#denauriel

Barely skimming five feet on the older elf's easy six, the student arcanist's bearing held all the manner of a meek, timid lamb, right down to the mop of short, platinum curls that fluffed over his head and stopped just short of his jawline.  The bright blonde of many loose ringlets dabbed in red, ruffled awry in a way that would have made Minn'da quite restless.  Red color smeared across Denastien's lip, slowly drying in thinner spotting down his chin.  

In the absence of an answer, Denauriel swept both brother and book bag - the latter over one shoulder and the former in both arms.  Short, unadorned robes fluttered with motion, Denastien's gaze shifting to watch his legs bounce where they crooked over Denauriel's arm.  

In contrast to his thoughtless stare and mute demeanor, his mind was running, filling in that way that brought headaches and made his eyes hurt.  He often likened it to standing in an auditorium before a lecture.  There was no picking out any single conversation, or sometimes even a single word, but they were all around - hundreds of people chattering, even himself sometimes - ... but no sense, no structure, no deciphering of any of the swelling thought in his head.  Little bits and pieces warred for real acknowledgement, the feel of heat and fire too close to his face, uncomfortable warmth spreading over his cheeks at insults or embarrassing taunts.

A vague sense of dread pushed its way forward and he kicked a leg, shoving his hands against Denauriel's chest and writhing his way out of the taller elf's arms and staggering onto the sidewalk.  Academy buildings, some in spires, some in shorter, squatter architecture all loomed over him.  He hated feeling small.

"It was me, 'Auriel.  I did it!"  His voice blew forth in shrill soprano tones that Minn'da adored when sweet and singing and secretly hoped would never deepen once adolescence began to creep its way  - Denastien brought a hand to his forehead, fingers curling in short hair.  Stop thinking things.  Denauriel's confused expression wasn't helping.  Why couldn't he just know?