To Dwell In Nightmares and Dreams

Are You Okay?

"Thank you Master, we did try our best but ..." Carlie trailed off, looking a bit helpless.

Stiles caught on by her words and some of the Mind Core expressions that they assumed he'd helped out because  they weren't doing well enough at their jobs but how could they expect too with this many people? The Mind Core were  clearly outnumbered.

"Like I said before, I don't care how small or how big the problem is. If you think you need some help then don't hesitate to let me know" Stiles said, letting the power slip out of his voice so hopefully he wouldn't seem as intimidating.

The Mind Core seemed to cheer up a little at what he'd said.

In fact...

"Carlie, can I borrow you for a minute?"

He created a portal next to them and with a formal goodbye to the crowd and the Mind Core he stepped into the portal, as expected Carlie hesitantly followed after him.

Her eyes widened a little as she realised where she was.

"It's been a while since you've been here hasn't it Carlie? Rocrik's home"

She said respectfully "Now it is yours Master"

Stiles said with a slight smile "I suppose it is until I find a new Lord or Lady"

He knew no matter how long it would have been he'd always feel strange how differently everyone would treat him now. Mind you that was likely to change.

He focused a little and soon he was back to his more human size.

"You probably wonder what I want to talk to you about and you likely think I know your name due to my powers as the Grand Master"

Carlie looked even more nervous now, unsure what to say or what to do, so she stood stiffly though making sure her eyes were on him but not looking directly into his eyes.

Stiles liked that politeness, it's a pity some people didn't have have it. A thought turned to the council but then he stopped it, reminding himself he wasn't being fair and he had decided to give them a chance.

He reached for the hood of his cloak, Carlie opened her mouth as if to protest but she couldn't seem to find the words.

"To tell you the true Carlie. Why I wanted to talk to you and why I know your name is the same answer"

The hood fell down and Carlie seemed to pale in pure shock as she recognised the face under the hood.

"Michealzlaw?!"

"Hello Carlie, it's been a while" He said with a grin.

She stuttered out, with pure shock "How?!"

He said calmly but also amused at her reaction "I basically stopped a murderer and revealed that the ex Lord of Mind and his mistress were basically corrupt. I think they thought I could replace the Lord of Mind but this was my unexpected reward instead"

She gawped at him for a couple more seconds but then said with a chuckle "How can you say that so casually?"

Stiles said with a small yet slightly sad smile "I've had practise I guess"

Carlie grow more serious as the implication on his expression, she asked gently "Are you...okay?"

Stiles was always asking himself that question and instead of dismissing it like he usually did, he actually thought about it.

Was he really okay?

Not really but things had started to look up? Hopefully he could get good relations with the council and he had stopped the rioting with not much trouble.

He answered honestly.

"No but I think I'm getting there"

However despite what he said...

Later during the night, his sleep was still uneasy and full of dark dread for the dinner with the Council, a dreadful feeling that would not leave him.