Author's note :

Okay, so actually I made a chapter from Belrand's point of view, because I could not leave the lad out in good conscience. So three chapters in the end, thelast one from Galaadal's point of view and the end of this horrible event.

Enjoy the bonus-chapter !


Well, Belrand certainly did not expect that turn of events.

It has been hours now. Hours since Lucia's death, hours since Galaadal had hit, then dismissed Erandur.

Crap.

Belrand had grown found of both of them during the short amount of time they had spent together.

A Nord and a Dark Elf.

They made a funny couple.

He was petting one of Galaadal's horses. A beautiful grey stallion with white dots. Galaadal was sitting near a stone arch, where she had put Lucia's body.

Belrand did not know what to say, and neither did Galaadal. Maybe there was nothing to say.

Or maybe it was because Galaadal was a Listener.

And he was no Speaker.

And they had lost their Watcher.

Belrand sighed.

Nothing to be done.

He wondered.

About Erandur.

He may be no Watcher, but he had seen Erandur's emotions when he got hit.

Confusion.

Sorrow.

Understanding.

But no anger.

Erandur was a calm fellow. He did not speak that much, but loved commenting on the various places they visited. When Belrand had asked him about it, he had not hesitated for a second to tell him about his experience at the Bards' College.

Still, Belrand knew the mer was hiding some sort of secret. One Galaadal seemed fully aware of.

Maybe that was what had brought them together.

A Nord and a Dunmer.

Belrand was dragged away from his thoughts by Galaadal finally moving.

She ran inside the house, only to come back a minute later.

Belrand tried to watch.

And to his own amazement, he saw.

Saw the new object Galaadal was carrying.

Ahzidal's Ring of Necromancy.

She had carried it from Solitude.

Told him about its abilities.

But he saw it too late.

After all, he was no Watcher.

« Wait, don't ! » he shouted.

But Galaadal had already cast the spell.

And Lucia rose.

At least her body did.

Because it was not Lucia anymore.

Because Lucia died hours ago.

And so Belrand and Galaadal watched.

They watched the body covered in light snow.

Watched the rigid posture.

Watched the closed eyes.

She was here.

And yet so far away.

Galaadal's hand rose.

Her fingers lightly brushed her daughter's cheek.

« Lucia ? »

She was trembling. Her hand, her voice, her entire being.

And Belrand felt and ounce of her sorrow.

And it was the worst feeling he had ever experienced.

Then he heard a gasp behind him.

Samuel was standing in the threshold.

Belrand went to him.

« You shouldn't watch this, kid. » he said.

Maybe there were other things to say, better than that.

Or maybe there was nothing to say at all.

The boy looked at him, tears flowing freely on his cheeks.

« She won't be coming back, will she ? »

Belrand closed his eyes, and took the kid in his arms.

« No, kid, she won't. »

Samuel cried.

And Belrand did all he could not to.

« Neither will dad. » said suddenly Samuel between two sobs.

Belrand wondered about this.

Would Erandur come back ?

Maybe if Galaadal went to get him.

« You dad will come back, kid. »

He tried to be as reassuring as he could.

But again, he was no Speaker.

Then, he heard an explosion.

He looked quickly at the source of the sound.

Lucia's corpse had exploded into thin ice.

And Galaadal was holding her shoes.

The only thing left of her.

And Belrand knew what was coming.

So he quickly went backinside with Samuel.

He sighed.

And wondered.

What to do ?

Slowly, he kneeled in front of Samuel, his hands on the boy's shoulders.

« Kid... » he began, uncertain. « I... need to speak to your mom, alright ? »

Samuel nodded slowly.

« So... I, ah, need ya to stay here alright ? Maybe... prepare some food and drink for your mom, alright kid ? »

Samuel nodded again.

« Alright, we'll be back. »

And so Belrand went back outside.

Rain had started to fall.

Galaadal was crying.

Loudly.

Screaming even.

Belrand did not wonder anymore.

He ran towards her, and envelopped her with his arms.

And Galaadal let go.

She cried, screamed, fought, and then went limp. Belrand closed his eyes. He has to be strong now. He must be.

By the time the woman calmed down, both of them were drenched and freezing.

« Let's go back inside, eh ? » asked gently Belrand.

Galaadal only had the strength to nod.

A few more hours passed. Hours of silence, and wondering.

Belrand wondered.

It was what he did best.

And then it struck him.

Someone was missing.

Galaadal was sitting by the fire, a bottle of Alto wine in her hand.

Fortunately, she was not a big drinker.

It was her only bottle.

Belrand sat by her side.

« Watcha gonna do now ? » he asked.

Galaadal shrugged.

« Don't know. »

Suddenly, she let go of the bottle and put her head in her hands.

« By Julianos, I am such an idiot.

- Why ? »

She looked at him with those fierce, iron-blue eyes.

Those eyes a certain Dunmer loved.

« I made a terrible mistake. »

She got up.

« I have to fix this. »

Hesitation.

She looked at the door leading to the bedroom.

Belrand understood.

« Do you trust me ? » he asked.

She looked at him again, questioningly.

« Yes. »

Her voice was firm and confident.

Belrand bowed his head lightly.

« Then go. I'll watch over Sam. »

She hesitated.

Understandable.

Belrand rose and went towards the bedroom.

« He won't leave my sight for a minute. »

She pressed her lips together, but nodded.

Belrand smiled.

« Go and get that pious ass back here. »

She smiled lightly.

And she left.

Belrand played with Samuel, and told him some of his most exciting adventures. It was good to see that the kid's mind was somewhere else for a moment.

But, at the same time, he could not stop wondering.

How will all of this end ?

And so he wondered.