”Finally we arrive. Welcome to Sularia, one of the largest cities in all of Canelux.”

As they both walked through the main city gates, Cilas took the time to close his eyes and take a deep breath. The smell of the Rose gardens that littered the city came flooding through his nostrils. They had made it to a place where the could relax and recover from their long, long journey. He had never made the journey on foot before like he did this time, while he found the journey fun especially with someone else he couldn’t help but feel relieved all the same.

He slowly opened his eyes and looked down at his travelling partner. He wondered if she found such a place like this amazing or if she was more terrified of such a large city with all the people living inside. He couldn’t say for sure. ”Beautiful isn’t it. This city built by the Rosenite people, its beauty is just like the people themselves, try not to get lost in it.” He smiled joking around a little with Iona. The next stop for the both of them would be the Airship docks, but there was something else he needed to grab before hand.

He led her to the shopping Afthonia Bazaar near the middle of the city. The crowd was large as ever, as the stalls that lined the area tried to sell the wares. Cilas though made his way to the large marble fountain that stood as the centerpiece of the Bazaar. He looked down at the shimmering silver crescents that line the bottom of the fountain. People threw them in there to make a wish, a simple gesture but one that held such a strong meaning. Cilas dug out a silver piece himself and flicked it into the fountain himself, closing his eyes as he made his wish.

He turned around and waved a finger at Iona. ”No, no, no I cannot tell you. Wishes never come true if they are spoken after all. While we are here though why not we buy you more clothing shall we? Nothing beats the tailors of Sularia after all. Plus I think with all that you have been through wearing some fitting clothing would be nice would it not?” He walked over to her and handed her a small bag that had some weight to it. ”Silver is not often used her. Use this to find something that you would like. It shall be more than enough to get you anything.”

In the bag that he gave her were dragon scales, silver dragon scales. It was his way of paying her back for all that had happened to her during their journey. ”While you go do that, I shall buy us our passage, and we shall meet back here okay?”

The journey to Sularia had been a long one.

Iona had indeed been weakened by having her spirit nearly removed, but Cilas was patient and understanding. He allowed them to rest often until she was able to regain her strength. She was eternally grateful to him, and even though she knew she could never truly repay him for saving her, as the debt had escalated far beyond her ability to pay, she would not give up on showing her thanks. Clearly, attempting to do things on her own and not remain a burden had not worked. She only caused more issues. So, she must discover another solution. Iona thought and thought on the way to their next destination. She was told that it is a city—a place like the villages and towns they’ve come across so far, only far, far larger. And Sularia is said to be one of the largest. Iona did not know what to expect until they reached the gates, and she had her first glance.

The white-stoned building that stood tall and proud in the center of the city was the eye catcher. It towered well above all other buildings, the people nearly like ants compared to its size. The next thing she noticed was the folk. Most were women, with the occasional single man every so often. Iona’s eyes were large with amazement. Yet, she drew closer to Cilas. How many people could learn of her true nature? How many eyes could see beneath her deceitful skin to see the Wisp hiding? The tribal people had been able to know somehow—she was confident many here could as well.

She followed Cilas through the dense crowd to the beautiful fountain. She gazed up at the statue of a mother and her child. A strange sense of melancholy washed over her, yet, she knew not why. Absentmindedly her hand raised to rest on her thin belly with longing in her eyes. She felt as if something was missing… A vision hit her, an image of a man with a woman that had a swollen belly. She furrowed her brow with confusion, but her wonder vanished as she looked at Cilas. He dropped a coin into the water. She titled her head. Then, as he approached he told her that he would not tell her what he wished for. Iona did not understand what he meant, nor why voicing his wish would prevent it from coming true. That did not seem fair in her eyes, but she didn’t question it. Cilas then suggested that she should get new attire, and instantly the memories of each time her chest was exposed to him drew her arms up to cross and cover herself. She nodded in response, agreeing that something that fit her properly would be for the best. Then, he handed her a small bag and explained that it was payment for whatever she finds that she becomes fond of.

Although uncertain about being left within the crowd on her own, Iona agreed to meet him at the fountain when her duty is done. They separated and went their own ways. Iona strolled through the area, searching for any place that appeared to have any kind of clothing. The city was confusing in her inexperienced eyes. She did not know what exactly to look for, or how to know when she has found it. Soon enough, she took a chance with a shop that had dresses and men’s attire on display. Surely that was it, no? She supposed it could not have been more obvious. So, she walked inside and glanced around. Shelves and racks held various fabrics, those that could not be folded were hung on the racks. A young woman with dark skin and golden hair approached her with a broad smile. “Hello, dear,” she chirped. “May I help you with anything? Is there perhaps something in particular you are searching for?” Iona glanced down at herself, noticing the shoulder of her top had fallen down her arm again. She lifted it back into place and look at the girl, “My clothes are not a proper fit. I am…not certain what to search for.”

The woman glanced over her, smile never fading. “Yes, I see the issue. Let me see what I can find. Do you have any preferences?” Asked the woman. Iona thought for a heartbeat. Something she would like… For an unknown reason, she was attracted to a certain dark color. “I would like it to be black,” she suggested. The woman nodded, “A wonderful color with your pale skin. It would bring out your eyes as well. Wait here.” She turned away and went to the back of the room where she vanished behind a door. Several minutes later, she returned with black fabric. When she stood before Iona, the fabric was unrolled to reveal a dress. It was off shoulder with long trumpet sleeves that would likely reach her knees in length. The skirts were also trumpet shaped. “It is simple, but I get the feeling you are a simple lady. It is also modest, lightweight, and comfortable,” said the woman. Iona smiled, “It is beautiful.” The woman’s eyes shined brightly, “You will need some shoes to match.” With that, the woman was gone again. Iona wondered if she was possibly letting things get a little too far, but she couldn’t help agreeing that her leather boots would not match the new dress. What part told her that, she didn’t know.

The woman came back with a pair of black ankle-high shoes. The heels were slightly concave and stood about two inches high, with ties in the front and floral lace along the sides. The woman led Iona to a room where she could change, then offered to take her current attire off her hands so that it is not extra weight. Iona thanked her kindly, and gave her some of what Cilas left her with for payment. Both were shocked by what they were, but only one seemed to know exactly what they were. Iona recognized the silvery armor: Cilas’ scales. Her heart warmed at his gesture, but also ached as she wondered how much pain it caused him to have them removed.

Then, she was off on her own again. She left the shop and worked her way through the busy crowd until she had returned to the fountain. Once again she found herself staring up at the statue, her brow lightly creased as if she was concentrating.

Cilas weaved his way through the thick crowds of Sularia’s marketplace, in the back of his mind though he could not help but be worried for Iona. So much had happened to the both of them during their trip to the city, and for once he just wanted some peace of mind for the both of them. He figured leaving her alone in Sularia would be fine though, as the Rosenite guards that line all the streets were not to be trifled with. Their speed and power were dangerous, and the fact the City was ran as a matriarchy meant women tended to be safer in this city than most.Why do I worry about her so much. Many of times have I travelled with colleagues and strangers alike. Yet here we are in one of the more safe cities and I still worry..The dragon was lost in his thoughts, yet he was still able to move through the crowds with ease. Was probably just instinctual reaction from being within the academy walls for so long. He could see the glances he was receiving from few of the guards when he moved too close to them. Rosenites were more attuned to the mana in the air than most creatures, so he was sure that they had deduced his actual nature. None seemed to act tho, probably having a thought that if Cilas was causing no harm why should they cause a commotion and let others know a dragon was in the midsts.He got to the airship docks with no trouble though. The airspace empty and the running boards pulled into the city walls as to not obstruct the view. They must have arrived before the continental airship. He walked up to the man in charge of the airship tickets and bought a couple with a cabin room at that just in case they wanted to sleep during the journey. While Cilas could have easily flown to Iria himself he figured Iona would enjoy seeing the world from the air as he did. Again, he realized as he took the tickets from the man he was thinking about what she wanted.He made his way back to the fountain in relative silence, not even lost in his own thoughts. His eyes were just focused on the horizon in front of him. One could tell that he had figured out something was different but he did not know how to react to his own self. His ears finally picked up the sound of the water slowly falling from the fountain and saw here there waiting for him. She had once again picked out a black dress and matching boots to go with it. It was a contrast to her shining silver hair and made her stand out amongst the crowds. It shone like the moon in the sky during that fateful night.”What are you thinking about?” he asked walking up to her, he could see the look of concentration on her face as she stared to the fountain. ”It would seem that we also have to wait an hour or so for the airship to arrive as well. We got here a little ahead of schedule surprisingly. I know it was as much of a shock to me as well.” He couldn’t help but laugh a little as he made fun of all the troubles that they had getting there. ”it was quite the adventure though, and I must say you picked out a wonderful dress for yourself. I am glad those scales could help you out.”

Draped down her shoulders was long ebony hair, the opposite of the moonlight tresses she knows. But within the reflection before her, the same face stared back, lips stretched into a broad smile. Her dark eyes were downcast at the large swelling in her belly while her dainty hands caressed it. Then, when a pair of larger hands crept onto her belly from behind, her face lifted and eyes shifted to the reflection. A man stood behind her with a smile mirroring her own. In his matching dark eyes she could only see joy and…love.

Then, a scream.

Golden locks shimmered into her vision with raging emerald eyes. There was blood on the woman’s comely face and on the weapon in her hand. On the carpeted floor beneath her, the man lay, unmoving, his once bright eyes now glazed over and empty. Blood pooled beneath him as it oozed from his chest. “I curse you!” The woman screamed with hatred. Iona fell to her knees, tears blurring her vision. “I curse you! I curse you!” The words she had heard from this vision returned, and images of similar misfortunes flashed behind her eyes.

In the next vision, there was yet another woman and a man, just like before. Each one afterwards was the same, only, she could not see the woman’s face. And each time, the man she was with had died in horrific ways. From murder, to tragic accidents, to self harm. The faces all changed with the years, until, there finally came a time when the unfortunate woman stopped trying. She stood alone all the times after, reaching out her hand to others but never letting another stand beside her. It filled Iona with such sorrow to see this woman closing herself off from others, yet somehow always looking after those in need. Whoever’s life she was seeing, she wished she could end their pain.

Then, her final vision revealed a familiar face for the first time, and her heart stopped.

There was Cilas, holding a woman within his arms. Iona could not see the woman well enough to recognize her, but it was clear that Cilas cared for her very much. He…he was weeping. Her body was motionless, blood pouring from her naked body. She was dead… Cilas had either lost someone he loved, or will lose them.

Abruptly, his voice pulled her from the horrible vision. Iona blinked rapidly and slowly turned her gaze to his. Her face was drained of all color, as if it had not been pale enough before. And her eyes, they were wide. Before she could answer, however, he continued to speak. Iona listened, and blinked once more as he laughed lightly. The sight and sound somehow bringing a little smile to her own face, and her eyes softened. She turned to face him fully and clasped her hands together before her. He then continued with a complimentary on her dress, and mentioned his scales. “Ah, yes,” she replied softly, eyes dropping to look at the small bag in her hand. “They helped immensely. I cannot thank you enough for the aid.” She gave a small bow of gratitude before her eyes met his once again. This beautiful silver eyes reminded her of the strong scales that covered the magnificent beast, protecting him like armor. Which, returned a thought. “One scale allowed me to buy each piece I wear. But as much as I am grateful to you for it, I cannot help but to wonder why. Did not hurt to have them removed? Would simple coin not be easier to use instead of your beautiful scales?” She asked, temporarily forgetting her visions and their possible importance.

He couldn’t help but chuckle at her question. It was an innocent one but fair one all the same. He held out his arm as to guide her through the crowd. ”Let us walk towards the docks, I shall explain on the way.” He spoke to her and walked by her side as they walked down through the city. ”Normally you would be right, pluck scales from our flesh is different than say a fish. It is quite painful if they are forcefully removed while a fish will hardly notice the difference. But just like every scaled creature we do..molt in a sense of the word.” He started to explain. Once again it felt like he was teaching her something of the world, and not having to save both of them from danger or make her embarrassed for exposing her body. It was more like how it was when they first met and he was thankful for that.

”So the one that i gave you, you could say are older ones that my body naturally got rid off. Mind you even being older they are still worth their weight in silver and are tougher than steel. The only thing they do not have are the true luster that fresh scales have.” It was strange for him to talk about how he was a dragon rather than man. He was grateful that she decided to stay by his side after learning what he was in Veda. She saw him as the man that he was rather than the terrifying beast that his kin were usually depicted as. How he wished he could turn back the hands of time and stop the first feral one of his kin from attacking man, then perhaps dragon and man could have lived in peace with each other.

A dream that him and his brood all shared.

They got to the theater stage that acted as a dock for the continental airship and Cilas showed her to a bench so that way they could sit and chat as they awaited for the vessel to arrive to take them. ”As for your other question, silver crescents could have worked well to buy your outfit. The vendors here though decide to purchase by trade though, probably something that runs back through their lineage and it is always better to try to appease to the way locals do things. It shows that you respect their culture and in return they will be far, far more friendlier to you. Remember that if you ever decide to travel this star, it may save you in the end.”

”Now it is my turn to ask you a question.” He of course was teasing her when he said that. If she did not want to answer him he would not take any offense either way. ”What had your attention so much back there at the fountain? I mean it is a beautiful piece of work, but even the greatest artisans do not stare at it for as long as you were. Did something happen?”

Iona obligingly locked her arm with his. The warmth was very welcoming, a comfort as he guided her through the crowd. She listened intently as he explained, all the while attempting to imagine the difference between taking scales from a fish and ones from a dragon. Both were embedded deep within flesh, but she was assured that fish feel no pain from it. Then, her brows slowly lifted when he mentioned molting. Iona knew nothing of the meaning of the word, but deep down, something gave her the answer. It was as if she knew by nature, but could not explain it if she were given the chance to put the meaning into words. How odd.

The rest of the city went unobserved as they walked. Iona was too focused on her new lesson. But this time, it was a lesson concerning Cilas. Perhaps not him specifically, but his race. It was one step closer to knowing who Cilas was, what kind of person lay within his core. Through the time spent with him, he had taught her about so many things, of both good in nature and bad. But Cilas remained a mystery to her, his history, his desires, wishes, dreams, fears. It was fascinating to hear him inform her on his race, the mighty dragons. Before she realized it, they arrived at the dock. Normally she would take the opportunity to take in the sights, but she found herself far more interested in speaking with Cilas. They stopped at a wooden seat stretched long enough for two. She straightened her skirts to prevent wrinkles in the fabric as she sat with perfect posture. Her back was straight, shoulders back, head high, and legs crossed below the knee. She never learned how a lady was to sit properly; it just came naturally to her, as if the knowledge and practice was hers long ago.

She nodded slowly as he finished his explanation, speaking quietly, “I see.” But Iona was even more curious than before. She wanted to know so much more about him, however, she did not get the chance to ask anything else. Instead, he turned the questioning to her. Her interest and curiosity was peaked, as it was the first time he asked anything of her. She turned her face towards him and blinked, tilting her head just a tad. “What is it?” She asked with a gentle smile. A smile which immediately vanished with his question. Her visions returned as he reminded her of them, the worst of them being the image of Cilas mourning the death of a loved one. Slowly, she moved her head until her face was downcast, eyes sorrowful as they locked themselves to the bag of scales her hands held on her lap. “I… I had a vision. Many, in fact,” she admitted. “I do not know why, nor what they mean…” she swallowed and lifted her face, looking back at Cilas with confusion and fear in her eyes. “I saw a woman with my face, but, she was not me. She was with a man, and had a child in her belly. But…” she looked back down at her hands. “He was murdered by another woman, one who cursed her over and over.” Her head shook lightly as she attempted to push the frightened and terrible scene from her mind. The blood…the scent of it still filled her nostrils, as if she had been there to witness it with her own eyes.

She continued, “Every other vision I saw was following a similar woman through the course of time. Each time she lost her dearest loved one to death.” She paused, swallowing hard. A single hand raised to form a loose fist over her aching heart as she looked back at Cilas, “And then…I saw you, weeping for a woman as you held her lifeless body in your arms.” She knew not what it meant, if anything at all. As far as she knew, it may have been nothing more than a very unpleasant daydream. Although…she wasn’t sure she knew what that was, either. Still, she could not simply push aside the growing fear those images had implanted within her.

Visions?

The dragon thought to himself and he sat and listened to her explain what she saw in her visions. He sat there silently as she explained the first few to him, trying to rack his own mind against them to see what they could have meant. The only explanation that he could come up with was that they were memories of the body that she was given. ”Perhaps the memories of the maiden are coming to you, wouldn’t surprise me since you melded with her. Perhaps that first one was why she seemed so …gone. Such an event would cause anyone to give up on life. As for the other women, I could not say, I am not familiar in the arts of premonitions.”

He did not touch on the vision she had of him, holding a dying woman. He could not even encounter a time that he had felt so close to another person like she had explained. He didn’t know if reassuring Iona would be the right course, but he could tell by the look in her eyes that, that vision in particular had caused her great distress. ”Do not worry about the vision you saw of me. Perhaps with all that had happened to us it was just a trick of your mind. Our minds after all are our own worst enemy sometimes.” He spoke to her softly with a smile. He did want to see her distraught, this was supposed to be a happier time for them both.

Before he could say another word though, his ears picked up the roar of flames and the shifting of boards. He looked up into the sky and pointed up for Iona to see. ”It seems our ride has arrived.” The enormous airship made its final descent as the theater stage started to change to the boarding platform the continental airship. The roar of the flame ring filled the air, but the fire did not burn the surrounding area. Cilas was sure that this would be an amazing sight for someone who had never witnessed and airship before. Moments after it docked with the landing platform floods of people started to walk off of it.

”It is amazing how man was able to get a ship to fly. The mana ring surrounding the front end of the ship is the key to it all. It is still a mystery to me how it manages it, i believe only those in charge of creating such things know it’s true secrets.” Cilas somewhat explained to Iona as he got up and stepped to the side as people rushed off. More people had also arrived to board on the airship. ”Stay near me till we get on, this moment right here…can be dangerous.” Not many accidents had occurred during boarding and unloading but the rush of people coming and going was the best time to cause any incident if someone wanted to.

They were finally allowed to board after a couple of minutes, and Cilas took Iona’s arm in his once again and walked up the ramp that led to the deck of the ship. Near the top of the docking platform he flashed the parchment that showed his payment for the ride and the officer stepped aside letting them on. ”Now let us go find our cabin, and then you will see a sight like no other…the most breathtaking views.”

Cilas did not express much concern. He seemed interested, perhaps even curious, but not worried. Not even with the vision she had with him. Slowly, she nodded in silent agreement to his assessment. It was certainly possible that she was seeing Iona’s memories now that she was in the maiden’s body, but she did not understand what that might have to do with Cilas. Each vision was of the maiden losing the person she loved the most, but the last was Cilas losing someone. Why the change? Yes, he could be right that it was just her imagination. But after all that has happened, shouldn’t she be more concerned for herself? It was her who kept being hurt, yet, the image showed Cilas was the one in pain. He may very well be right, but Iona could not seem to push aside the unease, the uncertainty. Something was telling her that assumptions was not safe, that something was soon to come. Something horrible.

But she didn’t voice anymore of her concerns. Her lips formed a sad smile in response to his reassuring one. She appreciated his attempt to keep her from being worried. Neither of them had the chance to continue their conversation, or even turn it to a different subject. Iona enjoyed every moment it lasted. Then, Cilas turned her attention to the roaring in the sky. Her gaze followed, eyes widening at the sight of the massive figure. Slowly, she raised from her seat, never looking away from that amazing and beautiful ship. Cilas barely managed to pull her attention in time for her to listen to his brief explanation. “It is incredible,” she replied quietly, voice nothing but a mutter. Finally, she pulled her blue gaze away from the ship to beam at Cilas. Despite his warning, Iona was too intrigued to be concerned. Excitement made her eyes gleam.

Finally, they were given permission to board the ship. As Cilas once again locked his arm with her own, her smile softened slightly from his distracting warmth and scent. She never noticed how pleasant it was before now. Like the aroma of the trees in a forest and the berries on the bushes, the leaves and wood. Like the scent of fresh grass in a meadow, as the wind carries the calming perfume of flowers. She was drawn to it, and before she realized it she had pulled herself closer to him. Suddenly, she found herself longing to experience the sensation of his skin against hers, and to have his warmth surround her. An embrace…she wanted to embrace him. The physical contact she’s never felt before. But, she was uncertain if it was acceptable or not. She was not to allow anyone to touch her, or even see her. How would an embrace be any different?

She forced the thought away as they boarded the ship. Their shoes thunked loudly on the wooden surface with each step. Cilas told her that they needed to find their cabin, then assured her that they will then witness something truly breathtaking. Silently, she wondered what might be so beautiful when she had already seen so many amazing things thus far. But she didn’t question it. He guided her down the steps that delved into the ship. The halls were lit with lanterns with doors lining the walls and every turn the hall opened to. She was taken to a door marked with a number, and Cilas was the first to walk inside. The room was rather small, with two beds positioned against either wall, both only large enough for one person. Between them was a little table for them to share, and on the wall above it was a round window.

Iona slowly walked up to one of the beds, glancing over it before she gently sat upon the edge. It sank beneath her, the blankets soft and comforting. It would be her first time sleeping in one and not beneath the stars outside. “What a charming place,” she quietly said to Cilas as she took the pillow and hugged it against her torso. The fabric was lovely. Then, she suddenly fell back onto the bed, closing her eyes with a soft hum. If she wasn’t so excited, she would have likely been lulled. “What is it you want me to see?” She asked, forcing her eyes back open and turning her head to look at Cilas.

He led her down to their private cabin in the hull of the ship. The bright lanterns on the walls illuminating the way for them to see. He had forgotten how well maintained the ships were, both Canelux and Parvpora taking care of them as it was the easiest way for people to travel between the continents. It made him wonder if a route would be opened to the newly found Onnen continent. He would definitely have to go visit that realm, perhaps there could be more he could find out about blood magic from the tribes that lived there.

They entered the door of the cabin and the sight of a bed made Cilas relax more than it probably should have. They had been sleeping on the ground beneath trees and in outcoves of rocks that he had almost forgotten the feel of the mattress. He took a seat on the bed across from Iona and just sank into its soft embrace. He kicked up his feet and laid down upon it and just closed his eyes letting out a small sigh of relief. ”This right here, made the journey all worth it.” he spoke out as he just let the soreness of his body empty. ”One can never beat a good bed, especially after sleeping on the hard ground for so long.”
 
Cilas opened his eyes and turned his head to face his companion when she asked about what he wanted her to see. ”You will see in due time, once the ship begins its ascension is when all will come to view.” She did not know the truth of the words that he spoke. Seeing the realms through the air was a view that took the breath away from everyone. Cilas still could not help but be amazed at the expanse of land when he took flight in his dragon form, and to fly among the clouds. ”I would not be standing though, as the feel of going into the air is something to get used to.” He faced the ceiling again and closed his eyes, a slight grin on his face. He wondered how she would react to her stomach feeling like it would plummet to the ground. It was her first time flying, the sudden elevation change would surely be a surprise to her.

Moments passed, and finally, Cilas felt the ship beginning to shift. ”Seems we are leaving now. Soon you will be in a land foreign to you.” He spoke up again his eyes still closed as he felt the ship around him rise into the air. He opened one eye and looked over to see how Iona was reacting to it. This was not what he wanted to see though, he saw how her eyes glistened and lit up at the sights when they were on the ground. He wanted to see her smile and amazement at the view that he would normally see while traveling. ”When you feel like you can stand again, make your way to the deck..I will be right behind you.”

Iona rolled over onto her side and hugged the pillow closer to her chest. As she waited in silence, her eyes watched as Cilas lay down on his own bed across from hers. Their gazes met, silver clashing with blue. He gave her a simple reply that hardly answered her question, but she couldn’t bring herself to feel disappointed even the slightest. She blinked when he turned his beautiful eyes away and closed them, leaving her with a strange sense of emptiness. He appeared weary, eager to once again rest in the comfort of a bed. How long had he been sleeping under the stars? How long had he been on his journey? Iona buried her nose into the top of the pillow, her eyes peeking over to watch Cilas. She returned no reply, instead letting herself fall into silence. Containing her excitement was no easy feat, but gradually, as the silence and waiting extended, Iona was nearly driven to sleep. Her eyes fluttered shut with a slow drawn in breath. The pillow carried the scent of various flowers, but it was stale, as if it had not been refreshed anytime recently. It was nothing like Cilas—he carries the waters and the winds, the trees and the earth, all life that surrounds them. She much preferred that over the pillow, but the pillow was the only thing she could embrace. A false sense of comfort.

Suddenly, the ship creaked quietly, and Iona was lifted. Although she had not been standing, it was as if the ground vanished from beneath them. As if they were lifted into the air. Her eyes slowly opened. Cilas explained that they were finally leaving Canelux. Silently, she moved to lift her upper half with her arms. Iona looked up at the round window behind them, but all she could see was blue through the thick glass. One after the other, her legs dropped off the side of the bed, and she stood, straightening out her dress for a second. Then she walked closer to the window, leaned over the small table beneath it, and attempted to peer outside. She looked from various angles, but there was still only blue. It was then that she decided to do as Cilas said. With a single glance back at him, she walked out the door, trusting he would be close behind.

She went down the halls until she found the stairs leading up to the deck. The moment she stepped into the open after the climb, the wind ruffled her silver hair. She gathered it all in her hands and held it over one shoulder, to keep it from becoming unruly. The air smelled strongly of salt, and when she looked skyward, she noticed how the clouds seemed much closer before, and they gradually approached further. Were they falling?

A bird’s cry drew her attention to the side where there flew a flock of seagulls. She walked over to the railing. There, she looked down, her eyes widening at the vast blue beneath them. It was a shade far deeper than the sky, the water glistening gold and white from the bright sun overhead. It stretched and stretched, an endless ocean that went far beyond what she could see. Behind them, she spotted land, where they had boarded. Slowly, slowly, the city shrunk from both height and distance. Ahead of the ship, she could only see more ocean. It was then that she realized what Cilas was talking about. Her eyes were massive and shimmering with delight. Her joy was overwhelming to the point that it began to spill over, causing her lips to form the largest smile, one that reaches the eyes. “It’s…so beautiful,” she whispered. It was like nothing else she had seen, a league of its own when compared to the splendor of land. She wondered what lied beneath the crashing waves, what creatures thrived, what world was hidden in the depths of the sea.

Then, there was another flash of an image. A woman standing on pale sand, while the joyous laughter of a child echoed in her ears. The ocean expanded before her, with a little girl dancing and splashing in shallow waters. The vision lasted no longer than a moment, but it left her with a strange feeling. Longing, happiness, sorrow, and emptiness. Her smile softened as she looked out, watching the ocean grow further away beneath them and the clouds come nearer. Her eyes revealed how she was feeling as one hand moved back down to her belly. A child…had it been Iona’s? She had never seen her even expecting one through the many years the Wisp watched her pass by the lake. If not hers, then…who was she seeing?