Chapter 2:

Sonea awoke slowly, not wanting to release herself from the warmth of sleep. Sunlight smothered her in light and she sat up gently. She ached all over and her head was all fuzzy. Then she remembered where she was. Rothen's spare room. He had walked her back to his room half in a daze over the days events, she had fallen asleep the second her head hit the pillow. As she exited the room she was met by Rothen and Dorrien, who were sat talking.

"Ah, Sonea you are finally awake!" Rothen said smiling. He got up and gave her a tight hug.

"Yeah, though I don't feel it." Sonea muttered, muffled by Rothen's robes.

"You've slept for two days."

"What?!"

"We let you rest, but don't worry, everything is fine." Rothen assured her.

"What about Akkarin?"

"He is with the Healers and is recovering well. Would you like me to take you to him?"

"Yes please!" She said, now fully awake.

As they excited the quiet magicians' quarters Sonea saw few magicians wandering about. Rothen had explained that in the two days she had slept the bodies had been brought to the university and identified, and most had been buried in the now extended cemetery. Now most were resting and mourning, some were helping clear the rubble in the city so that the families could return. As they reached the Healing Quarters, she could smell a familiar healing smell and see Healers rushing about. Rothen led her to the closest recovery room and knocked, hearing no answer he sent his mind forth and found Akkarin was alone and was sleeping. He opened the door carefully "I'll stay out here." He said softly. The room was dark, the window covered by a thick blind, and it was cramped. Her eyes just made out the bed and the figure asleep on it. She smiled and approached him, glad to know he was alive and recovering. She created a faint globe light so she could see him better and bent to his head and kissed him lightly. He stirred and his eyes slowly opened, focusing on the figure in front of him. "Sonea?" He whispered softly.

She smiled "It's me." She replied, smile widening. He smiled back and coughed hoarsely as he tried to speak more. "Don't speak or move, just recover. I don't want you hurting yourself accidentally." She heard the door open behind her and in walked Vinara. She placed her hands on Akkarin, checking his recovery, smiled at Sonea then signalled for her to come outside. "I'll be back later," she whispered to Akkarin "I love you." She then kissed him firmly on the lips and left the room.

"His recovery has been slow so far, though the magic he is gaining is going solely to healing. He won't have to stay here much longer though, a few more days and he should be able to get out of bed. I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but I must go treat others now." And with that she left, but Sonea had heard the news she needed. Akkarin would be fine again soon.