Philosophers and priests debate and theorize what sleep is.  Some say that it is the All Mother’s embrace to rest the soul and bring you close to her via the  Aether.  That only during the detaching of the mind’s earthly chains can one truly become connected via the Thread.  It is believed by many mages and priests that the mind is ever present and only suppressed by the Ego that is most rational.  Less spiritual mages believe that the mind experiences a general shut down within itself.  This allows it to introspect and redirect itself. 
Whatever the case, Arn had never truly subscribed to either.  He saw the merits of both schools of thinking.  This had led him to become almost inhumanly in touch with his own Thread.  He had discovered a way to meditate so that his body still received the recuperative benefits of sleep while at the same time allowing his mind to remain active as ever.  It was in this condition that he had been able to [b][i]“practice”[/i][/b] his spells and theories.  

Even now, as he lay there, his strong chest rising and falling lulling his self appointed charge to restful sleep, the master mage looked back unto the events of the day.  There had been much that had been lost, but also much that had been gained.  He had discovered who the shadow that had attached itself to the sweet light that Eilis gave out.  There was a part of him that was excited about the discovery.  He had always known that truth was only a window and it depended who looked upon it and from what side. 

His arms wrapped a bit tighter around the blonde girl.  His resolve to free her had strengthened not only because he knew that the continued symbiotic relationship with Troumaline would be too much for her to bear but also because of the quite selfish desire to see what would happen when he himself combined with the spectral ancient mage.  Arn could still feel the power emanating from the shadow and how it seemed to channel via Eilis.  It made him shudder, which caused the young girl to shift in his arms and try to cover them with the blanket. 

The master mage resumed his steady breathing, the beating of his heart even and strong.  The balm continuing with the healing of his body.  Knowing that there was not much he could do at this time regarding the impending union, the master mage returned to his task of strengthening and expanding his own thread.  It would almost look like a weaver’s needle work.  The threads resembling the thick mooring ropes of great ships.  Most mages let this work happen naturally.  Hence why many burned out much sooner than the Hellspawn.  Arn expertly weaved and built his Thread.  The frays would be repaired and strengthened. 

On the opposite side of the fire, Tobi reluctantly chased sleep away.  Feeling the strong back of the girl knight made him stubbornly chase the prospect of sweet dreams away.  Alexa had removed her armor, tending to it in an effort to keep herself awake.  The young mage had tried to carry a cheeky conversation but he soon found himself blabbering and slurring his speech and he decided against giving the blonde girl any satisfaction.  

Unlike the master mage, the young Shooting star was not very proficient in meditating.  Instead, he chewed vigorously on the balm to have something to do.  Looking up a the starry sky only made him begin to fall off into sleep more.  He had drained himself but not as bad as Arn.  Mainly, because his little stunt, while effective, was well within the acceptable risk parameters.  Through his back he felt Alexa’s back begin to shift to the right.  A slight smile appeared on Tobi’s face.  He was about to offer a snarky reply when he heard the Knight Captain’s voice. 

[color=9e0b0f]“Tobias, Alexa you both are dismissed from guard duty.”[/color]

Immediately, the knight girl stiffened. [color=ed145b] “Um. No.. my lord..” [/color]She started trying to excuse her sudden weakness.  Tyrhallan however, would hear none of it.  The girl’s fair skin rushed pink with embarrassment but she knew not to argue.  Tobi stood up and doing a smart salute he added.  [color=00aeef]“You have the watch Captain.”[/color]  Then in a lower tone as Alexa walked away shakily.  [color=00aeef]“Glad you relieved us, I think we could not have lasted any longer.”[/color]  He walked off next to the fire and shot the sleeping bodies of Arn and Eilis a look.  A slight smirk on his face.  [color=00aeef]“You old dog you…”[/color] he whispered under his breath, knowing full well that the master mage was still fully capable of hearing the things around him.  Soon enough, Tobi lay down to sleep.  

The Venray’s voice came much too soon to Tobi’s grumbling stirring as the commanding voice gently woke them up.  The master mage merely opened his eyes as he had only just closed them a second before.  A gentle hand brushed Eilis hair to ease her awake.  Tobi looked jealously at his mentor. [color=00aeef] “How the hell do you do that?[/color]”  He asked, a hint of annoyance and grumpiness in his tone.  [color=0054a6]“You know full well how Tobi.  With practice you also could….”[/color]  He was cut short but a dismissing wave from the young mage’s hand.  [color=00aeef]“yeah yea..”[/color]

Tobi was glad to see that Alexa was having just as much trouble as he waking up though she was keeping her fight silent.  She blinked her blue eyes furiously as if the puffiness was nothing but dust.  The party approached Tyrhallan.  Alexa adjusted her armor while she listened and Tobi kept on yawning and  rubbing his eyes.  Arn listened attentively.  His own sharp eyes visualizing the plan that was being laid out before them.  He had some misgivings of course but the plan was as sound as any. 

[color=0054a6]“I fear we will have to trust the speed of our mounts.  No matter how skilled we are, we will be no match against the Guardian, if the stories are true.  Whole squadrons have easily gone missing.”[/color]  He turned towards Tobi and gave him a meaningful look.  [color=0054a6]“Follow the plan.”[/color]  Tobi made a shocked display at being called out but acquiesced.  Then turning to Tyrhallan.  [color=0054a6]“You may be bring up the rear Lord Venray but ensure that you do not try to be overly gallant.  You will be as hard pressed as a novice against the predators that hunt these skies.  We keep together.”[/color]

His body was almost back to normal but he still felt aches and pains.  He offered his assistance to Eilis and fussed over her as much as she over him.  The master mage could feel her misgivings.  After all, they were basically returning willingly to the place she had tried so hard to escape from.  When he had settled himself behind her he leaned forward and whispered in her ear. [color=0054a6] “You are not alone.  I will protect you with my life.”[/color]  He suddenly emanated a comforting warmth.  He was not even aware he was doing it but his Thread seemed to know what do to.  

Grasping the reins firmly he looked behind him. [color=0054a6] “Let us be off.  May Gia bless us.”[/color] He was not a pious man but he figured it would not hurt to enlist all the aid the could.  The Wyrm obediently pushed off the ground with strong legs and with equaly strong pumps of its leathering wings it quickly gained altitude.  The group set out into the black sky.  Nothing but specs in the  vast darkness.