I bolted upright in the bed with sweat pouring from my face. I was shivering. My breathing was heavy and quick. My heart was beating very quickly and urgently.
"Is everything alright?" A flame flickered in the darkness of the room. The mage sat up and rubbed his eye with his open hand and yawned.
I just stared at him in horror. I felt the ache of tears gather in my throat and consume my vocal chords that if I may choose to speak I would be thrown into a fit of sobs. Tears stung my eyes as I fought for control over my own body. I had started shaking.
"Sartyl? Are. You. Alright?"
I opened my mouth to say "yes" but instead was overpowered by sobs and hysterics.
"Sartyl, what's wrong?" The mage lifted himself onto the edge of the bed.
I choked on words. I managed to choke out, "I killed him."
"Who? Who did you kill?"
"The Stormcloak." Talking was getting easier.
"Did you have a reason?"
"Marcurio, what if I go mad and just start killing for no reason? What if I become a murderous lunatic?"
"Look, I doubt you will become a murderous lunatic after one kill. You obviously feel bad about it. You're fine." Marcurio moved closer to me and wrapped me in his embrace.
SIowly, I began to calm down and my breathing began to return to normal once again.
"Will you hold me until I fall asleep?" I felt pitiful asking someone who is little more than a stranger to me to do this.
"Sure." I fell easily back to sleep.