The morning light crept in through the half-drawn curtains of Aveloria's chamber. The room was too quiet, too still. She sat by the edge of her bed, running her fingers absent-mindedly over the soft fabric of her sleeve. Her confinement has still not ended, which bothered her so much.
A soft knock came at the door. She looked up, startled. "Come in," she said.
The door opened, and Galen stepped in. His hair looked slightly damp, as though he'd bathed in a rush, and there were faint circles beneath his eyes. He closed the door behind him and stood there for a moment, watching her with quiet concern.
"Galen!" She stood up immediately and rushed to embrace him.
"How are you, Ave?" Galen asked, his voice even but gentle. He held her tightly in his arms as if she would disappear if he didn't.
