Chapter 13: A Lesson Taken to Heart

Orko wasn’t sure how long they talked. He told of Eternia, and the Bretheren Arcanum, and his adventures in Imagiland, and Okoru in turn told of his life in Imagiland. He said Adraxia was a little girl’s friend who was created with the history of being taken in by a kindly wizard who lived in the woods. As Okoru was a wizard, he’d ‘stepped in’ to fill the role.

“That’s how things work here,” he explained. “Everyone’s Dreams work together to fill their Dreamer’s dreams, and our own histories. If someone imagines their Dreams going to see a wizard who lives in a wooded area, they might see me. Of course, I might look different to them, or be called a different name, but it’s still me.” He chuckled. “But since you made me, to you I’ll always be Okoru the Trollan, and the few who know my true name - that’s the name a Dreamer gives to their Dreams - they see me also as I really am.”

“Trolly-Molly, it’s a lot to take in.” Orko hesitated.

“What were you going to say?”

“After I leave here… I want you to transfer your Bond to Cassandra.”

“Molly-Trolly, why!”

“Because I don’t want you to Fade, and after I leave here, I might forget again.”

“You never forgot. It’s impossible. Memories are never truly forgotten, just… stored away, deep in your heart. “

“But I couldn’t remember your name, or anything.”

“Why were you trying to remember at all?” That made Orko stop and think.

“Because Lenon and I were talking… and I had this feeling….”

“A feeling that you had a Dream, a friend, here. See? Your heart knew who I was, even if your mind couldn’t remember my face or name. I can feel that, your heart knowing who I am, remembering me. Yes, the longer you go without thinking of me, the weaker I become. And if I ever give up hope, give up faith, that you will eventually think of me, I might Fade. That’s often how it goes. A Dream decided that it can’t go on not hearing it’s Dreamer’s voice, and that they aren’t needed anymore. I never gave up. You may not remember, but you once promised that you’d never ‘not be my friend.’ I remembered that, and knew I had to just wait. “ Okoru put a hand on Orko’s shoulder. “We’re friends, now and forever. Even if names or faces become fuzzy, the feeling of friendship will remain. It’s what drew out your memories of me. No matter now far away we are from each other, or how faint my name becomes, you can never completely forget me. So I’ll never fade.” Orko smiled.

“Trolly-Molly, I hope so.”

“Molly-Trolly, I know so.” Okoru hopped out of the bed. “I think a little fresh air will do me good.” Orko laughed.

“We’re still the same size!”

“Of course. When you created me, you imagined someone your age. So as you grew, so did I. You just didn’t really notice.” Okoru’s eyes suddenly glimmered mischievously, and Orko’s eyes picked up the same glimmer, as if they shared the same thought.

“Trolly - “ Orko began.

“Molly - “ Okoru continued.

“Catch me if you can!” Orko zipped out of the room, causing Mirriam in the next to yelp in surprise, then Okoru raced past, and she dropped the teacup.

They darted outside, past startled elves, centaurs, fairies, and Adraxia, and into the woods. The two chased each other as they had done in Orko’s childhood imagination as kids, playing tag-you’re-it.

Eventually they dropped into the grass in a clearing, panting and laughing.

“That was fun!” Okoru panted.

“It was.”

Orko, came Star’s voice. The two Trollans hopped up as he entered, and Okoru gasped, startled.

“Thank you for bringing me here, Star,” Orko said. Star blinked slowly, seemingly in a smile.

My pleasure. But it’s time for you to go home.

“Oh.” Orko looked to Okoru and blinked. “Okoru, what’s wrong?”

“It’s just… he’s….”

Just a very old Dream, interrupted the unicorn, and Okoru didn’t argue, though Orko thought he had missed something there. Okoru, you may accompany us as far as you are able.

“Thank you, sir.” The two Trollans climbed onto Star’s back, and he bounded off north.