The next few days were spent in relative silence. Veleria often took walks with her appointed guard, whom she now knew as Sindel, while Adrian could usually be found at the same tavern from their first night in the elven domain. He had grown rather sour, in fact, so Veleria generally avoided him until he was passed out back in their room. She didn’t sleep nearly as much as he did.
She was avoiding “him,” too.
After five days, Auros De’Tarsons personally visited their lodgings. Adrian was still in the room, and Veleria put down one of Cromwell’s historic tomes. She still couldn’t read them to any extensive effect.
“Veleria,” said Auros, then he nodded towards Adrian. “What I am about to tell you is a matter of grave importance. Are you comfortable with Giarmund being present?”
“Yes, he can stay.” Veleria replied.
Auros turned to the closed door behind him, placed a hand on it, muttered something incoherent, and then turned back to Veleria when a shimmering sigil appeared on the door. He brought his palms together in front of him.
“I have finally gotten through to Lord Cromwell, and I’m afraid that I can no longer, in good conscience, discuss your situation before the Autumn Council. No…Not just to them, to any other of my kind.”
“What the hell.” Adrian whispered, looking between Auros and Veleria with knit brows.
Veleria cleared her throat, “is this about what you mentioned at the lake? What happened to all of you?”
She rubbed her scar. It was growing hot.
“I’m afraid so,” Auros sighed, leaning into the door. It appeared to ripple at his touch. “I cannot presume to understand the gravity of your situation, Veleria, but Lord Cromwell has made me well aware of its severity. Tell me, have you shown or told anyone else while I was away?”
“No,” said Veleria.
“This is good. The less people know, the better.” The elf ran thin fingers through his hair. Never had Veleria seen him so frazzled before. He had always been particularly, if not painfully, composed. “He did not give me specifics, I’m afraid—“
“Sounds about right for that asshole.” Adrian spat.
“Silence, Giarmund. This is beyond both of us.”
Before they could devolve into an argument, Veleria waved her hands in front of her.
“Honestly, this is all very cryptic, but I also see few options ahead of me. Just tell me, should I go to Lord Cromwell?” Veleria asked, approaching a suddenly hesitant Auros. The elf visibly jolted and held his hand out in front of him. She frowned at this display.
Auros composed himself. He smoothed out his robes, and then offered Veleria as genuine a smile as he could muster.
“Please forgive me. These revelations have shaken me…I dare not speak of them even with a silencing spell in place.” He said, and Veleria took a step back. “It would be best if you left the city and headed directly to Lord Cromwell. He is currently—“
“Is the asshole still holed up beneath Mt. Yelugh?” Adrian interrupted once more. Veleria shot him a look, though he ignored her in favor of Auros’s confirming nod.
“That is correct.”
“Fine, I’ll take her there, but I think you’ve lost your collective minds fucking around with that guy.” Adrian rubbed his glabella between his thumb and forefinger. “Mt. Yelugh is at least a three month journey on horseback. I get that you want us out, but I need time to plan our route. Give me a week, and I’ll have us out of here. Deal?”
“I will ensure that you have all the supplies you’ll need,” Auros bowed his head. “You have my gratitude, Adrian Giarmund. And, Veleria…”
She perked up immediately.
“Your safety is of the utmost importance. I beg you to not act recklessly. You are…” Auros shook his head, as if deciding better than to expound on this. “I pray that we may meet again under better circumstances.”
Veleria looked at the ground between them. Her chest was burning.