A Good Man Awakens

Reflection

"Breathe, breathe. You can do it. Just open your mouth and pull some air in. That's it, breathe."

Elbar's voice was firm but soothing as I gasped, my chest heaving. Air rushed into my body, filling the void that had nearly consumed me. My lungs burned as I sucked in breath after desperate breath, my body trembling from the aftershocks of the dream I had just endured. I let out a cry so raw, so full of anguish that the world around me seemed to shudder under the weight of it. Through my tear-soaked eyes, I saw Elbar's wings glow brighter, the metallic scent thickening in the air like iron and fire. My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the cold surface of the bridge, sobbing.

"What were you thinking, bringing him here? Not all human dreams are nice ones. This is where forgotten dreams lie for a reason. Who told you about bridges?" Elbar's voice, now scolding, was directed at Anna and Marie.

I could hear the two young faye mumbling weakly in response, their guilt evident even though my mind was still clouded with the memory of Myia—alive, singing, only to be struck down. The after image of the dream was like a phantom in my mind, lingering, twisting like a half-remembered nightmare that refused to fade.

"Elbar," I rasped, pulling myself to my feet, using the bridge's wall to steady myself. My hands trembled uncontrollably, the shock still coursing through me. "What was that? Why was Myia in there? What is going on? Tell me!"

Elbar's gaze softened slightly, though the lines of frustration still creased his brow. "No one was in there," he replied, his voice quieter now. "That place—it's where forgotten dreams are stored. Dreams like the one you just experienced. It's not meant for humans. We faye only feel echoes, impressions of those dreams, but humans... you experience the full force. It's too dangerous. Imagine if those dreams were left to float freely in the world, affecting everyone who slept. You've seen how damaging just one can be."

His words hit me hard, the reality of what I had just lived through settling into place. "So, Myia... she wasn't really there?" I whispered, though I already knew the answer. My heart ached painfully, the vision of her smile still fresh, still raw. "It was all just... a dream?"

"A dream, yes. But to you, it felt real. And that's why we store them here, locked away where they can't harm anyone." Elbar's wings twitched, the glow dimming slightly as he sighed. "Humans aren't meant to enter the temple. It wasn't made for your kind. We faye, as I said, feel only glimpses—enough to know the nature of the dream, but never the full impact. You, however, feel it all. And it can break you."

I glanced over at Anna and Marie, who stood a few paces away, their small forms shrunken with guilt. Their wings drooped, no longer vibrant but dull, wrapping around them like cloaks of sorrow. They looked like two drenched puppies, their once carefree spirits crushed by the weight of what they had unknowingly caused.

I managed a weak smile, despite the pain still gnawing at me. "Thank you, Anna. Thank you, Marie."

"You're... you're not mad?" Anna stammered, her voice trembling.

I chuckled softly, though it felt hollow. "No, I'm not mad. How could I be? You let me see Myia again. You let me hear her voice, see her smile... even if it was just a dream. It's more than I ever thought I'd have." I paused, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Thank you. I'm just... overwhelmed. It's a human thing."

The two young faye looked at each other, their spirits visibly lifting, though the shadow of guilt still lingered. They giggled nervously, their wings slowly regaining some of their luster. It took all the strength I had to keep from smiling, to hide the ache in my chest. My heart still throbbed with the memory of Myia, and the emptiness her absence left behind.

"You two run along now," Elbar said, his tone much gentler than before. "I'll see Ragson back. And no more mischief."

"We won't!" they replied in unison, before flitting off toward the forest, their wings fluttering behind them like autumn leaves caught in a breeze.