Thank you, all, for the reviews. I apologize for the lack, things have been nuts, but I have a large update as a reward for patients. :)

Chapter 10: Memories Like Slippery Oil

They waited about half an hour down below, Orko silently watching the elves and Toby, thinking. Suddenly, Lenon and Toby looked up at the same time, as if they heard something. At the same moment, the little kitten began to mewl.

“Good timing,” Toby chuckled as he moved to the ladder. “C’mon, Orko. Sylwin will want to thank you.” Up they went, and into the house. Orko nearly tripped in surprise, not something that Trollans do often, for there stood Sylwin, dressed in clothes the color of the rippling grasses of the plains, unhurt in any way. The elf smiled broadly at the Trollan.

“Thank you, Dreamer Orko. I have you to thank for my life.”

“Aw… Trolly-Molly, it was nothing.” Cassandra chuckled as she took her child into her arms. She looked a bit pale, but there was a definite light in her face, as if she was very pleased with herself.

“Defying Darklor, escaping the Dark Forest, carrying Sylwin’s soul here, isn’t nothing. Not many would even try to do such a feat, yet you did.” She turned her attentions to her child and nuzzled him warmly. “If you will excuse me, little Tobias is hungry.” Taking the hint, Orko and Sylwin left the three alone, heading back down the ladder. Lenon watched them, looking like he already knew Sylwin even though this was the first time they had seen each other. Cassandra had truly made Sylwin her Dream.

“Where will you go?” the mage asked.

“Home, to my family,” was the instant reply.

“I will carry you there,” offered Lenon. “After all, we’re brothers now. And Orko, the elves have a guest house prepared for you. Periwinkle will show you which one, though I think you could guess by walking about.” The faerie, the one that had been called Peri before, nodded.

“C’mon.”

“I hope we will meet again, Orko.”

“Me too, Sylwin.” The elf climbed onto the lion’s back, and Lenon bounded off as Peri led Orko to a tree house that had indeed been prepared for him. It was Trollan-sized.

“They used magic to make you more comfortable,” she explained. “They have several homes that will reshape themselves for visitors, just in case. There are quite a few of them around. So many people want to visit Cass, even just see her pass by. “

“I guess those who are Fading would want to see her.”

“Actually, it’s mostly people who just want to admire her. She’s a great hero here.”

“Oh?”

“She took on Darklor a few years ago, after he had stolen the Dream Gem. It was because of her that we got it back. If she hadn’t, all of this - “ She motioned around. “ - it would have ceased to exist.”

“Trolly-Molly.” As they both flew up to the guest house, Orko decided to ask. “Periwinkle, if I had - have - a Dream here, how would I know?”

“Well, when you were younger, did you have an imaginary friend? They’re the most common.”

“I’m not sure.”

“The easiest way to know, in my opinion, is to get alone in a quiet place and just listen with your heart. Dreams have a bond with their Dreamer that only the Dreamer can break. When I think on my bond with Cass, I feel a warmth in my heart. Some have said it’s the same or similar for them. If you do, you should feel something like that, and maybe your Dream will respond. And if not - “ She shrugged as if it was no big deal. “Ah, here we are.“ She stepped onto the little balcony that rimmed the house, and opened the door for Orko. The house was simple, with a Trollan-sized bed, dresser, chair, table, and a full length mirror. Orko smiled.

“This does feel very comfortable.”

“The community dinner is at sunset, in a few hours, so feel free to explore the village and woods - there’s nothing that will harm you in the Cat’s Eye Woods - or rest, or whatever. And just call me if you need a companion.” She smiled. “I like you. You’re a good friend. And Cass thinks so too.” Orko nodded his understanding, and Peri left.

Orko stood there for a moment, then went to lay down on the bed. It was quiet there, and peaceful. As it was on his mind, he let his thoughts slip back to his childhood. Slowly he recalled being given his wand, and leaning magic, and playing with his friends as a child. He remembered drawing pictures in his room on rainy days, and…

A fleeting thought glided across his memory, barely our of reach. Desperately, he tried to find it, but it was gone, and the more he pressed to find it, the further it slid away. At last, he was forced to let it go… for now. And nothing he did the rest of the afternoon brought it back.