Happy New Year: 2017!

This chapter is dedicated to Juki, whose enthusiastic questioning allowed me to (Finally!) write three ideas I have tried since finishing the second chapter (Solace and Refusal). Thank you!


Silent Surveillance
Contemplation


Sandy soared swiftly towards the waking child. His intended destination: the small settlement of Burgess, Pennsylvania (where one particular boy seemed to have a rather strong aversion to sleep). Had it been several weeks prior, Sandy may have simply sent a stream of dream-sand to the supposed-to-be-sleeping child. (It was more efficient that way…) However—no matter how many variations of dream-sand Sandy tried: hide-and-go-seek, tree climbing, snowball fights, and even flight!—the boy would wake before his time.

Eventually, Sandy begun delivering the specially crafted dream personally. (So he could better tailor to the child, of course.)

Sandy enjoyed the challenge of preparing a dream that would last the night. (And even made a game of it.) As he flew, Sandy thought of ways to prolong the boy's rest. (Soft, white powder and rosy cheeks. Fingers numb, but not uncomfortably-so, and joyous laughter? Or, perhaps, the boy would rather fly high within the clouds; his strong wings beating faithfully as cool winds wrapped around him in a gentle embrace. No longer tethered to the ground. Free to go where-ever he pleased? …Perhaps both?)

Just as Sandy begun to formulate the possibilities, he was interrupted by a sense of foreboding. Immediately, instincts from centuries ago took effect. Dim the light, move steadily and assuredly—stance sturdy but flexible—and, most importantly, stay aware of the surroundings.

Sandy hastened to the small clearing, pulse quickening as suspicions formed. However, just as suddenly as the unease began it vanished. Silently, Sandy crept forward—taking precautions to remain unseen by a possible enemy.

Upon sight of the small settlement, Sandy paused. There, in the midst of the town's square (framed by dying embers' light) was none other than Pitch Black—Nightmare King!

Sandy stiffened, stealthily sliding against a two-person cabin to hide from view.

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A beat passed.

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Then another.

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…and another?

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Something about this situation didn't sit right. Upon further assessment, Sandy realized: it was calm. No shadows shifted mockingly, daring him to flee. Nor was there any other indication that this may be a trap. It was absolutely calm.

Cautiously, Sandy peered around his hiding place. It seemed Pitch had not noticed the sandman's intrusion. At this, Sandy couldn't help but wonder: What could possibly cause the oh-so-observant Nightmare King to forget his surroundings? Steeling himself in case of an attack, Sandy slowly stepped out of his hiding place to gain a vantage point.

... ~ ... ~ ...

Darkness had deepened before wrapping around the Nightmare King. A single glance towards the window of a small cottage was all Sandy noticed before the wraith disappeared completely.

Moments passed.

Golden eyes scanned the shadows warily as Sandy slowly circled—prepared for any sudden attack. Eventually, it became apparent that he was alone. Slowly, Sandy lowered his stance—keeping an ever-watchful eyes on the shadows. The attack never came.

With the Nightmare King no longer of immediate concern, Sandy hurried to his initial destination (where the child had already begun to drift into a dreamless sleep). Sandy studied the subdued shadows around the boy's room, expertly assessing the surroundings. A pair of cow-hide shoes rested haphazardly by an old wardrobe in the corner (having been thrown by a reluctant wearer), and the embers within the hearth glowed radiantly. However, there was no indication that the boy's restlessness was Fear induced. Sandy glance towards the sleeping child—a fond smile gracing his lips.

Suddenly, he was reminded of the... almost caring expression the Nightmare King sent towards the boy's residence before disappearing into the darkness.

.

With one last glance at the child, Sandy hastened to the Lunar Palace—thoughts filled by a subtle smile, a sleeping child, and a subdued shadow.

Dawn approached.


Constructive Criticism on: grammatical and/or spelling errors, pacing, characterization, plot development, and easily-readable format, is encouraged and welcome.

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Reponse to Reviews:

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Guest (on Chapter 2): Thank you for your compliment on my writing style. I really like retelling of faerie-tales...so I guess its influenced by that. I'll tell you a secret, though, my non-story-telling writing is usually a mess. (As for the RPG, thank you for that, as well. I was going for something like that -so the reader could "experience" part of the enchanted library labyrinth for themselves. :)] You are very kind.

JackFrostnDean: [on Chapter 2] XD As lively as ever, I see. Thank you so much for your encouragement (on writing Pitch...I was a little worried.) I'm glad I got the emotions across. Thanks for correcting "enjoying the agony..." that surprised me a bit [I didn't remember "agony." Raw emotions on the other hand... :)] [on Chapter 3] Sorry for not revealing the boy's identity, just yet...it isn't quite time. Soon, I promise. (I can't keep calling the poor child "boy" forever, can I?) Your reviews kept me writing this chapter-as you "radiate" the emotions I want to give my lovely readers. :) ...Though I do hope you have gotten sleep since my last update.

To anyone else: Thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoy this story. :)