A Dream

That night Ayleah dreamed of the bluebird. It perched in the upper branches of a red bush, its head darting around, looking around at the world. A soft murmur sounded out of vision, and the bird took off. It flew out over a wide open meadow, a weird place, where only shadows of trees stood out against the far horizon. The grass was very tall and immensely thick; a jungle-like canopy that made the land seem like an ocean of brown and green blades. She could not tell how far down the ground was through all that green; her feet only hovered a few inches above the top of the grasses. She looked for the bluebird, but it was lost from her vision.

In his traveler's cabin, Telon dreamed as well. He dreamed of a green and golden light that covered his brain, and that his bed sheet had become a blanket of moss and earth. As he rolled it back, he grew into the sunlight and rose until his feet brushed the tips of the grasses. It was a pleasant dream. There was a light breeze, and the sun was out. “There you are, my blue friend.” A voice, and Telon could see a figure walking towards him along the top of the grass. The man was dressed in light and a robe of swirling greens. “This isn't the real thing, of course”, he gestured around at the field, “but maybe now you'll want to come and visit.”

Telon squinted at the robed man. “Davai, is that you?” If he truly was dreaming about his childhood friend, then there was a chance this wasn't a normal dream. Davai smiled “Yes, yes it is. It's been a while.”

“Twenty years, in fact.” Telon said. “You went off to join a monastery or something, I assumed that might be the last I'd ever hear from you.”

“Still there, well, still here” Davai said. “You should really come and visit us.” he gave Telon a look: “And when I say that, I don't just say it. This is a dream-visitation after all.”

Telon chuckled. “I suppose it is pretty compelling. It looks beautiful here.” The wind ruffled the grasses that stretched into the horizon, and a couple larger clouds dimmed the light for a moment. “Does Lucan know anything about what's been going on?” Telon asked.

Davai took a long slow breath while gazing at the horizon, a slight glint in his eyes. “The land always provides answers. We must learn on our own how to ask the right questions.”

He gave a small bow, and made as if to turn and leave. “Oh, and when you do visit, you should bring your apprentice with you. There is something here for her.”

Telon looked curious: “So you are keeping secrets from me” he laughed. “And here I had no idea I even had an apprentice. When do I meet her?” Davai smiled, “I thought you had already. Worry not, currents will flow together. May your way find peace.” He put his hands together, and only a scrap of bark drifted to the ground.

The wind lifted, and Telon's breath caught in his mouth. There was a pulling inward, and a hollow sound before a comforting darkness. The dream dissolved.

Ayleah woke with a start, the gaze of the man in green still fixed in her mind.