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“..Nithel?” Alessio whispered.

Nithel’s eyes lifted to him. Pained, but the man attempted a small smile for his friend, that slowly dwindled as he saw fear in Alessio’s eyes. He was sorry. About something. Is it- He cares about my tears. Yet unshed. Nithel’s lips twitched a small bit, teasing a grateful smile. Then Alessio touched Nithel’s arm, and heat filled Nithel’s bosom. He had not been touched, in such a way, since Mihael… Thank you. Nithel let the thanks fill his eyes.

Then Alessio punched his arm, playfully, and Nithel’s eyes twinkled. Then his teeth showed in the smallest smile. He was still a boy. Learning how-

“I take it this is our cue to rest,” The dragon rumbled.

Nithel jumped eyes darting over the room.

Woe. So… much. Nithel had never been in such opulence before. And the beds… He slept on a rug in the corner of Amit’s shop usually. Not even Mihael and Gabrel had, had such beds.

Alessio was staring at the windows. Nithel’s eyes were touched with a bit more happiness, face loosing the tautness at the youth’s joy.

Then the dragon spoke again, and Nithel heard something behind a white curtain. His first impulse was to walk through the fabric, immediately, find out what it was. But then fear touched him, and he hesitated.

“Are those books?” Alessio whispered, and Nithel’s gaze jumped to him again.

Books? Nithel looked where Alessio’s eyes were fastened, Books. Books were what had made Alessio so excited before. And chocolate. And windows now.  

Alessio looked back at Nithel, seeming to ask if he could go.

Nithel shook his head the smallest bit, an equally small smile on him. “Do not let me hold you back.” Then after a second, “But be careful Alessio.” Nithel’s brow furrowed the smallest bit. The books look inviting, but… what if we are truly meant to go through the white veil?

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