Mithril had been so tired she had fallen asleep on the floor, using her pack as a pillow. She might have moved if she had been conscious, but exhaustion had taken its toll and swiftly carried her off. Whiskers crept over to her and carefully snuggled inside one of her arms. The young wizardess hugged him tight in her sleep, as a child hugs a doll.

Her dreams were varied, filled with fanastic images from the books she had read and stories she had heard. But soon they turned darker, images of chokers separating her from her friends and as she ran, her falling into a dark pit. Unable to find handholds she pounded at the walls looking for an exit.

Mithril woke up in terror clutching Whiskers. She felt sweat covering her, and could feel Whiskers companion fear. Shaken she looked around at her sleeping companions and tried to calm down. It's alright, everyone is safe. No worries. Just breathe. She lay back down on the ground and drifted back into softer, kinder dreams.