-•-

"I'm sorry you had to witness that" Suzuran gracefully pressed her heels on the building with her zither levitating next to her while Calyx picked Linthea up in a bridal style before seeking her audience.

"My songs can't undo her spell against your friend but I can ameliorate them" Suzuran placed her floating instrument in front of Linthea as she played a short tune, she placed a hand over the woman's forehead and nods.

"She'll be fine, tomorrow she will not remember a thing" Her insect-like eyes familarize the individuals around her and spotted a familiar face.

"Who are you..? And why did you help us" Kale questioned. Suzuran turned to him with her lips contorting a sly smile.

"My real name is Koto..the common folk knows me as Suzuran, I happen to encounter this demon and her spell's weakness to soothing sounds of music, so I thought I should drop by and lend a hand" She leaned close before giving a wink, the honey on her instrument never sticking unto Kale's clothes which he wanted to shy away.

"Thank you Miss Koto for saving us... although I would be worried for your wounds" Calyx said ever kindly that Suzuran missed to cover her chuckle.

"Fret not, I will tend to it when I return" She swiped off the greenish blood oozing from her face leaving four shallow cuts.

"Dewa, I should be going" She flapped her soft petal-like wings of red over black as if marbled from afar that levitated her off the roof. With her zither close to her chest, the humanoid butterfly flew away as if she was a fleeting dream no one will believe in.

"May we meet again gentlemen, in the land of lavender flames"

-•-

"Take her home" Calyx hands over Linthea to Kale's waiting hands. The more he stays the more he'll get plagued by the scenarios in the past.

"And here I thought you'll be her knight and shining armor" Kale received her gently and flashed a smirk to the other male.

"I'm not." He praised himself for striking a nerve, "If that's the case...I should warn you of the demon we encountered" Kale's face turned serious while Calyx paused his steps and turned his head back.

"Kallichore...the demon of Control. With a weak mind and body connection she can control you with just a flick of her finger....we were lucky that Koto woman showed up"

Calyx narrowed his eyes at his words, "You sure know alot chicken boy" He snides and went on his way leaving Kale imitating his gestures before he walked off as well.

-•-

"So warm..."Kale paused in mid-air to look at the woman he's carrying, still sleeping soundly as if it's the only thing that mattered 'If that woman was right.... she's in a good dream by now' he mentally sighed in relief and resumed flying towards her home.

He had never witnessed her so vulnerable and weak such as this and it slightly gave him satisfaction to view her so. The Linthea he knew always hides behind a smile and flattering words that'll work it's way like a caterpillar to a fruit. He held her close as if she's a dear friend to him, all of it was wrong except for the familiarity that lingered deep within his heart.

Was she someone he knew well?

Kale looked down at the woman who's snug to his hold, her lips drawing a thin smile, he shook his head and resumed flying back to the mansion

If only he could dream like that. He would trade everything in the world.

"Mama..."The sole mention of her mother alerted him. His eyes dilated as he spun to check on her, breaths tried to stabilize him before he breaks the calm waters of his being.

"Why...did you leave us?" Linthea whimpered as a tear escaped her closed lids. Kale finally exhaled as he regained his composure and twists the handle of her window open.

Kale gently laid her on the bed and observed the fair features of her serene face. By unreasonable whim, he pressed a palm on her face and lingered there for a bit as if basking in her warmth; he mentally slapped his face and turned to close the curtains.

A hand grabbed him by surprise. Her illuminated face contorts in fear and sadness. He'd blame the moon for giving the dark brown haired woman an ethereal glow.

"The dream must be ending now" he muttered to himself.

"Don't...go" The woman choked on her silent sobs. He pitied this cruel dream bestowed upon her and instead covered her hand with his. His expression softened as he calmed her sobs down with a soothing caress and a small humm he imitated from Suzuran's tune. Seeing that his efforts are paying off, Kale dipped down to place a kiss on her forehead.

"Sleep well, qīn'ài de"

Linthea's grip on him loosened, an indication that she finally succumbed to sleep, her cries died down and was replaced by the soft rise and fall of her chest.

The dream came to an end and it's time for him to take his rest. Ruby eyes observed for any changes before a hand brushed her tears away and covered her with a blanket. After ensuring that nothing can disturb her sleep, Kale slipped out of her room back to his.

His encounters today sure were fruitful.

—

Archive Log: Honeybasked Maiden

 Koto is affiliated to the Keepers of Glade. There are atleast 7 of them within their own providence. Koto's mundane name is Suzuran and she carries a koto (Japanese zither) as her weapon.