[b]Lexianna[/b]

I'm warm. So so warm, and miracles of miracles I'm in my own bed. This isn't right. I'm dreaming. Does that mean I fainted? It wouldn't surprise me. Mortality is taxing, the endurance of the human body both miraculous and fragile. I know I need to wake up, but currently I can't remember why. I feel something next to me and when I turn to look the "why" of waking up is no longer important. 

Galen is sleeping soundly next to me. His face calm and gentle. His mouth ever so slightly upturned, like he's in on a joke you don't even know has been posed. His hair perfect even now. I have the urge to tousle it. I can hear Lilianna singing somewhere, there's a loud bang, a pause, and then a curse. Sounds like she's practicing blessing her bullets like I taught her. However, if she curses after each failed blessing it'll only serve to taint the bullets further. That can be a matter for later though. Instead I'll enjoy this rare perfect moment. I snuggle into the arms of Galen and sink deeper into this dream. Reality no longer compelling me to return.



[b] The First Lotus ~ The Oasis~[/b]

I'm unsure of what I was hoping for. The breath I was holding, I slowly let out.

I understand better than anyone what it's like to be [i]changed[/i]. Something akin to a familiar of the original. I just never thought I'd share this intimate understanding with Zaakielo of all people. He has his mission and I have mine. If he stays devoted to it, as my One would, we may get along better than we ever have. I know what it's like to be driven by purpose alone.

I had said answers but this one is enough. Something realigns inside of me. A reminder of what my duty is. This time isn't for us. It's not about us. It's about correcting reality and aiding Lilianna. Still...it's nice to have the privilege of being missed. We can leave the graveyard, it's time to let the ghosts be.

"Thank you, for your candor." I take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and admit something I told myself I wouldn't. "I've truly, missed you too." To hide my embarrassment I stand abruptly and start inspecting the large drooping ivy next to me. I shouldn't let that last statement sit heavily in the air too long, "The large blackout. The one the group went into. Can you tell if it's connected to the others in a significant way? Would its collapse have any affect on the others?"