Coveted [New/Revised Version]

DREAMSCAPE CHATTER

"Where am I?" Zairian blinked at the foggy setting surrounding him.

"Here. There. Nowhere in particular but somewhere." Samael's voice found him before he saw the warlock approaching him. He waved his jeweled hand and they stood in an office. There were two chairs before the fireplace with a bowl of white grapes and a bottle of Scotch on the table between them. Hundreds of lit, white votive candles littered the room. "Join me for a drink."

Zairian remained rooted in place, scowling blackly at the warlock.

"I'm not asking." The other man grinned. "If it wasn't abundantly clear before, you're here for as long as I wish it. You and I both have the luxury of time, though I imagine being trapped in my magical dreamscape wouldn't bode well for you with the New Year's Mark drawing near."

"Let me out."

"Not just yet," the warlock walked over to the table and poured Scotch into his tumbler. He sat and gestured. "I can keep this up for a very long time even if your little witch somehow does come to save the day. In the event that she believes her own hubris, she'll also have to deal with my witches. We both know I don't keep mediocre company."

"Still collecting then?" Zairian grunted and made his way to the other chair. "What do you want?"

"You need reminding of what I'm capable of. I thought the very real threat of being trapped here with me beyond your control should do wonders."

"Theatrical as always." The hybrid knocked his drink back in one swallow. In a monotone, he added, "I get it, oh Mighty Warlock. I'm powerless. You can let me out now."

"How about this for theatrics," Samael leaned forward. "Every minute you spend in here with me, your real body desiccates. And with no marker of time-"

Zairian's hand wrapped around Samael's throat and squeezed. "You wouldn't."

"I would." He wheezed. "I did. Knock me unconscious and your stay is extended."

"Stop this madness."

"Whatever for?" Samael's eyes flared and Zairian felt the bones in his wrist fracturing. He withdrew his hand. The warlock massaged his neck with a huff. "I like spending quality time with old friends. I love catching up."

"I haven't done much since the last we spoke."

"Oh, but you've done quite a lot." The warlock's hand came down on the back of his neck as he pulled him forward enough that their foreheads touched. Green eyes met gray ones. "I can see a change in you. The kind wrought by magic. I recognize that signature anywhere."

Zairian gulped and the warlock grinned broader. His gaze slid to the ring around the hybrid's index finger before looking up to his face. "I trust Annalisa is well."

"How should I know?"

"You and rationality didn't agree when it came to her." The warlock's shoulders shrugged casually. "You lived to please her. You've obviously found her reincarnate. She does have the most impeccable timing that girl."

"I'm glad you're so concerned." Zairian gave him a tight smile. "I'm sure she's well."

"Naturally," Samael sat back and popped a grape into his mouth. "She's a survivor. Very resourceful, not someone that ought to be underestimated."

"You offering advice or enjoying the sound of your own voice?"

"Just reminiscing about one of the most fascinating beings I've crossed paths with."