"It's time to wake up, lazy bones." His breath rushes past her ears.
Aethelrien, squeezes her eyes shut, swats one hand in the direction of his voice, and places her arm across her eyes in protest.
He sighs, "I guess I am the winner then..." His voice trails off and he leans forward, his long gray hair covering his face.
"Never." She mumbles, a sly smile showing beneath her arm. He grows quiet, and Aethelrien doesn't move as she lets the sun warm her body.
"GET UP...ELF!" The voice is not his anymore, and the air is foul and reeks of rotten flesh.
Aethelrien's eyes snap open in an instant, she sits up and looks around. Her ears keen and listening to the sounds around her. The woods are quiet and calm. She hears only the rustling of the breeze through the trees and the chatter of birds. Slowing her breath, she leans back against the tree, and closes her eyes, "Perhaps it is time to find someone who has my back. I can't do this alone anymore."
A single tear rolls down her face and she wraps her long fingers around the ring hanging from the silver chain, missing her brother.
