Midnight Clear

His head lifted as he heard the rustling and shifting from Solveiga’s alcove. He listened, wondering if she was having difficulty sleeping, and was about to rise to check in on her when the rustling stopped with a sound like she’d jerked out of a bad dream. He was sitting up as she padded by then shifted her path to peek in at him.

He smiled gently at her. “I am, yes. Is everything alright?” He lowered himself back down, though he remained on his belly, in case she wanted to go for a walk. His low voice was a soft rumble, slightly echoed by the stone walls of his alcove.

“You can come in if you like?” It seemed as though she’d been troubled, and he’d be content if he could help her feel better. Despite his weariness, he’d stay up as long as it took.