Bird Furious

Yes, in the sky. Oh, Tors… he said it took you. What happened?

We were looking for someone to help TAAron. The cities were all empty. And then he said something about ‘What have I done? Save yourself.’

I found his dream. I met Tristan. She paused. TAAron got struck by lighting and got knocked out. In the dream. But it didn’t end. That was weird. And then later, he disappeared and Tristan was still there. That’s when I left. I didn’t think about it at the time, but that doesn’t seem right. I don’t know much about dreams, though.

I know he’s trapped again, in a similar room. Nameless might be able to trace the signature, once I wake up and tell him. But I have to hurry. She looked around at the barge again, sadly.

Essa said I’m too magically unstable to belong in the world where this all happens. Once I wake up… I’ll probably never be able to see this again.

“Oh well. What about pillows?”

TAAron. Her stomach lurched. I knew I was forgetting something. I… I just got so caught up in this… She looked around sadly. It’s been a dream. But I really should go. You’re right, Tors.

No. I just… Tors, this is Kella. This is a cornerstone event for the Rerising! And it’s all happening right here! This is the first time the Xairim are forced to retreat in THOUSANDS of years. Tors, this is incredible!

I know TAAron’s in trouble. But Tors… I can’t leave. This is the Exodus of Kella. That’s Serilda. That winged woman is Mika.

Haly stared at the woman—at Serilda—with wide eyes. Is this real? Did she really look like this? Her gaze slid past her to the landmass the barges were leaving behind. Lumi’s back there. The Master of the Darkfall is back there. Tazrathi’s here though… right? Wait, doesn’t she go by Tezi now? I’m sure Mika is suspicious of her. She shouldn’t be. Tazra—um, Tezi has really and truly defected to their side. In her final account, she outlines the dangers of forgetting. And she was right. Seri turned and straightened, smiling a strained smile. “Kella was wonderful. I’ll miss it.” ”You don’t have to pretend,” Haly whispered. “I know you’re heartbroken.” Her facade crumbled. “Lumi doesn’t deserve this,” she whispered. “I can only hope that someday…” she trailed off, turning swiftly away, but not before Haly saw the shimmer in her eyes. She wanted to reassure Seri, tell her that Lumi would be okay, and that her captor would fall. She just had to hang on for a few thousand years. But, as Essa always said, messing with the story could change the outcome. Since when have I listened to Essa? She sighed. Since now, I guess. Haly joined Seri, leaning against the railing and watching Kella grow further and further away.

Nayka watched MeSaan curiously. She’d never had much interaction with people that didn’t include daggers and shouted threats, so she was looking forward to getting to know them. Do you go talk to somebody, or do you wait for them to talk to you? She found it a little sad that she didn’t know.

Haly jolted into a new dream. A wooden floor rocked beneath her feet, and the boundless sky above met the sea on three horizons. Near her position, an albinistic woman with white wings shouted orders. Haly made her way over to the other side of the barge’s deck, where another woman stood alone, grasping the wooden railing with white knuckles. Her nut-brown hair fell to the middle of her back, and her posture evidenced her longing and pain. Serilda, Haly realized with a shock. But how? I never met her. How am I dreaming this?

“Ground up fruit drink. Any monsters around here I can fight?”

It’s just a dream, it’s just a dream… Of course, this dream somehow persists, even though he’s out. Haly sighed. “I can stay for a little bit, but we have to hurry.”

“I…” I need to go find Nameless so he can find a leftover magic signature. Then we can go save TAAron. “I need to leave. I have a lot of things that need to get done, and if I don’t hurry…”

Haly bit her lip. “Wynn is a friend.” She peeked through some windows herself, but found nothing. “Tristan…” she struggled with herself, but couldn’t find the words.

Haly debated between being vague, telling some truth, and not telling any truth at all. “She’s a trident who talks to my mind. And Wynn’s, and TAAron’s. She’s really great.” She Found a marshmallow up in the air and caught it with her mouth.

“Tors is a friend. My name is Haly. I don’t know Bonum, and I have no idea what a middleworlder is. Is TAAron going to be okay?”

Take Tors… “I don’t think anyone else is out here, no. What happened to Tors?”

“I’m… not important.” Haly glanced up at the sky and then down at TAAron’s face. “We’d better hurry.”

Haly gently lifted TAAron from the boy to walk toward the town. She glanced back, wondering if the boy could see her or not.

Haly knelt next to him, confused and concerned. “Are you okay? TAAron?” Knocked out in a dream? How?