "It's like I'm dreaming again, except its run away from me. I feel like I'm missing something. And its hard because I never had it in the first place."
"Val. That makes no sense." The Redguard paused, furrowing his brow. He gestured quickly to the letter in her hand. "Are you gonna read it?"
The Imperial's grip on the letter tightened, crinkling the edge of the paper. She took a sharp breath in, then softened her grip as she let her breath go. Methodically, Valleri placed the letter back into the desk and sealed it away.
"It was never meant for me, Lex." Mustering a smile, Valleri trekked back to the yard. "Let's go home now. This place is abandoned. And we have family waiting for us."
Lexius watched his sister's back for another few seconds. He spared another glance at the desk drawer before following Valleri outside. She was right. There was no time to focus on something they never had. Instead, a family filled with love and support was waiting for them to return.