I drifted through a world of darkness for a long, long time, lost in memories, nightmares, and visions. Time held no meaning, save when I was forced to relive agonizing minutes and hours of my life, or what may very well become it.
At last, the parade of Fate drew to a close. A light broke through the darkness, soft and warm, beckoning me forward. I reached out to it, and the light enveloped me. My soul grew heavy, and my mind clouded, shackled by my still-sleeping body. The light retreated, leaving me cold and alone again.
"...can't allow that," R'lissea's voice wafted through the haze. Her voice was taught and panicked, the way it was when she gripped her skirt or staff.
"We have to tell them something. It's been a whole week!" Elise replied, equally tense. "And the banquets tonight!"
My eyelids resisted, my body restrained to a gentle groan. Everything hurt, from the tip of my itching horns to my aching tail.
"Then we'll have to refuse in her stead–" R'lissea began.
