Demerieth stared at Alister as he nodded, the both of them looking confused. After a moment she let out a loud breath, “Huh. The dream didn’t stop. I kinda expected it to dramatically stop or something like that… Uh… Anyway, you’ll look for the old books like I said. Right?”

“O-of course,” Alister replied, still a little stunned, “Though I can’t say I understand what you’re talking about… or what’s exactly going on…”

“That’s fine. You don’t need to understand. As long as you remember, you’ll know what I’m talking about when you’re there. Just be curious and don’t be lazy,” she said, waving it off, “And you’re hardly lazy when you have something you’re working toward.”

He nodded slowly again, “Um… I like to think I am, yes… Are you,” he paused, taking a long breath, “Are you okay, Demerieth? I’ve been so worried for you… and I still don’t understand what’s happened to you or how you’re here. And how did you do this dream message? If you can explain it, maybe I can find the source and find you.”

Demerieth shook her head, “As much as I’d love to give you an in depth explanation about the workings of the spell, I am certain that would get me censored by this damned system. But… I mean… I’m ok in the sense that I’m unharmed. I’m not doing alright for my own sanity and wellbeing though, that’s for sure. The loneliness and how quiet it usually is… it’s maddening. And then there’s the question of how I’m here… and hell, if I’m even actually alive at all. I… don’t entirely know. I was trapped, before, by the gods of course. After a lot of running. But then I just remember… nothing. Nothing and then I was here. In the Opal. Given how last time I spoke with you went, I don’t want to risk saying too much and cutting this short… I can kind of observe you, though. A little. I miss a lot and get snippets, but I get the gist. You’re going to check on the border with your father, right?”

“Yes… I wish to be able to help you more,” Alister said, sitting down in front of her in the flowers.

“I think the border will be nice, despite the tensions going on,” she said, ignoring his commentary, not wanting to acknowledge the sadness, “We never really went to this region, if I’m not mistaken. It’s a lot warmer than I’m used to seeing. I heard there’s even a large dune desert? That’s cool. But I mean, the border and all that, I think you’ll be bored but enjoy it. I’m worried about the eldritch creatures - they seem wholly unpleasant. I’m happy they weren’t around when we were active. That would’ve been a mess… Mm… Thank you. For listening to me. And for being here, even if it’s my fault you’re having this dream in the first place. The company is worth its weight in salt.”

“…I’m sorry I can’t do more… I want to… my magic isn’t what it used to be. I’m sorry you’re alone… I’m sorry I died. I tried to give you all more time,” Alister said, fidgeting with his hands and a nearby flower. He felt so guilty… he wanted to do anything to help but he was just… useless.

Demerieth reached out and bopped him on the head with an open palm, “Stop it. I don’t want to be sad. I want to be happy and have a good time. If you want to be sad, do it when you’re not in the dream. We both have lots of time to be sad then. Instead, tell me about you. Tell me about your new life. About your family. I’m so happy you have a family… you aren’t alone. You deserve that and more, our little barbarian archmage.”

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He rubbed the top of his head and gave her a small smile, “Well… I’m moving very soon. So that’s something of interest to talk about, I suppose. I won’t be going to the academy until I’m thirteen, or twelve if I can pass a test for it, which of course I intend on taking. They say it’s difficult, but I have confidence I can wow whoever is judging it with my magic capabilities. So… I suppose I have a little under three years to wait then? I’m nine now, though my birthday celebration is having to wait… at this point I think it’ll be halfway to my next birthday by the time we have that party. Not that I mind, really. I hardly cared about birthdays in the past, it was a strange idea to me. So… that would be… 4012, or 4013 if I fail the test.” Demerieth nodded, listening like it was the most interesting thing in the world, so he continued to talk, “I don’t know what they’re planning for my birthday celebration, but I’m sure that strange snake nature spirit Amaiara will be there. She wishes to claim me as her husband when I’m older since my father denies her every time she asks. She thinks very… animalistically. My mother and uncle are still back in Rythwith, waiting for us to return with our things packed. I am unsure what I think of moving to such a bustling city. The capital of the duchy. You should see it, Demy, it is a wild sight - so many people all in one sprawling town with buildings larger than you can imagine a normal abode being. And there are canals cut into the streets for vehicles pulled by aquatic creatures. It’s incredible, really. I look forward to exploring every inch of that place. My Father… my whole family… they’ve done such a wonderful job making this duchy a lively place. Even if they aren’t perfect. I think no one is, especially nobles, but they care and try and that is a large step up from most we knew.”

“I think you’ll make a good little lord,” she grinned, “You’re into these book things, I’ve noticed. A rare treat for commoners, I think. It’s good to see you using your head and not just your strength for once in your life. A lot of people in the past who heard you’re an archmage thought that meant you were some wizened scholar, not a brute with magic and weapons who likes explosions too much.”

“I was plenty learned enough,” he scoffed, plucking a bundle of flowers as though a bouquet, “Not all mages need to be stuffy tower scholars.”

“No, no, they don’t, but it’s definitely what people expect. So for them to meet Raalin the Archmage and have you go feral with a battleaxe was always a surprise show,” she teased, “And as funny as that was, that did cause us a lot of problems sometimes.”

“Yeah whatever,” he smiled down at his hands, white hair sliding down in front of his face, “…I don’t know who I want to be now. As Alister. I haven’t figured that out yet. I know I want to be an Archmage again… I’ll never not love magic. But I don’t know what my purpose is in life anymore. You know?”

She hmm’d, “Well… you don’t have to do what we did before. There’s no need to continue a thousands of years old war, if they don’t poke you first. You do have your family name now, and you get to grow into a little lord. So just focus on that. You’re still a kid, right? You have years and years to find what your new purpose is. Just live. Learn stuff. Read your new favorite books. Do more magic. Go to the school. Maybe help me if I’m lucky. I think as you grow up it’ll work out naturally.”

“You’re probably right. And I promise I’ll help. I’ll do it no matter what,” Alister said firmly. He scooted forward to give her a tight hug, “I will never abandon any of you, no matter how long it’s been.”

She held the young boy, hiding her sad expression over the top of his head, “I’m pretty sure I’m the only one left… but… thank you, R- Alister. I look forward to really meeting you again one day. Maybe we’ll find who the others reincarnated as in a few years. Together.”

“I’ll make it happen. I lo-”

In a snap of light, Alister was awake. The cloth drapes of his inn room were drawn wide, Harriet smiling in the morning sun. He groaned and squinted at her, groggy and still coming to; annoyance the first emotion that graced him after confusion.

She was an early riser after all.