[i]Sukoh stepped forward into what seemed to be her domain and he leaned forward over the top of the staircase, almost touching her with his nose. His lips barely moved as he spoke in his animal tongue. "Who are you?"[/i]

A soft laughter filled the void, as the skeletal begin sat back, visibly chuckling at the question, the glow bathing Sukoh brightened.

[b]“Oh my genetle bear, I am Scathach”[/b] she said as she reached out and stroked the bears nose,[b] “I am both shadow and substance, alive and dead. I am the Dreaming Queen.”[/b]

Behind Sukoh another shimmering translucent shadow appeared, a man, strong limbed and hearty stood upon wobbly legs, his eyes wide with fear and apprehension as he stared at the bear, then he sat down and laid his head on a pillow, falling asleep. 

[b]“I have never seen a bear in person, although I have experienced the terror of a bear. I have witnessed the frolicking and play of cubs, the ferocity of mothers. I have seen the harsh winters and the brutal springs where food is scare for the cubs and the weak and weary seeking shelter from hunters. “[/b]

Before she could continue a shadow appeared, a skeletal being, whose very being seemed to be fold in on itself at times. The words passing between them are in a hoary language both ethereal and fearsome, a language forgotten by a race long dead and seemingly eternal. 

Scathach lowered her head a moment as she pulled her hand back, a glow of red energies raced around it and an image appeared. A grotesque horned horror emerged from a gateway somewhere. As the being roared to the heavens it paused and stared, as if it knew it was being watched and a feral grin spread across its black lips. A raucous laughter erupted from the beast as it turned its attention to a mountain in the distance.

A hint of sadness settled on the skeletal being, her voice had lost its cheeriness, she rolled her hand over and dismissed the image, [b]“Tell me the story of your life Sukoh. I wish to know the dreams of others. What is it you dream of giant one? What vistas do you wander when your mind is free and unfettered?”[/b]

Behind the veil, a hint, an impression that the Dreaming Queen was smiling, winsome and lonely at the bear, [b]“Forgive me Sukoh. I do not wish to delay you on your next path; I merely sought to understand you.” [/b]