* * *
Muffled, angry voices punctuated by sharp pains broke through Devessa's thick shroud of unconsciousness. Finally the pains subsided, leaving only the angry voices, and Devessa was allowed to sink back under her shroud. Only the setting of the sun drew a silent cry from her as if, even unconscious, she knew of the horrors the night would bring. When the sun finished its slow descent, oblivious to her cry, she buried herself deeply within her shroud once again. Thankfully the shroud blocked even the angry voices this time.
* * *
Morning light fought to pry Devessa's eyes open. She didn't want to wake. She knew the pain waited for her just beyond the shroud. A light, similar to that which fought with her lids, tried to rouse her from within. Devessa tried vainly to shrug it off but eventually gave up.
**You must wake. If you do not, it will surely mean our deaths...**
Reluctantly, Devessa began to wake slowly through the veil. It held her back and slowed her progress as if she swam up from the bottom of a muddy bog. Finally she surfaced into the light. Devessa kept her eyes shut, letting them adjust to the light. She remained motionless as she examined herself for injuries. Her sides ached something fierce and she knew as soon as she moved there would be more than aching to deal with. Further examination revealed that both her hands and feet were tied securely.
Devessa let her cheek rest against the cool grass. Vague images of writhing masses and pain filtered into her consciousness. Confused, Devessa opened her eyes.
Seated directly across the fire from her was an elf. She couldnt make out much detail from the angle she was at but she could tell he was tired, battered, and in a foul mood.
Quietly and not moving she just kept her red eyes focused on the elf. All she could do was wait.