An Elf's Tale, Part 47

Eshwlyn was awoken suddenly in the early glow of the morning.

A figure basked in blue light, Tilina in a low whisper, in a bleak tone, rousing her, and only her awake. "It is time," she said, wearing a distant gaze that barely even met hers. 

The apprehension, the fear, the crushing pressure clamping beat of her heart, all at once, they flooded back into her. Eshwlyn took a deep breath, felt the stream of air coating her lungs colder, dryer… autumn had ended, and winter had begun again. 

"You will follow me to the courtyard," Tilina went on, her eyes strangely tethered to the intricate patterns inscribed in the blue carpet by her feet. "Master will be expecting you there."