The First Dream

Kings of Magic

“You remind me of one I once knew,” spoke a simple woman’s tone to Alqon’s rear. “I used to find him just as this, scouring the dead worlds in false promise. I would say, ‘Enough is enough, little death. You will grow no stronger here, where there is nothing left to eclipse, nothing left to learn.’ For thousands of years, he continued the same in worlds not unlike this, without time or warmth. But he is smart. Wise to his own flaws and strengths. He and I knew this thirst for knowledge, for power was nothing but a sweet lie. With all his might and power, he was afraid. To fail, to live, and of himself, I would argue.” 

“Is he dead?”

“Who knows.” The woman glanced to a grand and quiet sky. Purged away by an overbearing green light, swimming through the darkness without eyes or limbs. Though fearsome in its might and size, one could not argue how beautiful the starless sky had become after it had eaten its fill.

“There are all sort of beings out there, and just as many worlds. If he is, then perhaps he can finally let go. Free himself and run as wild as he likes. He worries too much for others. Far too much. But you can never be too sure, can you? After all…” Her eyes lowered in a hungry gold shine. “There are so many secrets Sela’s realms hold, so many surprises.”

Alqon allowed a smile.

“You are biding your time, why?”

“I am lost.” The woman laughed. It was proud yet restrained, and calming to his wistful mind. 

“It is hard to believe anything can become this lost... to reach the dead worlds of Akiri said to have no end. It would be quite a feat.”

“You would know more than I.”

“You have not answered me, why do you bide your time?”

“... You remind me of someone as well. She had a single purpose, to kill the birds too close to the sun. Yet instead would stand over my shoulder like a mother over her babe.”

“You think she did not know what you are?” The woman looked up again. “What that is?” Then lowering to his cloak of wings, leaning off the edge above the once rich land and now sea of lifeless ground. 

“You are not a fool. Perhaps you simply wished for us to speak as much as I.” A song of silence came, along with laughter that caught with a building wind. Shifting away her shape and tongue into a passing blur.

“If this is the end, then so be it. But all of us have our limitations. Even you. There is a reason why you have come so far, is there not, lost one?” Her bending words and laughter trailed away, singing above the wind until only the one sitting upon the mountain’s edge remained within daunting silence after her voice was no more again. Only then did his tears flow like a falling river.

“You are always right. Aren’t you, Master.”

The First Dream II

 A knock came from the room's rear before the door crept wide. Signaling a pause to the weaving ink and birth of a hushed exhale. “My king. You should be resting.” With low brows she eyed the thin figure wrapped in a many dark scales and fur, fitting more like a blanket than a cloak. He did not give a reply to her words, only a soft stare of his own. Shaking her head, she set the plate of soups and wine he no doubt will not touch upon his table of scribbles and tomes.

“It looks delicious.” The king offered without a smile. Not that it was needed, his eyes spoke more than his lips ever would. He had not slept long, she wagered. Perhaps could not would be the better word.

“They will be arriving soon. Most of them. It seems two have become three. Though it will be some time before our newest arrives.”

 “… Three can become four quickly if you speak of who I think.” said the woman forcing a smile. The grey headed king moved his chin to the side as his servant set the utensils and napkins.

 “You are right. For now we have one. A girl. Be sure to give her a warm welcome, and have her meet Yefa. I have a feeling they will get along quite well.”

 “As you wish.”

 “You worry too much, Charlotte,” the king said with a small smirk. Pulling her eyes immediately toward him. “I am but a husk, a shadow. Seeing me in such a frail way worries you still I see, but I ensure you all is well. I am not your king.”

 His servant said nothing as her gaze drew low.

 “Go on. Enjoy the days. There is no work for you here. I will call for you to help him find his way when the time arrives.”

 “Then I will take my leave.” With a low bow the door crawled again to a slow close, and a deep breath behind it’s form. But in time her eyes steeled and steps began again where the sun’s shine reached all, her posture elegant, her face clean of emotion, and her wearings that of a warrior rather than a caretaker as she walked the streets of Zaeva’s greatest and only kingdom.