Chapter 9: Cassandra

"This is Cassandra," Toby said in introduction, adding, "My wife."

Cassandra was sitting up in a very soft-looking bed, seeming a bit worn out but peaceful and serene, wearing a light nightdress and covered up to the waist by a sheet. Her pretty emerald eyes were kind as she nodded to a stunned Orko, stunned for two reasons: One) Cassandra was, despite Star's claim, undeniably a cream-colored cat, and two) she was gently cradling a baby in her arms. She laughed softly.

"Are you okay?" Orko shook his head a bit.

"Oh, um, yeah. It's just that... Star said you were human." She paused.

"Hmm... I don't believe I know a Star, but he is correct... in a way. I was human, before I was brought here. Destiny changed me into a cat, and it was for the better, I'd say." She nuzzled the kitten lovingly. Toby padded over to take the infant into his arms with fatherly care. "You're a Dreamer too, aren't you?"

"That's what Star said. And he told me to bring you this." Orko approached the bd to lay the gem on the covers. Cassandra carefully picked it up as if it was made of fine crystal.

"Oh my! You got here just in time. This poor Dream has been badly hurt."

"Are you sure you're up to this?" asked Toby worridly.

"Yes, my love. Why don't you go show off your son? I know you've been wanting too." Toby chuckled and bent to give her a kiss.

"Just please be careful." At her assurance that she would be, they left her to her task.

"Trolly-Molly, I didn't know she'd just delivered," Orko apologized as he floated down beside the climbing cat.

"Few did, or even knew she was pregnant," replied Toby as he carefuly stepped down off the ladder. "We wanted it that way. If Darklor had known, she'd not been safe anywhere. He hates her." Orko gasped.

"She must've been the one he meant?"

"Huh?"

"I - I ran into Darklor, I think. He told me that he'd send me home if I brought him a certain girl. Glad I refused."

"As am I. If she was to die - and he'd definitely kill her - many Dreams would die as well, including myself."

"You?" Toby chuckled.

"I'm one of her originals from before she came to Imagiland. She even wrote stories about me." He seemed very proud of that fact, and when he remembered that Star had said Dreams from storeis were rare, it was understandable. Orko would've asked more about that, but the instant that the other elves saw their chief with his new son, they gathered around to see the babe and to offer gifts to help ceelbrate with the parents. Orko moved out of the way, letting Toby have his fun.

"He's proud," comented the lion as he moved to stand beside Orko.

"He deserves to be." Orko looked at the lion. "Are you Lenon, or Peri?" The lion chuckled.

"Lenon. And you are - ?"

"Orko."

"Cassandra will save the elf."

"I know. Star said so, as if he knows it, then it must be true." Lenon paused, as if debating whether to speak, then asked,

"I know you are a Dreamer, but not every Dreamer has Dreams. Do you?"

"Huh? Oh." Orko paused to think. "I'm - not sure." He looked at Lenon. "If I do, and I've forgotten..."

"They might have Faded, but if you can even recall a feeling of them, like how they made you feel, then they might still exist, somewhere."

Orko could only wonder.