The Dreaming Land

Chapter 30: The Dreaming Land (Part 2)

Imara had seemingly lead Orius into a ballroom through the corridor. The dome ceiling was painted with an intricate and lovely depiction of the eight moons floating high above the world. Each one was painting with extreme detail, like nothing he'd ever seen before. The image of Imara walked into the centre of the dance floor, her ball gown flowing as she stepped. Orius followed her, and as he stepped up to her, music suddenly filled the room.

All around them, dancers appeared from thin air, dancing perfectly in time with the orchestra. Imara took him, placing one of his hands on her waist, and taking the other in his, and they began to dance. All of his worries seemed to melt away as they moved gracefully across the dance floor. The truth was, he didn't even know how to dance that well, but he was enjoying it none the less.

"Do you know why I chose this form to approach you, Orius?" She asked.

"I don't, but I could guess." He said.

"I'll save you the trouble, because I know what you're going to say and you're wrong." She said.

"...Okay?"

"I chose this form because you trust Imara." He said, "If there was anyone you'd share this much with, it would be her. I know of another side of you that secretly wishes to be heard."

"Is that so?" He asked.

"Hey, if I can't say it, neither can you." She glared at him, "But yes, it is. You care about her."

"I care about them all." He said.

"Oh but I know what you really think." She smiled.

Imara's lovely ball gown shimmered and transformed. Suddenly the girl was dressed in something more revealing, and looked up at him with her lips slightly puckered. He looked away, his face flushing red. Tephim was starting to cross a line. Of course it knew all his deepest desires, he just hadn't expected it to flaunt them in front of him like this.

"That's not fair..." He said.

"It's not?" She asked, smiling, "I'm only trying to give you what you want."

"You think this is what I want?" He asked, "You're a god, you're not naive. Why are you toying with me?"

"To see if your heart is true." She smiled softly.

"Can't you already see if it is or not?" Orius asked, "Why test me?"

"Because you need to know if your heart is true or not, too." She said.

"And how does taking Imara's form play into this?" He asked.

"Because she's special to you." She said plainly.

"They're each special to me." Orius frowned.

"But would you give your wish to Misha, or Quintir if they asked?" She cocked her head.

"I don't think that's fair to ask." Orius shook his head.

"Come now," Imara smiled, "they can't hear you in here, you can be honest. I know the answer already, anyways."

"... I suppose not, then." He said hesitantly, "That doesn't feel fair to say, but she deserves it."

"More than you?" She asked.

"Isn't that for you to decide?" He replied.

"I suppose that's true." She shrugged.

"So then, what do you think?" He asked.