3

Chapter 3

Daine woke up with a start, nearly knocking Kelwarin off of her bed. Her breathing was erratic as she sat upright with wide eyes. She glanced at Kelwarin who was watching her carefully. The room was dark, except for the glow of the moonlight coming in from the window. She looked over at Kelwarin, who was rubbing his eyes sleepily. "What's wrong?" He asked groggily.

"Just a dream," she answered hesitantly.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

She sighed. "Not particularly. My mind has taken me places I'd rather it not."

"Ah," he said, knowing better than to press the matter further. She leaned over to grab her blanket, which she had discarded haphazardly earlier. The sheets and pillows were littered around her bed in several different directions, with the majority lying on the floor. She pulled them towards her chest and wrapped them around herself in an effort to stop shivering. "Are you cold?" Kelwarin asked tentatively.

She shook her head slightly. "It's not that...I was just dreaming. Sorry." She mumbled.

"About?" Kelwarin inquired. His curiosity was peaked.

Daine hesitated, unsure if she even wanted to share her thoughts. After a few moments of silence she spoke. "My father."

Kelwarin paused for a brief moment before responding. "And what happened?"

"He died..."

"I'm sorry." Kelwarin offered quietly, placing a hand gently on top of hers.

"Thank you," she responded, looking down at their intertwined hands. Her emotions seemed to be bubbling beneath the surface, threatening to burst forth and release her. All she could do was stare in despair at the hands of another human being, unable to comprehend how someone as simple as him could possess such overwhelming power over her.

There was a sudden knock on the door. Both Daine and Kelwarin jumped simultaneously as they quickly retracted their hands away from each other. "Come in." She called out.

Tallulah stepped into the room, carrying a large wooden tray holding a steaming mug and a plate stacked high with freshly cut fruits and berries.

Daine rose slowly from her bed. "I didn't realize you were still awake. I apologize for waking you."

"Not a problem," Tallulah replied cheerfully. Her blue eyes shone brightly as she set the tray on Daine's lap.

Tallulah reached out and grabbed Kelwarin's hand. She turned her head and looked up at him questioningly.