Chapter the Fourth

Iraella was tormented when she went to bed. She didn’t see anything, but she thrashed and kicked for no reason in her sleep. It hurt. Finally, Silera came and awoke her daughter.
Iraella jolted upward, flinging sweat onto Silera. Silera wiped it off of her forehead with her hand and looked into Iraella’s eyes. They were somewhat wild and bloodshot, which was very unusual for her. “Dear, were you having any more dreams?” she asked gently.
Iraella shook her head. “I’m just sore,” she said. She climbed out of her old spring bed and let Silera guide her out of the room.

Later that day when Iraella was trying to read a book, she heard a knock at the door. “Who is it?” she called, for she was quite comfortable on the couch and not wanting to go through the trouble of stumbling all over the place.
Baeddan’s head peeked through, smiling. Iraella grinned at him. Finally, someone who she could talk to! Iraella set aside her book and started to stand, then collapsed back onto the couch. Baeddan’s smile turned to a frown. “Everything alright, Ira?” he asked.
“Yes, I’m just feeling rather sore,” Iraella replied, a little annoyed since everyone had been asking her that all day.
Baeddan entered and sat down beside Iraella. They sat in peaceful quiet, as they often did, not always needing to speak to enjoy each other’s company. Then, Eamon came in. He glared at Baeddan, making the boy rise.
“Goodbye, Baeddan,” he said coldly.
“Father!” Iraella gasped. Eamon looked at her sternly. “I think that Baeddan should go home, dear. He is not welcome here any longer,” he said.
Baeddan hung his head. “My apologies, sir,” he said, making his way towards the door. “Goodbye, Iraella,” Baeddan finished as he walked through. Iraella glared at Eamon, her eyes shining. “Why?” she asked angrily.
“He isn’t responsible, he snuck you out in the middle of the night! I don’t trust him,” Eamon said, looking away from Iraella’s cold stare. Silera entered the room. “Might I ask what is going on in here,” she said, running one hand through her dark brown hair.
“He sent Baeddan away!” Iraella accused, thrusting her index finger at her father. Silera’s eyes softened as she came and sat next to Iraella on the couch. “Your father and I spoke before we went to bed last night, and we decided it wouldn’t be best for you and Baeddan to see each other anymore,” Silera said. She placed her hand and Iraella’s shoulder. She spoke so soothingly, it was hard to be upset. Iraella started rubbing her temples.
“Help me go to my room,” Iraella demanded, her voice shaking. She was rather embarrassed that her parents had to help her.
“Okay, dear,” Silera said softly. She helped support her daughter and she escorted her to her room. As soon as Iraella plopped heavily onto her bed, she told her mother to leave. Silera only respected her wishes and left the room with a “call me if you need anything.”
Iraella had only started to cry when she realized that they didn’t have to be apart forever. They could sneak out again! This, of course, could be foolish. Iraella pushed that idea out of her mind, then began to conspire about how she could get to Baeddan’s cottage while she was a fumbling mess.