Day 33
Niles backed away at the intensity of the spiral. "What do you mean, Somnus? I thought those other dragons were saying Soren."
Soren blinked at the fae. "...Isn't that what I said? I said Soren. Where did you hear 'Somnus' from?"
Niles stared at him. "Are you sure that being Shade-touched hasn't affected you in any other ways? You sounded... different just now. Like it was someone else talking." The fae didn't look scared about this development, just concerned.
"I... I don't know," Soren admitted. "There's been a lot happening to me recently, and if the universe is normally up and down, I've been thrown sideways."
"Heh. Nice analogy," Niles grinned. "I mean, not so nice for you, but it gets the point across."
The fae turned towards where the other group had headed. "Should we try and find those other dragons you were with? I think your sister would like to see you again."
Soren sighed. "I don't know. After seeing how that spiral looked at me... I'm not sure if I'll be accepted."
"Well, it never hurts to try," said Niles resolutely. "Let's go."
~~~
Soren and Niles followed the direction that the others had headed. But since Niles didn't really know where they could be, and Soren didn't remember anything, they eventually had to stop their search at nightfall.
"We'll find them tomorrow," Niles assured Soren. "For now, let's get some rest."
Soren reluctantly agreed, but he still found a spot to curl up in within the trees on the edge of town.
Soren started to drift off to sleep. He jerked awake, though, when he heard a dragon whisper, Ah, well. Hopefully this goes better than last night...
He sat bolt upright. "Who's there?" Glancing around, he didn't see anything, so he settled back down in an attempt to sleep. That was odd, he thought.
Soren sighed, shifting around. He just couldn’t find a comfortable position.
Hello? the same voice from before asked. Soren flinched in surprise. Are... Are you in my head? he thought. Who are you? Where are you?
No. Well, not really, Soren heard. My name's Hope. I'm in... The Windswept Plateau. What about you?
Soren sighed. What was going on? My name's Soren, he replied. At least, that's what the others have told me. I don't really remember much before the Forum of the Obscured Crescent.
He got up and started to pace, out of sight of Niles. So how are you doing this? Talking to me, I mean. Even considering a lot of weird things has happened to me, this might be the weirdest.
After a moment, Hope replied. We’re... connected. If I’m correct, you’re Shade-touched. I guess you could say I am too. All the Shade are connected. So we can all talk to each other. Does that make sense? She paused for a moment, as if to gather her thoughts. Either way, you sound like you’re in a pinch. This is all new to you, correct?
Soren sighed, settling down on the ground. Yeah, this is pretty new to me. I guess that part about the Shade and being connected makes sense, although it hurts to think about. He rubbed at his temple for a moment, trying to ease a splitting headache that had suddenly appeared.
He suddenly winced in pain. AH! It felt like someone was driving a spike into his skull. This hadn't happened before, except...
Suddenly, Soren's mind felt a lot more... Open. He tried to move his claws, but they wouldn't respond.
A different voice oozed through him. This may all be new to little Soren, but it isn't new to me, Hope. Don't bore me with your trivial nonsense.
Soren heard Hope reply. Spare me the pleasantries. We've met. Remember? I was the one sent for the king, all those years ago, she snapped.
A wave of hatred passed through Soren, and he shuddered at the anger he felt. Yes. The traitor. We all remember you, however small our connection was. You were the one who RUINED IT ALL!
The anger seemed to abate slightly, Soren hearing someone slightly chuckling. Of course, that actually may make you... beneficial. No one would expect you to help us again. So what do you say about a deal?
But under the sweet words, Soren felt something else. This other creature seemed too excited about the possibility, twisting his words to make them seem one thing while another deal was being made.
Soren gritted his teeth. NO! he yelled. The connection the other held snapped. Don't do it, Hope. All he wants to do is betray you again, from the other side. I know you must have a history with the Shade, so you must know at this point- don't help it.
Hope paused for a moment before replying. Yeah, I know. I’ve dealt with him all my life. He and the rest of the... group. I would say they’re an acquired taste, but... I haven’t yet acquired it. She stopped again, then asked, Are you having trouble with him? I can come over and help, if you need. I can travel pretty fast... unless my whole entourage has to follow me.
Soren sighed. He could still feel the hatred simmering within him, but the other's control seemed to have disappeared for now. I think... I can deal with him. He may be scary sometimes, but he doesn't seem very powerful yet. If I need help, though, I know I can ask you.
He looked around the small clearing he was in, settling down once more. I'm going to try sleeping again, I guess. Hopefully things will work out, for both of us.
Soren felt the connection between him and Hope close off, his mind silent once more.
Mostly.
As he finally drifted off to sleep, Somnus laughed within the dark confines of his mind. Run while you can, Soren... This world isn't perfect, after all.
Dun dun dunnnn....
For some of today's update, I'd like to thank