Merriment 3, Afternoon | [Voice]

[herarrows]

The more of these dreams I have, the less I feel I understand them. [Selenay sighs. There's definitely something she's missing in all of this, and she feels half-blinded without another Herald to consult, but she needs to work with what she has.

But really, would it be so awful to give her a Gifts teacher or two who would know more than she did about this sort of thing?]

Report in, I suppose. I know I'm not the only one with ForeSight, and we may as well combine our information.

Comments

[almukhtar]

I understand. This, too, is my usual way. Though I do sometimes feel what is yet to come it is more feel than see. ( A pause. If it was a lot for him then he can only assume it was the same for others. ) Do you require anything at this time?

[herarrows]

You're kind to ask, but I'll be alright I think. Lady willing, I'll grow accustomed to the damn dreams before too much longer.

[almukhtar]

Of course. We have not properly met, but I cannot help extend what little I may be able to do for those who have seen such things. I fear something terrible is coming.

[herarrows]

I suppose it would sound fatalistic to say that something terrible is always coming, but it certainly feels that way.

My name is Selenay, my Lord. I do appreciate your concern, but I will be alright.

[almukhtar]

It may well be so, but the darkness never lasts forever. We're here for such reasons after all, I understand?

Very well, Selenay. I am Atem. A pleasure, regardless the circumstances.

[herarrows]

Such wise words, my Lord. I suppose I am chastened.

And well-met to you also. Although I can't say much for the circumstances either.

[almukhtar]

( The way she speaks to him is very familiar. In one part comforting and another part awakens that restlessness. He can't help a smile, even if hidden from her view. ) You address me very much as those from home would. May I ask of yours? It has me curious.

[herarrows]

It's nothing like this, if that's what you mean. I suppose I must sound a bit archaic to most of the other passengers.

What would you like to know?

[almukhtar]

( A quiet laugh erupts. ) A little, but its familiar to me. I too come from a time far in the past compared to most, I think.

( Atem pauses. Thinks about what he would like to know. ) What you miss the most.

[herarrows]

[That manages to pull a small laugh out of her.] At least someone is comforted by it. Most of the time I feel like everyone else is trying to make sense of me.

My daughter. [That's an easy question to answer.] But I suppose that's not the kind of answer you're looking for is it?

[almukhtar]

Some part of me, at least. ( His voice was warmed by this comfort, even still. ) I think... I was searching for the answer you chose to give. It is hard to be apart from someone so close to your heart. Would you tell me of her?

[herarrows]

Still, it doesn't exactly provide much information, does it? [That doesn't make her answer any less the truth, but she'd definitely taken the question rather literally.]

She is everything I could have hoped for, considering I almost ruined her, but she is still somehow as kind and brave and intelligent as any mother could ask for. I worry for her and the mess I left her with when whatever snatched me dropped me here.

[almukhtar]

And you love her so, this much is clear to me. ( It might not tell him a lot of her world at first but it tells him a lot about her. A few truths of her world come later and he hesitates to ask. ) If it is not too direct to ask, was it war?

[herarrows]

I do. I only wish she won't be angry with me, should I manage to return.

It was, yes. And the start of it was as bloody as could be expected of mages and demons. It's still a wonder to me that we managed to take the day, though I'm certain that isn't hardly the end of it.

[almukhtar]

Dark times for you, too. My condolences.

If she is as you say, she will prevail and importantly she will forgive.

[herarrows]

Dark times for most of us, seems.

I have no doubts she will, but that hardly stops the guilt of leaving her behind to clean up what should have been my disaster.

[almukhtar]

( Oh, that is... too familiar. Leaving people behind to deal with his mess. His failures. His problems. ) I am... sorry. This is something that I understand in some way.

[herarrows]

You too, hmm? That hardly seems fair, at least one person should be allowed to be happy.

Have you left someone at home as well?

[almukhtar]

Yes... I'm afraid to say, many. I think of it often. Feel it's weight. ( He pauses for a small moment. ) But there is happiness to be found among all the dark. Do you have things to hold on to here in this way, Selenay?

[herarrows]

That was something of a ridiculous question, wasn't it? I suppose we've all left someone behind. [Or many someones.]

Here? Those things are a precious few and truly far between. I appreciate what friends I've made, but I would still rather be returned home.

[almukhtar]

I suspect, however, there are people here who are in a better situation being here. ( Quieter. ) Not everyone has someone.

An understandable goal. I hope that you do find home soon, but in the meantime I would be honored to be a friend.

[herarrows]

I don't doubt that. I still think I'd rather see Haven again.

I would be honored to call you a friend.

[almukhtar]

And I hope that you do, soon. But in this case, it is my pleasure to be one until then.