• Mature • (emea) Twisted Synapse II

[Wald Lowca]

Vlahar 34th 719

A camp set in a sea of golden grass, there were three tents set up around a inner fire pit. They were made of what could be described as a hardy tarp, with patches of animal skins. There were several figures moving in the camp, among those were a small child, two human adults, and a large Ithecal. The lizard man towered above the two humans, though the camp seemed to accept his presence. The child slowly moved wood in the fire, closing it up to make the flame weaker. The day had started not to long ago, but the warmth of light was already spreading across the land.

Wald was sitting there, stick in hand as he moved embers around. His child form had a large white patch on his cheek, from where the rock had hit him before. The blue eyes seemed to have a dead look to them. The seams of the bandages that Sybil placed on him could be seen through the clothing. The alterations to the dream a few nights ago seemed to have an effect on the current events. Though to what extent was yet to be seen.

The large Ithecal placed a hand on the boy's head, careful not to touch any wounds on him. "Ya gotz ta be careful boy. Ya lucky I saw dem bring ya in." The ithecal had a thick accent, and his voice was a deep rumble. Though this did not seem to effect Wald.

The male human came to the fire soon after this, and tapped the large lizard's side. "We canz thank ya enough old friend." The man spoke with a soft voice, it was similar to Wald's though the words came out much more rough.

The lizard seemed to think for a moment about something. "Aye, Ahren can Iz take lidle Fald out a bit. Get em some fresh air?" The lizard seemed to have an idea about something, though it did not seem he had any malice in his voice or face.

The human gave a slow nod. "Go ahead, we are busy wit the meal to thank ya." The man moved to get things ready, there was a large animal being cut up and prepared.

[Sybil Malach]

I

Vlahar 34th, 719

Sybil crossed through the Veil.

Their mind thrummed with new knowledge. It was easier to understand this world, as compared to the waking one. Their eyes settled upon the circular mass of eclipsing light that served as Wald's brand. This was his door, the one that would lead into his dreamscape once more. Letting out a slow breath, they shook their head, trying to encourage just a bit more wakefulness in their mind. This was something that demanded attention, something that strained their mind to try and tackle.

But they stepped through the door, regardless, soles of the boots leaving the obsidian floor, and into the rift in front of them.


Crossing the threshold is something that they did with light hesitation. There's always the chance that they would simply wander into something that would be far too dangerous. Sometimes, Sybil was able to see a glimpse of the world that they were about to enter before being fully within-- But it was always a crapshoot. The best they could do was enter in headfirst, and cast a glance before entering.

The golden grass and the clear sky was the first thing that cued Sybil into a light amount of ease. Letting out a slight breath, they close their eyes before stepping through the threshold of the camp. Eyes glancing to the side, as they start to take in their surroundings. At the very least... They were someplace relatively safe. Tugging their cloak a bit closer, their eyes began to wander...

Pulling their cloak's hood over their head, they allowed their face to be visible, but it acted as a buffer against the wind. There was little point in hiding in the dream, as they had learned from nights past. It was even downright dangerous if it was one of Wald's strange moods.

They began to walk through the camp, making no effort to try and hide, sticking to the outer border of it, giving it a clear berth while trying to get a decent glimpse of what was even happening.

[Wald Lowca]

The small Emean was sitting by the side, just in the corner of the Dreamwalker's eye. They seemed to try and keep their distance, even though it knew that Sybil knew them. It may just be the want to stay privet, or maybe the small figure was still angered by Sybil's actions in the last visit. It did seem to be quite emotional during their brief conversation.

The camp seemed to buzz with a bit of activity, as over the tent, a head of yellow hair could be seen. It was as if the person was eleven feet tall, but the head was small. It was an odd sight, until out from behind the tent. The large ithecal was walking with the small Wald on his shoulders. They were moving towards a place in the golden grass that seemed to be gone. In the distance there was a small stream, cutting into the field, though it was not like the one near the city. Perhaps it was a tributary to that river.

The large ithecal held onto the child, his hands covering the entirety of his legs to keep him up. Wald seemed to slouch a bit, seeming to be in an odd state. The ithecal tried to bounce Wald a bit, trying to perk him up. Even though his jaw was large he tried to put a friendly face on. It seemed like they did care about the kid in his own way.

"Fald, ya cant be sad foever. It's nawt gud for ya." The large lizard spoke, as his tail dragged across the land behind him forcing a trail back to the camp. "Comeon, ya need to understand."

Wald seemed to only be listening at a distance, his mind wondering elsewhere. Not fully trying to understand what the ithecal had to say.

[Sybil Malach]

II

Vlahar 34th, 719

Something was watching.

Sybil knew better than to presume that they were alone within Wald's dreams. Something always made things harder, when it came to dealing with it all. Whether it be the stark emotional nature of the dreams themselves, or the inhabitants of them, there was an almost obsessive need to revert or retain the status quo. Their eyes slowly began to trace their surroundings. That being, whatever its name, was ever present whenever they were here.

Perhaps it was time to talk.

So instead of focusing on Wald, they simply allowed their attention to drift. Glimpses of... Something, fluttering in their periphery, there was always something almost visible. It took them a little longer than usual to spot the creature. Though it glowed, and it was nearly impossible to not see, the damn thing never stopped moving or bothered to keep its form in plain sight. A light sigh crossed their lips, before they finally started tracing the being a bit better.

And with one gaze, they finally caught up to it, staring at it dead on, through guessing where it would end up. It was a basic thing of hand-eye coordination, just moving one's eyes faster than something could move its body, but it was a hassle nevertheless. With their index finger, they gesture the thing over. Whatever this thing was, it was a creature that seemed to care: although likely misguided. So long as it was rational, they would stomach its existence.

Whether it came or not, though, their gaze slowly shifted over to Wald.

The fact that he was being lifted by an Ithecal was somewhat confusing. They had seen that species a few times, but their eyes slowly blinked in confusion. Perhaps it was the temporary illusion of Wald appearing taller than he actually was, but that in on itself was ridiculous. Their brows furrowed as they watched as much as they could from this vantage point.

Sybil began to follow, regardless, distantly tailing the child and the large lizard.

[Wald Lowca]

The small Emean tried to keep out of sight, as they usually did. Though it seemed this time the dreamwalker wanted to looked at the creature, this was unlike other times. They tried for a bit more, though once the gaze was fixed the creature froze for a moment. It was like a deer, just staring back at Sybil for a moment. Until the student started going after Wald.

The lizard walked to the bank of the stream, before setting Wald down next to him. He hunched down slowly, his large frame making it hard to sit on the ground. Since he was trying to get on the same level as the child. His face turned to the child, who had curled into his own knees. "Fald." The large lizard spoke, trying to let it out as gently as he could. Though his voice still came out deep and thick. "Ya know thay care about ya. Even if thay re a bit upset." The young child was scolded after getting back to camp, though the events have changed.

The Ithecal looked around, ensuring the parents were not nearby. "Look fald. If anything happen to ya, thay would be devastated. Thay could nawt go through dat again." He was trying to comfort the child.

Though those words caused Wald to stir from his knees. His eyes looked to the Ithecal in confusion. "Again?"

The Ithecal covered his mouth, he let something slip. Before he removed it with a hissing sigh. "Yes." The lizard looked to Wald. "Ya is old enough now to know. Ya is their second child, ya brother... died." Wald's eyes looked like they just got wider. "Ya parents... Thay took it hard, until thay got ya." The Ithecal reached for Wald's head, who moved away from the hand.

Wald seemed to try and understand what he had heard. He had a brother... An older brother before him. So he was the one who was meant to pass the family legacy. Wald was... Wald was not suppose to. The only reason was his brother's death. He was only second, he could... he could never...

The boy seemed to run off from where the Ithecal was, who tried to quickly follow the small boy. But the child ran a distance before he could get up and make chase.

[Sybil Malach]

III

Vlahar 34th, 719

As it turned out, their gesture was ignored. They let out a slow sigh, as they continued their approach. The Emean wanted to stay in hiding? That was its choice, and had very little to do with Sybil. It would have less excuse to complain as well, perhaps making this way forward more favorable. Their mind could very easily discount the being as far too emotional for its own good, given its inability to try and give basic communication.

It seemed that almost every supernatural entity at this point was finding a brand new way of annoying Sybil to the point of apathy. Who would've thought, that mortals of the waking world were easier to stomach?

Their brow furrowed, as they heard the middle to late part of the conversation. Why in Idalos would such a man know something about Wald's family? They considered the Ithecal himself for a moment. Noting his size: something that they had come to associate with the race itself, given that almost all of the Ithecal that they had met seemed to be over seven feet or so at this point. He obviously isn't related to Wald... So what was he to the kid?

To Sybil's knowledge, his family didn't die from the raid. Though at this point, it was nearly impossible to know for certain. Their brows furrowed, as they took steps further, eyes tracing the child as he got up...

And ran.

Sybil brought their cloak close. They knew that they had to follow. Young Wald as a construct of memories was bubbling at the seams with emotion at all times. Were all children like this? Sybil made absolute certain to avoid kids at all costs, seeing them as a sort of nasty creature more than a person. They always yelled, cried, and wanted to get into things that'd get them killed.

Jogging, Sybil followed Wald's emotional shade, tailing him, trying to catch up, despite the Ithecal already giving up.

[Wald Lowca]

Wald ran to a tree, it had a small hollow in its base. Large enough for him to hide in, avoiding the Ithecal that was attempting to catch up. The child began to think over what he learned further. He was told about his families history. The first born of a family would pass on the legacy of the antler necklace. He would set about to hunt lands beyond his birth. The adventurer of this ending with a hunt that would add to the antlers and teeth. He was told that he was to take on this honor. Now though. He learned he was not suppose to have the duty.

He was not crying, he just let a feeling sink in him. He could hear the heavy foot steps of the Ithecal run off. He was likely to go and find his father. He was the only one that could reliably find the boy. It would take time for them to make their way back out to look.

Before Sybil could approach the tree, the Emean darted ahead of them. Trying to block the way of the student with its small body. "What do you plan on doing this time Sybil." The high pitch voice huffed out, they must of lost their breath trying to get ahead.

It would be easy to walk around the small creature, if the student chose to ignore or answer while passing. Wald would just look in front of him, until he was disturbed. Trying to understand what it was he was, he did not know anymore if he could take the antler necklace. He felt like he could never do what his forefathers did.

[Sybil Malach]

IV

Vlahar 34th, 719

When was the last time Sybil found the need to jog somewhere? They were far more used to taking their time. It just was never worth the hassle. Running in the slums meant getting a bigger target painted on you. Running in an Academy was an all around bad idea, as social image was important, as well as the sheer fact that they could bump into a single person and be held responsible for the destruction of equipment or research material.

The one damn thing that they were certain they didn't want to feel in a dream, as the physical exhaustion that came from jogging a bit. It made them sweaty. In literally any other climate, they'd welcome the blasted heat, but not here. Their eyes turned to the side, towards the fluttering being at their side. Blinking rapidly, they cant their head, trying to understand what in the actual hell this thing was now making itself known after they gave it the chance.

"I don't know from what crack in this dream you come from," Sybil says, wiping the sweat from their brow and sparing a glance down at the being that was fluttering its wings, "But if you want to talk, you take the chance given to you. As far as I'm concerned, Emean, you gave that up the moment you concerned yourself with hiding, rather than wanting to deal with the issue at hand."

And for a moment, its plan worked.

Brows furrowing, though, literally a second later, they realized that the creature was far too small to actually block any means of moving forward. So Sybil gave it the momentary courtesy of not just walking past it and bumping it with their body. It'd get one more chance to actually communicate its wants, "So what is it that you want? And before you say it, regardless, I'll be doing what I came here to do. Telling me to leave will just get you nowhere."

[Wald Lowca]

The small figure placed its tiny hand on its hip, and pointed at Sybil with the other. ""I did not, Crawl, into here. I live here!"" The small figure seemed to get red in the face. "You expect someone to come to you, when you act so scary?" The small figure held their head while flailing back. "You are so much nicer through Wald's view." The small Emean was childish, it was strange.

The Emean tilted their head. "What do I want?" The tiny finger pointed to the tree. "For that boy to be safe." The figure nodded and looked at the student. "How is anything you think you are going to do, going to help him?"The figure spun around, and walked on the air for a moment back and forth. "Do you even understand the forces of Emea? You are like a child, you think you know what is right. But you." The small Emean went right into Sybil's face. "You take it to far, some people should not wake from a dream." The little figure seemed to be breathing heavily. Did it even need to breath though? It was an Emean, perhaps it was the law within the dream that caused it.

Wald sat there in his hole in a tree. The Large ithecal was getting close to the camp now, he would reach there soon. Wald though, he pulled something from his pants. Slowly taking out a small hunting knife, he had it stowed away. It was in case the people came to take him again, it made him feel safe. Slowly he dug the knife into the tree's wall, helping him focus on what he learned. Carving crude figures in the wood.

[Sybil Malach]

V

Vlahar 34th, 719

Live. Here? This Emean creature sprouted from the loins of Wald's mind? Sybil's eyes blankly stared at the fluttering creature as it impotently made its statements known. Likening Sybil to a child was one of the choiciest remarks. The dreamer, however, simply stared at the creature as it pitched its fit. That's when something behind their eyes began to whir, their thoughts beginning to reach a very strange conclusion.

"That boy, is a man. He's older than me, and I'm already off to the Academy." Sybil's head gestures over to the boy that buried himself into a stump. Did this creature really see Wald as a child? Were the dreams so common that it was the natural conclusion of its observations? Their brow furrowed, before shaking their head, turning their gaze to the kid that hid himself away within the stump, "He hasn't been a 'boy' for arcs now."

"Take it too far? As opposed to what?" Their eyes glance back at the creature, genuinely seeking its opinion on the matter: only tinged with the hint of annoyance, "If your way worked then he wouldn't be alone in a camp for the entirety I've known him, a crippling fear of basic human interaction, and barely held together with glue, mentally."

Pressing their hands against their sleeves, they fold their arms over one another. They were restraining from becoming fuming, but it was a stark reality at this point. Their frustration was a dull ember right now. They had been practicing dreamwalking to the point of exhaustion. It was one of the ways they realized they could more directly affect Wald, far easier to start building positive associations.

They knew better than to think the Emean had control of the dream, however. They waited for it to give an answer-- Any answer.