"Larek?" Zan asked, as the two walked through the palace gardens, "do you ever wonder if …" "If what?" Larek questioned. Zan sighed, running a hand over his head. "It's silly, but I've been having dreams about another world. A world that I know I've never been to." Larek stopped, his back stiff. "Go on," he said slowly. "I don't remember much when I awake, only details, but my most vivid memory is of a woman. A woman who is not my wife." Zan looked down at his hands, ashamed for even voicing the words aloud.
Larek licked his lips nervously, placing a hand on Zan's shoulder. "Everyone fantasizes about other women," he said, with a chuckle. "You said yourself, they're only dreams. You have a vivid imagination, my friend," he said as they began walking again. Zan wasn't convinced. "What if they're not only dreams? What if this woman – Liz – exists out there somewhere? How can I …" "Zan," Larek interrupted, "I want you to forget about this. They are just dreams. Don't go searching for something that isn't there." He gave Zan a hearty pat on the back. "Come," he said, "it's time we meet with the council."
**
"So what movie are we seeing tonight?" Alex wondered, as the four met in the Crashdown. "Not another chick flick," Kyle demanded, "I'm sick of seeing Whitman cry." "Hey!" Alex exclaimed in his defense, "that last one was highly emotional!" The girls laughed as Maria searched the newspaper. "Here's one," she announced, "it's called Lost In Time and stars Bruce Willis. I think you boys should like it." Kyle nodded, clapping his hands together. "Perfect. Let's go."
Alex and Maria ran ahead to the Jetta, Alex jumping in the front seat. "You okay?" Kyle wondered, walking out with Liz and waiting as she locked the restaurant. She shrugged. "Yeah, I'm good. You?" Kyle shoved his hands in his pockets. "I miss her," he said plainly, "but that's to be expected." Liz nodded slowly, as Kyle continued. "I just keep thinking of them up there. Married, you know?" Liz walked past him and opened the door to the back seat. "Can we just go to the movie?" she asked. Kyle nodded, sliding in beside her. "Yeah. Sorry I brought it up." "Brought what up?" Alex asked from the front seat. "Nothing," Kyle and Liz said simultaneously. The Jetta roared down the street.
**
Ava leaned against the balcony, staring out at the city below. "Thinking hard?" Ava whirled her head around, startled by the voice beside her. Vilandra grinned, resting her own hands on the balcony. After a moment of silence, Vilandra turned and regarded her sister-in-law thoughtfully. "My brother asked where we were last night," Vilandra mentioned softly. Ava's eyes went wide, her cheeks reddening. "Is it the guard?" Vilandra asked, "I've seen the way he looks at you." Ava cleared her throat, moving away. "I don't know what you're implying Vilandra," she said coldly, "I intended to meet you last night, but fell asleep in the gazebo, waiting. I left you a note." Vilandra clasped her hands behind her back, following Ava through the doors and into the foyer. "I never received a note." "Really?" Ava wondered, "perhaps you missed it." Vilandra shook her head, pouring herself a drink. "No, I don't think so." She smirked, bringing the glass to her lips. "Next time you wish to make plans with me, come and speak with me directly." She watched as Ava's whole countenance flicked with nervousness. Satisfied, Vilandra smiled and left the room.
