Flashback Fiction: Harrowing Aftermath

Kinloch Hold, Dragon 9:30 

Mara stared at the surface of the desk, tracing the grain of the wood with her fingers. She brushed a stray lock of hair from her eyes. She flinched seeing the stark white tresses in her hand. She sighed. From the corner of her eye, she saw the unmistakable shape of a Templar standing guard by the door.

A rustle of robes and heavy footsteps drew her attention to the figures walking into the room. Mara sunk down into the chair, trying to make herself as small as possible. It had only been a couple days since her Harrowing but she had only been awake for a few hours.

“Mara--” Irving started.

"Am I in trouble?” she squeaked out. She felt her heart racing in her chest. She wanted to run with it.

“What precisely is the nature of your relationship with Templar Cassius?”

Mara twisted the lock of hair between her fingers.

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Kinloch Hold, Dragon 9:29, Drakonis 10

Mara stood on her tip toes trying to shove the book on the shelf. Just when she was about to go look for a ladder or chair, someone stepped behind her and placed the book. She spun around and found herself face to chin with a Templar. She jumped back and hit the back of her head against the shelf behind her.

"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to startle you. Apprentice Mara, right?" He stepped back, giving her room. She rubbed the back of her head. He seemed familiar. He usually was on guard in the library late in the evening.

"Yes, ser," Mara mumbled. "I'm fine. I just need to--" Her voice trailed off as suddenly the room spun. Before she could get her bears she felt herself being moved to a chair.

"Shh Shh Shh. Just sit there for a moment, you must have hit your head a little hard. Let me get some water." He gestured for her to stay seated.

Mara murmured something and made a gesture. "I am fine. Thank you, Ser Templar."

"How?"

"Magic?" She tilted her head to the side, studying him ."I know you. Rather, I've seen you. You're always here late, aren't you?"

He smiled sheepishly. "It is the only time I get some time to myself. What's your excuse?"

"I know the feeling. It's why I volunteer for this duty."

He smiled again. "I'm Cassius."

"Mara. Right. You knew that. Hi." She blushed. "I... better finish straightening up. Thank you."