Insomnia. (A response to The Call.)

[Perhaps a bit late, but here we go.] Another night of restlessness. Eleni had too much on her mind, and her insomnia was becoming more prevalent again. She lay in bed for an hour or so, listening to Icehawk breathe, considering waking him to hear his voice, to talk idly till her mind was eased and she could find a bit of rest, but knowing how hard he works, how much he needed his sleep. She climbed carefully over him and pulled on her black clothes, leaning in to kiss his cheek softly and whisper, "I won't be long," before quietly sneaking out of the Frost Bite. Icehawk had stirred a little, as if to ask her not to go, but Eleni needed some conversation or at least a bit of fresh air. By the grace of Sune, she made it quickly to Westbridge and climbed the stairs of the Market Square Cafe to take her usual thinking spot on the round table on the roof. She'd been hoping to find a friend or even a stranger with whom she could discuss the philosophies of love and truth and self, but the streets seemed oddly barren. Fewer people seemed to be venturing out into the streets at night, perhaps noticing the recent rise in the local vampire population. Even the undead seemed scarce on this night, though. The black-haired, black-clad halfling's skin almost glowed in the moonlight, its pale radiance such a stark contrast to its dark surroundings. Looking out over Market Square, she noticed an odd glow and wondered how she could have possibly missed it when she'd gone through the square. She looked down at it, unable to discern the words or its meaning from where she sat. She jumped from the table and moved silently over to the ledge, staring at the strange light intently for a while, considering whether she should investigate or not. Her decision was made for her though, as a figure moved quickly into the square. In the darkness, she could not be sure but she thought it Kalina, whom she had the pleasure of meeting on a couple occasions. Her interest seemed also to lie in the strange message. Shortly after Kalina moved on, more people, one by one, came to investigate, some Eleni recognized and some she did not, each reacting in their own ways. Her curiosity was becoming too much, her feet itching to pad downstairs and see the message for herself. She could not tell if those reading it had been drawn to it or simply passing by, but there it was, she saw it too, and it was out in the open to be read. Silently, she crept to the square, cautiously glancing about before moving to the enigmatic note. Quickly she read it, her lips curling to a smile as she noticed Sylus's seal upon it. His gentle advice and guidance had helped her greatly in the recent past, and he had earned much respect and admiration, as well as friendship, from her. The message, however, seemed to call to those who had already served him, some warriors of the past she knew nothing about. She walked quietly from the square and headed east, back toward Torregiano and the warm bed that awaited her. "It was not for me," she told herself, considering the call during the long walk home. "He needs people he knows, people who are pure, kind, GOOD. That isn't me. Still..." She turned her eyes upwards, staring at the radiant night sky, feeling blessed to be up at this hour able to see such beauty. In soft prayer, she whispered to the dark expanse, to her friend, "If you need me, Sylus, I am here for you. I may not be the best warrior or the purest heart, but you're deserving of my fealty and respect. If you find me worthy, I am here." She continued her walk home in silent thought, having found no peace of mind, but rather more to consider. Dawn was breaking as she arrived at her lover's home--or was it now also her home. Exhausted from the long walk between the two cities and her lack of sleep, Eleni slunk into bed next to Icehawk, comforted as his arms wrapped around her petite frame, and for a few hours, she slept.