Written September 28th, 2020 2:17 PM

Being back at Sully’s was a comfort. The familiar smells and sounds of the inn lulled Ailith into a sense of calm, made better by her friends gathered around her. The feeling followed her up the stairs to her room, Feyra trailing behind and closing the door behind her. The darkness was sudden, washing away Ailith’s sense of serenity and replacing it with suffocating fear.

She couldn’t breathe. In her mind she could hear choked breaths echoing, a head resting heavily in her shoulder. There was no air, she was going to die down here-

Feyra shuffled her feet, bringing Ailith back to the present. She moved swiftly to her bed, pushing it so it sat directly under the window. Climbing onto it, Ailith opened the window wide, the cool night air welcome against her skin. Turning, she saw that Feyra had started rolling her bedroll out on the floor, her bow and quiver set against the wall.

Ailith felt a twinge at the sight. They had always shared a bed, before. It was never something that was discussed, never something they asked about – it just was. Ailith sat down, hands fidgeting in her lap. “You-” her voice came out hoarse and hushed. “You don’t have to sleep on the floor.” Her voice was stronger this time, but she didn’t look up from her hands. “You can share the bed.” She finally raised her head, startling slightly when she saw that Feyra was already regarding her with calm eyes.

“Okay. If you’re sure,” came the quiet response. Feyra didn’t wait for Ailith to confirm before packing up her bedroll and slipping into bed next to Ailith. They laid in silence for a few moments, Ailith listening intently to Feyra’s breathing.

“I hope it’s okay that the window is open,” Ailith broke the silence suddenly. “I just… I need the fresh air.”

Feyra hummed quietly. “Whatever you need.” Ailith smiled at the ceiling, letting Feyra’s steady breaths lull her to sleep.