The room lingered in silence even after the shimmer of Erend's portal faded into nothingness.
Aurdis kept her eyes fixed on the spot where he had stood, her hands slowly curling into fists as if to hold onto the warmth of his presence.
Her heart beat unsteadily and torn between pride at his strength and fear of the dangers he faced. She bit her lips that Erend had kissed before, her feelings became heavy.
Saeldir let out a long breath, his gaze lowering as he adjusted his robe.
"He carries too much of a burden," he muttered, almost to himself. "Even for a Dragonborn. They all are."
Aurdis finally turned her head toward him, her expression still heavy.
"He carries it because no one else can. That's what frightens me the most," Aurdis said with eyes glimmering with tears.
For a moment, Saeldir did not respond. He simply studied her.
"You're not only frightened of what would happen to the world," he said quietly. "You fear for him, mostly."
