"I would step in now if I knew how to," he said, rubbing his temples. "But I can't find the attacker, and she won't let me help." *** "Alright," Ellia agreed as they walked back. "I'm sure she's probably not to eager talk about it anyway."
"It can be stressful," she said hesitantly, thinking about her words, "But it'll be over eventually."
"Yeah, that's what Natalia said," Jack replied with a hard laugh. "Whoever it was realized that their attack was a mistake somehow, and they're going to try to remedy that mistake. We just have to be ready." *** "No," Ellia said, trailing off. "No, I suppose we're not. Although she is crazy lucky that the wound wasn't a couple of inches down. It could have easily pierced her heart or her lungs."
"Let's not think about what could've happened... it was very lucky of Jade to not be extremely hurt. Just remember that."
Jack, his eyes reflecting his inner weariness, finally turned to Avice. "C'mon," he said, standing up and offering her a hand. "We should get you to your room. Curfew is in an hour." *** Ellia thought back to that terrifying moment when she saw Jade's body. "Y'know, I thought it was Natalia that had been stabbed at first," she said, thinking back. "Their hair is such a similar color."
Avice made her way to her room, which didn't seem very hard to find. Once the door opened, pages could be heard fluttering, after the stagnant air moved with the motion of the door. She lit an oil lamp, which revealed the small space. Her hammock-like bed was bare of everything except an unidentified animal skin. Her floor had the occasional splatter of color, but was otherwise tidy. In the corner sat a flat chest, littered with papers that were covered in designs and paint.
"Often. When there's nothing interesting to draw, I make up my own worlds and paint those. That's usually at night. But I'd say I paint in here often."
Avice nodded, and knelt down to shuffle through the pile of papers. After rummaging, she picked up a small piece of paper. "I think you'll like this one." She said, handing it to him. It was a expertly drawn painting of that night in Urela. From the viewpoint of a rooftop, it looked down upon those celebrating, lit up with lanterns and indistinguishable dancers and people.
His fingertips traced the deft lines of the painting as he looked over it. His face turned a little softer, and he turned to look back at her. "This is incredible, Avice."
Jared sighed then yawned. "I'm going to go to bed... I guess I'll see you in the morning." He said, looking at Ellia.
Jared gave a quick wave and headed back to the kitchen. He went into his corner and pulled out his makeshift bed, lay down and went to sleep.
Avice grinned. "You think so? I think you should keep it." She said, brushing back her hair in slight embarrassment.
