[hr][center][h3][ShieldTown - Locklear Residence][/h3][/center]
[center][A Fate001/XianaEvermor Collaboration][/center][hr]

Without breaking eye contact, Dean dug into a pocket and slapped something on the table. he pushed it forward to reveal the round coin-like green stone no larger around then a quarter. Even without Astral sight the stone's geometric carvings thrummed with latent power. He gave Ash a rather flat look as if he hadn't just sat down piece of Locklear Jade.

ID tried to keep a neutral expression, but she could not disguise the momentary flash of amber in her eyes, nor the ripple of crimson scales that crawled down her neck from her temples.  Locklear Jade was no cheap bauble or trinket to be traded away on a whimsy... and this one held a noticeable amount more potency than some of the newly minted pieces she'd come across.

Oh.  This was serious.  What kind of mess had she stepped in now?  

To be honest, she probably would have conceded for the promise of more of Alex's cooking, and the opportunity to study him.  For a while she sipped her coffee while staring at it, and resisting the compulsion to immediately snatch it.

[b][color=#d9145f]"May I ask... why you trust me with this?"[/color][/b] ID paused, placing a finger on the Jade piece, and then flicking her eyes to Dean.  [b][color=#d9145f]"We've only just met."[/color][/b]

[color=8dc73f][b]"First of all, you could have stayed quiet, but you didn't.  Alex is my friend. I'd even say he's family to me. He's important to a lot of people and does a lot of good around here."[/b][/color] Dean paused for a moment and chose his next words carefully. [color=8dc73f][b]"And . . . . I had a [Dream] about him a long while ago. Never made sense but I've stuck with him ever since . . .  I don't know whats coming or what the future holds but after that scream yesterday, I had that same [Dream] for the first time in years."[/b][/color]

[color=7ea7d8][Smoldering armor and costumes across a battlefield. Figures of myth clashing with one another and with monsters he could barely describe.]

[A shining tower of steel and light that scraped the heavens, a titanic tree of flesh and wood.]

[The only thing that could be seen clearly was Alex, shining in colors more than just his blue and holding a shield that both inspired and terrified.]

[A world in chaos.][/color]

The earth mage shuddered and poorly hid the worry and uncertainty that flashed across his face.  His bond with Golem helped to keep him stable though. Maybe he should have talked to Archer about this? Maybe Dawn could make sense of it. No. Not now. Had to help Alex first. 

ID regarded him in silence.  The portents of Awakened dreams weren't her area of study, but it was generally accepted to be prudent to pay attention to them.  She was tempted to have him recount it for her, but if she was involved in it somehow just knowing the contents might warp the intent.  Her finger pressed down on the edge of the Jade piece, and she rolled it across her knuckles and into her palm.

[b][color=#d9145f]"This isn't something I can do from afar, and if we're to keep him ignorant of the awakened world it may take a while.  If you're okay with me intruding on your [Sanctum] then I can accept,"[/color][/b] she answered carefully, with a bit of a sigh.  At least it was something Mother might be interested in too.

[b][color=#d9145f]"My [i]scientific[/i] recommendation would be to observe him until we know what we're dealing with.  It should be safe to covertly treat his symptoms as well... I can think of a few ways myself, and I've earned some goodwill with the Runesmith that runs the Stoneworks.  I could call in a favor if you're comfortable with that... I'm sure she's eager to claw more material enchanting out of me,"[/color][/b] she muttered, grumpily.  

[b][color=#d9145f]"I have other responsibilities that demand my time later in the morning, but I intend to return by evening.  I'll have something to ease his symptoms then... for now just keep him away from any strong magic, else we worsen his condition."[/color][/b]