Having successfully solved the case of the missing fighters, the Hero and his friends spend the night at the inn...
"Sleep well, my darlings!"
I was never quite able to decipher the mannerisms of the mystery that was Sylvando. He had unparalleled exuberance and optimism, yet the jester was capable of making one reconsider their life choices. A legend in battle and a masterful critic, and somehow a dependable and enthusiastic friend. I was fond of such an in-depth character, as I also was of my various other companions. They had undoubtedly proven their usefulness as well as genuine camaraderie. I was certainly lucky.
As the ragtag bunch settled in after a rather arduous evening—what with dispelling of the threat plaguing the Octagonians, as well as solving an important mystery—I considered what had led us here. The events truly made for a legendary story, and the weight of my role again set in.
The Luminary.
Destined savior of the masses from forces of darkness, set forth with little more than a bag and sword. I was settled with little about my purpose, aside from the fact that the shoes placed there to fill were wide and vast. It clearly had to hold some meaning, but the ambiguity created a daunting future.
"Good night, Lumi."
Ah, but the benefit of friendship was certainly lightening this burden.
I waved kindly in a similar farewell in return to Serena, who then retreated to her own separate area. ...I still had yet to discover within myself what was it that made me refuse to inform my companions of my true name. They settled just as well, forming the affectionate nickname of 'Lumi', but perhaps it was too personal for me to announce otherwise. The title of 'The Luminary', in all forms of literature and myths, was used to refer to he who the world would look up to, so I opted to associate myself with that. Who would quaver at the mention of Holland, humble lad of Cobblestone?
Alas, now was not the time to be bothered by such things; I recalled the many aches and pains from the grueling battle with Aractagon. A dutiful rest was in order to regain strength for the award ceremony, the reward for which the party could hopefully use to finally make headway. Too tired to bother with changing into nightclothes, and thus too warm to utilize the bedding, I instead slept in a plain form, simply lying down. However, this new relaxation was immensely useful. In a way, it was being temporarily at peace.
A lot had transpired, what with the hunt for the Rainbough and prior being on the run from the Heliodorans. Finally getting a chance to rest without too much to stress about was freeing.
Due to this, sleep came sooner than normal.
...
I awoke rather abruptly. It was as though something had beckoned, but no one was there. ...Where is 'there'? What was above me was most certainly not the inn ceiling. Instead, it was an odd, quiet, and setting-less sky. The main color was just shades of gray and blue. Concerned, I stood, and found this emptiness stretched far beyond vision. Was I truly awake, or could this be a lucid dream?
It felt like there was no boundary. No floor to stand on, no end in the distance. What is this land? I had nothing on my person, which made sense, but upon attempting to cast a magic spell, that too failed. I was defenseless against whatever may leap out of the monotonous mists.
"Do not fret, my child."
The booming, powerful voice was startling amidst the silence, as the only other sound had been my distressed breathing. It came from no logical source. However, in its own way, the sound was comforting, especially with what exactly had been spoken. Child... That was far from the Queen of Dundrasil, or Amber. Who could I also apply to?
As an answer, I was no longer alone. From the skies above descended a most significant and immaculate beast.
The golden dragon was towering in size and incomparable in elegance. Its landing created a light tremor, and its powerful wings a gust that nearly sent me reeling. It's broad presence cast a powerful feeling about, implying it held great strength and other abilities.
Regardless if I had a weapon, I would not have raised it.
Despite the magnificence and potential threat such a creature could pose, it carried none of this, instead a benignity and grace. It's sparkling, sleek face almost appeared to glow with a gentle appearance, welcoming me. It was akin to receiving a visit from a benevolent deity.
As the dragon slowly thundered close, I still felt no need to defend or flee. Even against the minute fear that this peace was deceiving, I chose faith. This was by no means a monster.
I stood still as the being lowered itself to my level. Every breath sent out a wave of warmth through my hair and fabrics. A deep hum reverberated throughout the space, jostling my very bones. Finally, it spoke again:
"You have been doing well." An oxymoron in and of itself, the booming voice was calm and soothing. My surprise at the situation evolved even further as the dragon proceeded to gently nudge my abdomen with its massive head in a kind gesture. I refused to move so as not to taint whatever favor I had gained.
The grand lizard maintained its gaze on me. Glimmering gold eyes pierced my own with the same motif of menacing power combined with delicate kindness. "Holland, quintessence of light. Are you not at rest?Have you not come here to soothe your woes?" These questions were rhetorical, but I was unable to conjure an answer even so. I did not know my purpose. How could I?
"Still you fear. Do you doubt that it is my power which I have blessed you with? Are you uncertain of the limitations of the Luminary?" Its power?
...Yggdrasil?
At first, it hardly seemed possible, but the concept began to dwell with me, until it settled and logically clicked. Using her many mysterious ways, the World Tree had opened a dialogue within my mind and presented herself as the radiant being before me. The very same entity who bestowed upon me the Mark.
Befuddled in reverence, I was unsure whether to kneel or remain at attention. Regardless, Yggdrasil never once seemed angered or disheartened, simply observant. Rather, if I were to cleverly consider this, her form would belong to something like—Yggdragon. Yes.
"You lack composure when startled. I find this charming, albeit a weakness. —Young one. Let not your burden weigh on you in this place. As I have said, this is your place of rest and comfort. Herein, I am but a vessel to ensure your life is balanced between that of service and self-care. Yes, even the mighty Erdwin was not immune to occasional personal servitude."
...
So, effectively speaking, my tertiary mother believed me as stressed and overworked. It took me some time to consider this in its surreal nature. There were no words to be spoken, nor actions to take. Yggdragon had not offered me many of either. However, her sympathy seemed to extend. "Holland...please, I request this of you. Allow yourself to be loosened from strife, however temporary. Seeing you pained wraps me with regret, even as I know you are needed against the coming darkness. In providing you this solace, I can atone for casting this challenge upon you without warning."
She again continued the chain by providing me with a challenging goal. Yggdragon truly had no shortage of surprising statements and quandaries.
However, in deeper thought, I owed her this favor. I had been given the power of the Luminary, perhaps the most useful and providing ability in the known world. If the being who gifted me this also requested I rest from the duty, then it would be only proper for me to do so.
During my consideration, the mighty dragoness had laid before me, herself restful. To my surprise, she appeared to laugh, repeating a deep grating sound and smiling wide. "I can see within your eyes...you have accepted my invitation. Come close, Holland." Though my trepidation was waning, I still approached carefully. So close to my progenitor, the Mark began to glow...
--
Erik tapped his foot. Where is that little jokester? He couldn't possibly miss out on the award ceremony. Obtaining the Rainbough was surely going to be huge for their journey. They had already been waiting for a few hours, and the ceremony was supposedly about to start very soon. We patched his worst wounds, right?
Everyone else was a little bristly. What could be keeping him?
"Hey Serena," Erik opened, addressing the tension. "You made sure to heal everyone up before we went to bed, right?"
"Of course," the sage responded, worry in her voice. "According to my examinations, Lumi was clear of all poisons and bleeding had stopped. No breakage or sprains either." Hmm. The party held silent for a while, the only sound the cheering from the arena above.
"That's it! This is a case for Sylvando's Detective Agency! Clear the way, sweeties!" Startling everyone, the entertainer bustled up the stairs with a skip and hop. Erik sighed, and with little other choice followed, the Arborian twins staying behind out of respect for the boys' room. The Octagonia Inn was a humble and comfortable place, sure, but with all of the racket coming from the floor above, how could Lumi sleep?
This created a problem. The spiky-haired swindler had a destiny to help the Luminary, for personal reasons. Veronica and Serena had a duty to protect him and ferry him to the World Tree. And Sylv was an ally in the war against darkness. They all had reason to care for Lumi, and at least in Erik's case he couldn't help but be worried when stuff like this happened.
How could they fulfill any of those promises if something happened to him?
He couldn't bring up 'that' word. If 'that' were to happen. There had been a lot of close calls so far, but he was still alive. Erik couldn't fathom otherwise. Not yet. They had to figure out what the situation was first.
Carefully, both boys opened the door to the room all three had been staying in earlier. They had left downstairs before because they thought their pal would follow, but this was not the case. Thankfully though, the Luminary was still right where they had left him.
He appeared to be sleeping quite comfortably, which made perfect sense. Oddly enough, the straight-laced young man had an unusual style of rest, curling to the side. It hardly looked comfortable. However, something else was afoot outside of this otherwise normal scene. Lumi had a big smile plastered on his face—which anyone could tell you was a nigh impossibility in and of itself—and the mark on his hand was aglow with powerful energy. Traditionally, that meant something great was about to happen courtesy of the (almost too incredibly convenient) power of the Luminary, but nothing was changing or otherwise occurring. Was this some ability he had that they hadn't learned about? Did he recharge while resting somehow? And if that were the case, did his power have limited uses?
"What d'you think this is all about?" Erik finally asked, quite confused. Concerned, Sylv adopted that typical 'worry' pose of the fist to his heart, but it became 'feisty' instead.
"Hmph! Cheeky little fellow, worrying us when instead you're off in Dreamland!" He went to give Lumi a reprimanding little wake-up shove, but was abruptly held off by a shining barrier of yellow light. "What in—!"
Something was going on in there. It had to be very important, connected to his powers.
But what?
--
Yggdragon was so warm.
This brought back many memories for me. As far back as my mind could reach was that of my toddling years, still a mere babe. Someone kind, someone warm, had been cradling me in their arms. I had no need to fend for myself; they cast protection over me.
Even as I grew up, I would on occasion need consoling in my childish endeavors around Cobblestone. At that point, it was always Amber who would hold me close, a comforting feeling.
And then, the events of my life as a young adult. Sent into the world, persecuted and hunted down; camping in the wilderness and facing off with savage beasts. My friends were helpful anchors, but we had no level of intimacy to, say, embrace.
Therefore, I had missed this.
The magnificent dragon held me within her powerful forearms, close to the burning fire of life and creation deep inside her chest. It was perhaps the most comfortable I had ever been, and I was ashamed for not discovering this grace sooner.
Not only did my adventure party stand by me. So did the creator of Erdrea itself.
"Holland," the resplendent creature whispered, unbearably delicate. "Our time together grows short." This startled me to the point where I moved from the comfort to express my concern and surprise. "As much as I wish it were not so, you cannot stay here. The world still needs you, as do I, against the encroaching darkness. Your party awaits the Luminary's guidance." It was a harrowing truth, but one I had to accept.
Softly, Yggdragon let me to the ground. Her golden eyes absolutely gleamed as she never took away her loving gaze. "Do not fear. When it is necessary, I will come in this same manner again. You are my champion, and I will depart you any service required to ensure victory...Farewell. May holy light follow your every step."
And within a moment, the realm of my dreams was no more. A familiar darkness returned, and I was placed into a middling state between lucid and unconscious. It was here where I heard another voice calling...
"Wakey-wakey, little soldier..."
Ihm? ...Mother?...
"Come on now, time to get up!.."
Wait, no, that's not...
"I said WAKE UP!!"
The menacing voice finally encouraged my eyes to open and be aware of danger. And what was—gracious!
"Morning darling!" I managed to refrain from striking Sylvando in the face as I recognized him, but that did not make me comfortable of how he stood over me. Trying to avoid the tense situation, I sat up, falling back into reality and the stream of events. Both the bold circus performer and Erik were there in the bedroom, likely to wake me for the day's events.
"Hate to drag you out of bed," my blue-haired companion stated. His spiky locks always reminded me of a peculiar-looking hedgehog. "But we need to head up to the arena. That prize they never got around to giving you? Well, they want to hand it over. Let's get moving, before they change their mind!"
"If you're looking for me, I'll be in the cheap seats. Don't forget to give me a wave!" Sylv wandered off out of the room with his usual saunter, thankfully leaving me alone.
It seems we are moving to the next leg of our quest.
World Tree, give me strength.