Swimming with SharksIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | PreGameLogs | Swimming with Sharks Even in the morning chill, this section of Five Corners would usually be bustling. Market traders would be setting up their small stores on wheelbarrows; artists would be setting out their wares upon the broad pavements and erecting easels. Not today. It was a measure of how much things had changed for Tear in the last year that such normalcy and comfortable anonymity was no longer possible. For the first time, she was beginning to learn what her title meant. Security, guards, solemn faces and weapons. Far too many for her liking, if truth were told, but this was the new reality. The distinctive smart blue-jacketed wardens of Five Corners had sealed off the famous lanes that led to this place at dawn, and the grey-faced and grey cloaked Vigiles Urbani followed, standing outside every building with a drawn blade. At the hour ticked closer on the Market Square clock, a parade of horses clattered down the lane that led to her house, their iron-shod hooves echoing through empty streets. The cavalrymen wore a dark uniform with gold trim and a bright orange sash. Behind them a small carriage and a wagon, in which several men were sitting smoking, their relaxed air in contrast to the starched stiffness of the men on horseback. In their midst rode Vikund Anansi, also in dark colours but in civilian dress. Beneath him a magnificent jet black stallion that was clearly a breed apart from the others. His saddle and tack were also ornate compared to those around him, black and trimmed with silver and with the studs and bosses engraved with tiny spiders. He dismounted with a flourish and strode up to the door, rapping on it loudly while the escort waited. "Subtle," Tanstaafl snorted as he watched his perch on the windowsill. He glanced over his shoulder to the little woman beside him. "He certainly has a flair for the dramatic, your snake." Tear wrinkled her nose, but couldn't speak as she looked out across her courtyard. She'd been told to dress 'royal,' and as such had found on of her mother's old gowns. The velour and satin dress was dark purple with gold trim. Satin lined its drop sleeves and satin insets were included in the neckline and skirt. The matching headpiece with gold trim felt absolutely ridiculous atop her head. Indeed, the whole outfit felt like someone else's skin. As extravagant, and well-meant, as Vikund's display happened to be, Tear wanted to scream. "Behave," she managed, her voice shaky. Tanstaafl flicked his tail in annoyance. "I let you wash me and brush me. If that isn't a sign of my inexhaustible reserves of patience, nothing is." Tear sighed and went to the door. She opened it and smiled up at Vikund. She struggled to come up with a greeting apropos to the day's extravagance; something eloquent and noble. "Hey.” "Hi sweetie," Vikund beamed, and bent to kiss her cheek. "All ready?" He glanced about. "Did E'lbram decide to come?" "Yes," Tear said, shivering happily from the kiss. "She'll be along promptly, I should think. Goran agreed to look out for milksop here, since he didn't want to come." She pointed a thumb towards the fennec in the window. "Oh yes," Tanstaafl grunted. "Missing out on an entire weekend of wet fur and watching you two suck face every minute you don't think people are looking will leave a gaping hole of blackness in my heart. Of that I am certain." His muzzle pulled back in a fennec-smirk, "Besides, I have more important matters to attend to. Goran promised to sneak me onto the Queen. I do love the ladies and they love me." He flicked his tail in a rather salacious manner. Tear snorted, "Have fun, then." She picked up her carrying bag and held it in front of her. "Just don't get into trouble. That goes for both of you." "Hardly," the creature said, hopping down to the floor and padding over to sit in front of Vikund. "I still don't approve of this, I'll have you know. However, I do like seeing her smile more. So, just treat her like she deserves. Horribly. "And, as always, try anything untoward with her and it won't be your fingers I bite off." The threat had become their odd version of 'goodbye.' Tear took Vikund's hand and squeezed it supportively. "Shall we go then? I need to talk to you. Privately." "Of course," Vikund replied, after exchanging a look with Tanstaafl. The parting words were beginning to rankle, it wasn't hard to tell. "Your carriage awaits." Tear paused in the courtyard and touched her brow; thumb over index finger. Vikund noticed that her lips were moving, but no sound came out. And then, with a nod, she continued on as if nothing had happened. Tear spoke briefly to the driver, asking him to stop at E'lbram's home. "She'll be expecting you. Thank you, sir." He helped her in, before hopping in himself and pulling the door closed. He hit the roof twice with his riding crop and they began to move. "Sorry about the extra security," he said, "it's only until we get to the stair." "Now what did you want to talk about?" "Well, the security actually," Tear said, blushing. "Is all this necessary? I mean, it's very sweet and all. But we're just going to Rebma, aren't we? It all seems rather. Over the top." "No, it's not." Vikund replied. "I have told you how important you are - not just to me, but to the state. If anything should happen to you, I could not forgive myself. Once we are outside the city walls, we are exposed. All the roads are watched, and if we traveled unescorted, we could not expect to travel unmolested." Tear worried her lip and shrugged. She watched the park through the window as she considered his words. Of all people, she knew the risks involved in being… Chaosian. And a noble. But until recently she hadn't considered herself either. But it warmed her to hear the concern in his voice. "I'm glad you brought this up now," he continued, "as I have a confession to make." Now out of sight of most of the 'locals,' Tear climbed over and joined Vikund on his side of the carriage. She took his hand and held in in her lap. "Confession?" "Yes," Vikund said, placing her hand in his. "Up until recently I have confined myself to giving you counsel, and I would like to think you have been taking at least some of my advice. Then I realised that would no longer be enough. I thought about what happened to your parents." He stopped, considering. "What do you know of poisons, Tear?" Tear's eyes widened at the question, bafflement coloring her features. "You're my heart, Vikund. I always listen to you. And as for poisons. Only what I've learn in my medical and alchemical training," she said. "I'm more trained at recognizing and avoiding them, than anything else. What? What does this have to do with my parents?" Her hand tightened and another shiver passed through her. A dark irony hovered over the conversation. They would, after all, shortly pass by the same street on which her parents had been murdered. "So you are confident that you would be able to spot a poison? Even those used in Chaos?" Vikund said, ignoring Tear's question. "Most of them," Tear said with an edge in her voice. "I don't know the more deadly ones. Our bodies have very effective defenses. So, Chaosians tend to use polymorphous reagents to not only mask the poison's appearance, but provide it the ability to overwhelm the circulatory system before the body can adapt. But even those poisons leave behind an aura that can be detected by the Logrus." She pulled away from him; eyes narrowing. "What aren't you telling me?" Her voice remained low, but for Tear's intensity, the question may as well have been a shout. "Building up defenses against any contagion, be it poison or disease, is best countered by the introduction of a small amount into the body so that its natural defenses can be strengthened against it," Vikund said. "Immunisation saves lives, and it occurred to me that you might benefit from it. Therefore, I started to introduce you to a course of herbal medicines. I should have asked you first, but I was afraid you would refuse. I'm sorry." Tear stared at him, her violet eyes unnaturally cold and empty; as staring beyond him into some unseen existence. She blinked dumbly, lips unmoving. A stone on the road made the carriage jump slightly, but the sensation startled her out of this fugue. "You poisoned me? "Is that what you're trying to say? That you've been poisoning me? For my own good?" "I prefer to think of it as medicine," Vikund replied. He looked away then, unable to bear her gaze any longer. "I'm sorry if my concern for you has meant me overstepping reasonable bounds. In truth, I thought you would know at once, and I could pretend it was some stupid joke. When you didn't, I felt I must continue, but I couldn't lie to you. And so, now you know." "Oh, don't you even think of giving me that crap!" Tear snapped and threw herself over into the other side of the carriage. A faint crackling sound like cellophane in the hands of a madman slowly became noticeable. "Your concern. Your concern? That's not an excuse. Not with anyone. And certainly not me. My. My mother died from poisoning! "I trusted you. I wasn't paying attention to anything but you! If you wanted to protect me, you should have told me. I may be young and stupid, but… but…" She turned her head away, fighting the tears. Her voice caught in her throat, but that hideously crackling continued to surround her like a shield of sound. "You are not stupid," Vikund said sharply. "Don't say that. Naive perhaps, but that is part of your charm rather than a flaw." He turned to face her with a force of will. "It is precisely because of what happened to your mother that you need to be especially guarded against such things. Now, please try to relax ... that aura around you is starting to scare me." At his words, Tear numbly glanced down at her hands. Faint, black plasma arced between her fingertips with a hideous florescence. She let out a surprised gasp and immediate the discharge faded, as did the unnerving crackle in the air. The abrupt silence felt even more oppressive somehow; settling into the skin like a chilling fog. She brushed the wetness from her cheek, sniffling softly. "What else haven't you told me?" she managed. "What else have you guarded me from? What else has my love for you blinded me to?" "Nothing else," Vikund replied, frowning that the phenomenon he had just witnessed. "What makes you so sure you love me?" He asked then, as this was the first time she had openly confessed such a thing. Tear began to rub her temple, eyes closed and brow furrowed. She took a breath, as if to steady herself. But whatever pain she now felt, remained. "Because I'm naive?" she said sadly. "Why does anyone Love, Vikund. They just do. I don't know. I. Forgive you for what you did. I forgave you even as you admitted it. What is that if not love?" She sniffled and hugged her knees up to her chest. "I'm still mad at you though." "So you should be" Vikund replied. "I'm a despicable rogue, but then I've never pretended to be otherwise." "Well, you said this trip we might behave like a proper couple; I think we've just done that. No-one can call themselves a couple without having a row," he said. "We can talk about this later, we're nearly at your Aunt's house," he noted, as the coach began to slow. Tear regarded him over her knees and then gave a tired nod. She switched sides again, sitting down beside him. Knowing full well her aunt would notice, she took the time to smooth out her dress and wipe the last of her tears away. "How do I look?" she said. Just before he could answer, she kicked him in the shin with surprising strength and skill. "That's for poisoning me, you jerk!" And then as sweet as sweet can be, she kissed his cheek. "And that's for caring about me. In a slightly villainous sort of way." She leaned her head against him and grumped, but otherwise the conversation appeared to be at an end. For the moment. Vikund visibly winced at having his shin kicked, but he managed not to cry out. The upholstery probably needed some repair after he had gouged holes in it with his fingertips. Slowly, eyes watering, he drew out a handkerchief and wiped away the tears and smears left on her cheeks. "There. Perfect," he said breathlessly. Tear nodded, "Indeed." And then she squeezed his hand, trying desperately to look mad, but more likely worrying that she'd really hurt him. As the carriage came to a stop, they could see the green-haired figure of Tear's adoptive aunt. She waved at them, smiling excitedly as the porter helped her with her bags. Vikund stepped from the carriage and opened the door for E'lbram, trying not to limp noticeably. "Please, climb aboard," he said cheerfully. E'lbram was helped into the carriage, "Thank you, Lord Vikund. And hello, Minnow. My you're an absolute vision today. I swear you're a new woman every time I see you now." She leaned over to hug Tear, kissing her cheek before retiring to her seat across from them. She let out a loud sigh of relief. "Oh I do so thank you two for inviting me on this trip. The restaurant has been an asylum and if I had stayed but one more moment, I would have been undone." Tear grinned warmly, "It was our pleasure. And don't let us saddle you down. I'm sure we can find things to do while you go about your visiting." "Heh. As if I would intrude upon your vacation any further than I have," E'lbram said, waving her webbed fingers dismissively. Her jade eyes meet Vikund's for a moment, "Thank you again, sir. This is a rare treat." "I'm glad you could spare the time to come with us," Vikund replied. "You deserve a break. You'll have to excuse all the security; something of a necessity in these uncertain times, but only a few will be making the journey with us down the stair. I wouldn't want to upset the Rebman authorities." E'lbram chuckled. "Not to worry, Lord Vikund. It will have the neighbors chattering incessantly for weeks. I'm more accustomed to washing pots and pans for Rebman nobles. So, to arrive like royalty is simply delicious." Her emerald eyebrow rose slightly as she looked over at Tear. "Everything okay, my dear?" "Just something I ate, auntie," Tear said with an impish smile. "And a nervous stomach," she added. "Ah. Well, we'll get you fixed right up when we arrive," E'lbram said. "So, Lord Vikund. Have you been to my realm before?" Vikund shook his head. "No, I've never had the pleasure," he said. "Until I met Tear the thought had never really ocurred to me. Now, I'm quite looking forward to it." E'lbram smiled, "Well, then, you're both in for a treat." She began to tell them about the Rebma's wonders, falling into pleasant reminiscence. She listed several of the sights they could not miss, including the Coral Gardens and the Dragon Vents (a series of ancient volcanic vents that burned in the blackness of the ocean's depths). Tear slid her fingers into Vikund, allowing them to dominate the conversation as the carriage made its ways through the city and toward the outer walls. Just as they exited the South Gate, E'lbram cocked her head. "So. It's been about a year that you two have been together, isn't it? Is this an anniversary of sorts?" "I suppose it is," Vikund said, squeezing Tear's hand. "I still don't know how she puts up with me." "Neither do I sometimes," Tear sniffed. "But then again. It does go both ways. I'm. difficult." "What about you and your beau?" He asked impishly. E'lbram chuckled, "Patience is the key to any relationship. Or non-relationship, as the case may be," she said, smiling. "Gilliam and I will be celebrating our tenth non-anniversary a month from now if I recall correctly." Tear gave a wan smile, "I'm trying to get him to propose, I swear. He's just. Well. Uncle Gloomy. You know." She sighed, "I'm beginning to wonder if Papa was just an anomaly amongst men. Getting married so quickly, I mean." She gazed up at Vikund, "So. Any advice on how to win a man over, Master Vikund?" "Find the right man and he won't need to be won over," Vikund replied evenly. "Drop the right hints at the right time in the right place, and he will tell you his heart. If he continues to be evasive, then he is a snake who doesn't deserve you." Tear blinked at that; worrying her lip. She glanced away and stared out the window; pensively considering his words. "Not that I'm suggesting your Uncle is such a beast," he added, "but maybe he needs to be reminded of his priorities. Would you like me to have a friendly word with him?" E'lbram grinned. "I would be delighted if you did. Perhaps, throw in a little touch of flattery directed towards me when he's about? Jealousy is such a wondrous motivator for men." "Consider it done," Vikund said. Tear squeezed Vikund's hand and smiled. "I'll hide his tools as well. At least then he won't have an excuse to be distracted all the time. Some people just don't see what's right in front of them unless you force the… OH! The ocean!" The young woman squirmed out of Vikund's embrace, plastering herself against the window. The harbor road had exited the congregation of trees and houses, providing an excellent view of the ocean. Tear turned back, her face lit up with pure exuberance. "Twenty years and I've still never been so close to it." "Be thankful we're going under it, not riding along its surface," Vikund said. "It might look calm from here, but I can assure you being tossed about on the waves takes some getting used to. I've traveled many times on the ocean wave and haven't got used to it yet." "That's true," E'lbram smirked. "And I'm a Rebman. But the first time I rode the waves, I turned even more green than I already am." "Will we get to swim? Or is it all walking?" Tear said, glancing back and forth between her two companions. "I've always wanted to swim. I mean. I've swum in a pool before. But that's not the ocean." Her gaze returned to the deep blue that stretched onto the horizon. Her tiny body shivered slightly; a chill or a fright, perhaps. The ocean, as beautiful as it was, remained an intimidating presence for a young woman that had never even been to the shoreline. "From what I've heard, it will involve a combination of the two. Depending on where you are, different forms of locomotion are best," Vikund said. "Just like being on land in that regard, I suppose." He joined Tear at the window and made a quick scan of the beach. "We're just about at the stair, best get ready." Tear took advantage of their close proximity and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered, her body positively shaking with excitement. As if in response to his words, the carriage began to slow. There were shouted instructions outside, that were quickly whipped away by the sea breeze. Tear closed her eyes and inhaled the salt air. It was fresh and untainted by the city; crisp and welcoming. She hopped out of the carriage almost before it had come to a complete stop. The slippers went flying off immediately and she began to wiggle her toes in the sand. As E'lbram and Vikund got down from the carriage, Tear began playing with the surf; racing just at the edge, trying not to get wet. Finally, a rogue wave caught up with her, soaking her feet and ankles. Not that she seemed to mind by the way she carried on. "So, tell me again how this works," she said, skipping through the wet sand. "The water is wet and cold. So why don't we get hypothermia when we're down there? Will we even feel wet? Are my books going to be ruined?" This last thought gave her pause. She violet eyes glimmered with worry. "Will the ink run?!" "There is a magical effect that allows us to breathe and protects against pressure and cold," Vikund replied, "but I wouldn't like to comment on the books. I suspect ink will run the same as if you dropped it in a puddle." Tear stared up at Vikund as if she were a beached fish; her mouth opening and closing soundlessly. Finally, a mousy-voice escaped her. "Bu-bu-bu… My books! Ink. Water." She covered her mouth, turning in circles like a compass gone wild. The cavalrymen were mustering now, and having checked that all was well Vikund shook the hand of the captain and the troop departed, their galloping hooves kicking up clods of wet sand as they went. The men who had been in the cart began shouldering burdens and making their way down towards the waters' edge. They formed up into a line and kept walking into the sea, as if they had done it a thousand times before. "Come on!" Vikund cried, holding out his hand. "If you want to leave anything, drop it in the carriage now, unless you want to be left behind!" Tear ignored his hand and sprinted back to the carriage. She began rummaging through her luggage in a mad rush, shouting at the driver and gesturing wildly. "This can't go. Not this. Or this. Definitely not that…" Before he understood what was going on, the driver found his arms being loaded up with a virtual library of tomes and notebooks. By the time the frantic girl had removed all her books, she was down to a small case containing a couple of dresses and some shoes. The driver, courteous and infinitely patient, began the arduous task of repacking the abandoned luggage. A moment later, Tear came running back to Vikund; out of breath and very disturbed. "I. Left my things. I didn't know. I thought. Rebma. Books. Well. You understand." She took his hand and began to chew her lip. Vikund chuckled. "Perhaps we should investigate what materials they do use in Rebma for books and writing. I'm sure their libraries are as extensive if not moreso than those in Amber." He took her hand then and gave it a squeeze. "Remember, whatever you do, don't panic. Concentrate on your breathing and keep it calm and even." With measured steps, he led her into the surf. E'lbram smiled reassuringly, "I'll let you two go ahead of me. That way if you have a problem, I can help. Just do as Vikund says and you'll be quite fine, little minnow." Tear nodded solemnly and followed Vikund into the gentle waves. The first waves crashed over her knees, soaking her thoroughly. She let out a nervous laugh and took another step. The stone steps beneath her feet felt cool and smooth. The surf prevented her from seeing them as she descended, but the footing remained sure and solid. Her violet eyes glanced up at Vikund one last time and then her head went under the water. Her grip tightened on his hand, but Tear remained otherwise calm. The salt water tasted oddly sweat on her lips and she drew it into her lungs. Rather than the briny burning she'd expected, the sea water only provided her with a sense of fullness. She let out a giggle; bubbles floating up lazily from her mouth. "Oh this is most peculiar!" Vikund kept his enthusiasm under control and led Tear determinedly down the stair, descending slowly into the depths. Next part: Invitation for Islain Then later... Night drifted over Rebma like a cloud of squid ink. The street outside the small villa began to glow a ghostly blue beneath the bioluminescent streetlamps. Rebmans passed by on their way to dinner or the theater. And yet, the one person Vikund had been waiting for did not appear. Tear didn't like being out at night, particularly when she did not know her surroundings. So, it struck him as odd that she would be taking so long to return. But just as he began to consider going in search of her, he noticed her tiny figure crossing the street. She walked as if in a daze, a euphoric smile on her lips. In the middle of the road, she stopped and jotted something down in her grimoire. She remained ignorant to the carriages she'd forced to stop, even though the drivers were quite vocal in their disapproval. Ignoring the commotion, Tear resumed her absentminded stroll and entered the villa's courtyard. She sat down beside the crimson brain-coral that decorated the private patio. She appeared to be talking to herself, but from his window Vikund couldn't quite make out the words. Vikund for his part occupied the time pretending to admire the small rather dour portraits of Rebman ladies he had acquired at the bazaar. Noticing Tear's arrival, he sidled over and sat beside her. "You seem happy," he observed with a smile. "The company must have been agreeable." Tear closed her book and smiled brightly. "I am," she said. "And it was." She climbed up onto her knees so she could be at eye-level with him. When a sudden and fierce passion, she took Vikund's face in her hands and guided him to her lips. Her silken fingers ran through his hair, holding him to her as she tasted the sweetness of his kisses. A feral purr rumbled in her chest, transforming into a nervous chuckle in short order. Tear rested her brow against his chin, her lips brushing against his throat in a whisper. "I don't care that you've never said it anymore. I don't care about the lies. As long as you hold me like this, I'll have what I want." Vikund was a little startled by Tear's new approach, but hid it well. The passion of her embrace and the warmth of her kisses somehow unsettled him. He smiled slightly as he held her, wondering what transformation had taken place within his tiny companion to effect such a change. "And I will be happy to give it, Tear, as long as you are content. Do you plan to see Islain again soon?" Tear slid around in his arms with the agility of an eel, settling more comfortably against his side. "Uh-huh," she said with a dreamy tone. "She's wonderful. Just amazing. And I think she really likes me too. I can't wait to see her again. I wish she could come visit me. But alas…" "Oh, I think Princess Islain has her ways and means," Vikund replied. "I hope so," Tear said wistfully. "She speaks Truths. And she made me feel… beautiful." She reached up and lightly touched her nose; a wicked grin coloring her pale features. "As such, you need to help me with a project. If I gave you a crate weighting approximately thirty-two stone, could you have it transported into the Forest Arden?" Her eyes sparkled in a hint of sudden worry, "And you need to make sure Mandor and Larissa never find out." Vikund chuckled. "That sounds like a challenge. I accept, on the proviso that you guarantee there is nothing within that can inflict harm." "I swear," Tear chuckled. "If anything, it will be to the betterment of diplomacy and personal hygiene. Always a good thing, I say." Tear took his hand and laid it upon her stomach, stroking his wrist. "You have your ways, I know. And I wouldn't ask otherwise." Vikund nodded with a smirk. "I do. Have the crate delivered to BlackHall with the mark of Tanstaafl upon it, so I may recognise it. Leave the rest to me." "Oh good idea," Tear chimed, squeezing his hand. "That will work perfectly. And it won't require me to use the Logrus. Much. I hope. I think I can get away with just the levitation spells." She shrugged, obviously still ironing out the wrinkles of her nefarious plan. Tear lay down, resting her head in his lap, allowing herself to see Vikund's face better. "So, now that that is settled… are you going to tell me why I make you uncomfortable?" "The proximity of raw power has that effect on me," Vikund replied. "You will have to forgive me if I flinch when you exercise powers I do not understand." Tear blushed and hid her face for a moment. "I'm sorry about that," she said. "I just. Sometimes when I get angry. My concentration slips. It's hard keeping the Sign manifested. Or a spell running in the back of my mind. And it slips. Don't be afraid of it. I could never let anything happen to you." She kissed his palm. "I love you too much." He delicately stroked stray strands of hair away from her face as he stared down into her eyes. "Don't I make you feel beautiful?" He asked. She nodded and nuzzled his hand with a deep affection. "Always." Tear's eyes glimmered as she stared back up at him. "I just wish I made you happy. Happier, anyway. I know I'm not what you want. Not really. I wish I could be the woman you deserve." "You are more than I deserve, and therein lies the problem," Vikund replied. "You make me happy in ways no-one else can, but I can never be what you want me to be. I cannot give you joy." He looked away then, up to the enveloping blackness. "I treasure our time together, but I know that it cannot always be like this. So, I shall enjoy the now." He bent to kiss her gently and gazed into her eyes as if wanting to drown in them. Tear rose to meet his lips; her embrace as soft as a whisper, yet intense as summer lightning. She held him to her, outlining his cheek with faint kisses. Even enveloped as he was within the cool, ocean waters, Vikund could feel the warm wetness of her tears against his skin. "You bring me joy, my love," she whispered. "More than I can ever express. I know now we cannot be as I desire. As I dream. And no amount of wishing will change that." Tear pulled back, cradling his face in her tiny hands. She sniffled, yet a smile dispelled the sadness in her eyes. "I will take whatever you can give me. And even if. You should never come to me again after night. You will always be my husband. In here." She guided his hand to her heart. It beat beneath his fingers like a bird fighting to escape its cage. "That's enough for anyone. Isn't it?" "Too much," Vikund answered with a warm smile, placing his hand gently on her cheek. "We will be together again, I promise. My guardian angel." She nodded lightly, wanting desperately to believe that. But doubt lingered in her eyes like an inclusion marring a perfect amethyst. She fought it back down inside her and kissed his hands. "Vikund?" Tear blushed brightly, her body shivering despite the warm waters around them. "Would you sleep with me tonight? I. I don't mean. You know. But just hold me? In the dark. I think. No. I know I won't wake up afraid, if you're beside me." Vikund smiled. "Of course. No funny business though, ok?" He winked, and pulled her into his arms. "Are you afraid of the dark, Tear? Still having those bad dreams?" She hid her face in his chest, laughing embarrassedly. "I promise." Tear rested her head against him, snuggling in his arms like a kitten. She nodded to his question and gave a tired shrug. "They're getting worse. Much worse. And I always wake up with this feeling of. Death. It chokes me. Smothers me. " "I like the dark. It's comforting. I cloak myself in it whenever I summon the Sign. But. It's like there's this emptiness when I wake up from one of those dreams. And if it's still dark, I can't tell if. If I'm still alive." She kissed his neck. "If you're there, I won't feel. Empty." Vikund frowned. "There may come a point where you have to confide in Lord Mandor. Don't leave it until your dreams begin invading your waking hours," he counseled. "Tonight, at least, it will be my pleasure to chaperone you through the twilight hours." Tear nodded, worrying her lip between her white teeth. "I promise I'll tell him if they become too bothersome. I just…" She paused, looking away for a moment. "I don't trust him when it comes to this dream. But I can't explain why." She shrugged and rested her head against him. "I'm just happy you'll be there." He gave her a gentle cuddle. "Did you want to take that walk now?" She immediately brightened and gave him a soft kiss. "Yes. I would like that very much." Tear took his hand and let out a soft laugh. "Walking hand in hand with you is what I live for. Such a simple pleasure, but it means the world to me."
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