Interlude

Pain… yet comfort

Connection… yet disembodied

Knowledge… yet ignorance

Strength … yet weakness

Power … yet helplessness

All these emotions are felt growing within him, and faces, all known, all with different meanings, parents, friends, lover pass through Xapferey's mind as his spell completed its effects.

A burst of endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine as Deedlit's face ran through his mind again.

The Sleeper must awaken

Rise… wake… RISE UP

A roar and a burst of power as Xapferey blew the rocks from his path with absolute ease. As he strode from the cave his eyes flashed and a litany of muttered spells flew from his mouth. A moment later there was a rush of wind and clopping noises fading fast leaving a deserted area far behind.

Several hours away Xapferey stopped and rested before he continued. He rode hard for nearly a week, often riding through the night. On the 5th day of hard riding Xapferey dismissed his mount spell and sat by a tree to rest for a bit.

Something awoke him awhile later and as he opened his eyes, he stared into the green eyes of his lover Deedlit the High Elf.

"Xapferey, thank the gods of light."