Dream

She walked through the dark corridor, touching the rough stone walls. She knew it was rough, but she didn't feel it. Just like the cold that permeated her. No, it was supposed to permeate her. She knew it was there, but her senses were too dull. Besides, she didn't think about it. In fact, she barely thought at all, and her thoughts ran on a completely different track, unmatched by anyone. She was a child, and who could catch a child's thoughts? Her

footsteps echoed inaudibly off the silent, menacing walls. She felt no fear; it was somewhere, right there, but she didn't realize it. She saw a closed door, from beneath which golden light seeped. She stopped and reached out towards it. Someone shook her shoulder. She rolled over, muttering something incomprehensible. She wanted to go back to sleep. Just open that door... Only after a moment did she open her eyelids, revealing eyes the color of molten gold. She didn't understand what this man wanted from her. She wasn't afraid. She wanted to continue dreaming. "Vatini, get up!" She looked at him questioningly from under her long, fair eyelashes. "I want to sleep." Her voice, so innocent, sweet, and yet firm. She didn't know. It was good. "Come on, little one..." He didn't want to frighten her, but he kept glancing back. They didn't have time. The girl just sighed and climbed out of the bed, taking the dirty and worn brown teddy bear. She nestled her small, angelic face, surrounded by a halo of golden curls, in the warm fur. "Where will we go?" she asked as he took her in his arms and covered her with his coat. "A long way, but don't be afraid, it'll be alright. " "Does Mommy know we're going?" She closed her drooping eyelids and fell asleep in his arms. She didn't notice the strange twitch that crossed his face. She didn't see the tear that fell onto the cloak covering her shoulders. She wouldn't understand. She's only a child. *** That was all she remembered. Then she supposedly asked about her parents. No, that couldn't be true; she hadn't spoken since then. She hadn't cried. She couldn't cry, ever. Alar had replaced her loved ones. He called himself her brother. She was beginning to believe he truly was. She says she was in danger then. No one can know who she is. The fair-haired girl remains silent, and she believes him. She's been silent for so long... He strokes her and cuddles her to sleep. He says she's his treasure. He won't let her know the truth. *** She screams in her sleep. She walks down the corridor, but something chases her. She feels fear, overwhelming. She wants to run, but she falls onto the rough, stone floor. The door is so far away, she wants to touch it so much. That something, fear, is getting closer. It touches her. The little girl with golden eyes wakes up screaming. Alar comforts her. He slowly calms down. He falls asleep. ***

The doorbell shatters the night's silence. A hiss and a soft curse are heard. Alar is already at the door, opening it.

He sees a young woman with delicate features. She has black hair and strange, flaxen eyes. He looks away. This isn't the time, he has to protect the little one.

"What do you want here?" he growls. He doesn't even try to be nice.

"Where's Vatri?" His calm, melodic, familiar voice harmonizes strangely with his tension.

"Sara?" A spark of recognition appears in the young man's eyes. "Is that you?

" "Congratulations on your perceptiveness." He snorts. "Maybe you'll let me in?"

He nods, opening the door wider.

"What are you doing here?

" "I'm looking." She says curtly. "They've picked up on your trail, they're getting closer and closer.

" "How did you know?

" "You can't hide." She smiled warmly. "It's surprising they haven't found you yet.

" "What should I do?

" "Run."

***

The corridor, still the same. Rough walls and water drops hitting the stone floor. The cold, so piercing and menacing...

***

"Vatri, get up!" Someone was shaking her shoulder. She remembered this; it had happened before. "Get up, we have to go."

She opened her warm, golden eyes and looked at him with a look that always made him feel guilty. She smiled sadly and stood. She tossed aside her golden-copper curls.

Her brows frowned in a silent question.

"Come on, we have to go."

She obeyed.

She saw a solitary tear fall to the cold floor.

She remained silent.

She took the worn teddy bear.

He took her in his arms, said a few words meant only for her ears. He left into the cool, clear night.

***

The days passed quickly, too quickly. The nights stretched on endlessly, filled with fear. The specter of the winged creatures, searching for the little one, followed them everywhere. They fled, farther and farther.

They're afraid of her. Why? Or maybe we're the ones afraid?

***

Warmer days were slowly approaching. Whispers of the wind brought news of sunny meadows and summer. Summer, so much time had passed since last summer.

Silence reigned. Alar flinched at the sound of quiet footsteps in the hallway. A foreboding hit him so suddenly. He jumped from his chair.

"Sara?! What are you doing here?! What happened?

" "Little one. Quickly!

" ***

The little girl walked through the dark hallway. She heard drops of water hitting the stone floor. Her footsteps echoed hollowly. She stumbled. She stood up and held out her hand. They were so close.

A few more steps.

***

A shadow, shimmering with a thousand colors, floated through the open window of the small room, taking the shape of a man, with dark skin and bright, luminous eyes.

He unfurled wings that filled almost the entire room with a rainbow shimmer.

***

She opened her warm, sparkling eyes and looked at the winged man.

"Will you come with me?" He reached out and handed her a worn, brown teddy bear. He smiled so beautifully. She nodded, and her curls fell over her cheeks.

He gently kissed her cheek and lifted her up, cradling her in his arms.

***

Alar fell, tears falling silently to the stone floor.

They didn't see the joyful smile on the child's face.

They didn't look.

They ran into the small room to see both the girl and the winged man vanish into thin air. They needed her. Now they were so alone.