15. Dreams

She was running through the thick of the forest until she broke through to a clearing. She stopped to examine the grassy knoll and the little wooden hut that stood neatly in the middle with a herb and vegetable garden growing beside it. The place felt like home, secluded in the woods.

''Hello?'' She called out to anyone that was there.

She walked closer to the cosy cabin to investigate. What was this place? Who lived here? Lucy was taking stock of the thatched roof when suddenly the door swung open and an older woman came out with a pleasant smile on her face.

''Well isn't this just a lovely surprise? I was wondering when you would come to visit me.'' The familiar lady smiled. Lucy couldn't help but think that this woman looked like her mother, but older.

''Excuse me, but I don't think I know you.'' Lucy said to the woman skeptically.

''Oh of course you do. I'm sure my sister has talked about me at least once.'' She smiled confidently.

''Your one of my mom's sisters?'' Lucy guessed, thinking about what Mága had told her.

''See, I knew she told you about me.'' She said, inviting Lucy into her home. Lucy took a seat at the little table that already had tea served.

''I must apologize as it was the King's mage who informed me about who my mother truly was.''

''Oh, and what has happened to your mother? It has been a long time since I've seen of her.''

''She has passed. She died in the war, caught in some crossfire, coming home from her shop.'' Lucy explained as much as she could remember.

''Oh dear, I am so sorry for your loss. But pardon me for asking, but how did you find your way here?'' The older lady asked gingerly.

''Um, I honestly don't know.'' Lucy shrugged. Where was she?

''Hmm, you are a gifted dreamer, child.'' The woman smiled.

''This is a dream?'' Lucy asked in surprise.

''Of course it is. You didn't think you were really in my house did you?'' She laughed kindly.

''I don't really know, I've always thought dreams were messages from your subconscious.'' Lucy answered.

''They can be. But you, my dear girl, have mastered what we call astral projectection, the ability to walk among dreams.'' The generous woman explained.

''How do I know when I've done that though?'' Lucy asked curiously.

''Always ask yourself, am I dreaming? This will give you control of your consciousness, and make you aware of your surroundings.'' The woman answered.

''Is this why everything feels so vivid?'' Lucy asked, remembering previous dreams she's had recently.

''Indeed.'' She answered with a smile.

''Wow, that's incredible. Thank you.'' Lucy smiled in return just as brightly.

''No, thank you. I haven't had anyone visit since my sister's were alive.'' The woman's smile turned sad. She must have been lonely.

''You are the only one left, aren't you?'' Lucy asked, knowing how she had been feeling since her sister's disappearance.

''I've known for a while now yes, you have just confirmed it. I am glad to see the sight has been passed on though. It would have been a pity to see such a gift die out.'' The woman grasped Lucy's hand with a gentle squeeze.

''How come you never had children?'' Lucy asked curiously.

''I guess I just never met that special someone.'' She smiled. Lucy blushed as she thought about Arthur. Would she want to have kids with him? She had never thought that far ahead before.

''But you have?'' The lady asked with a bright smile.

''You could hardly know that.'' Lucy feigned restraint.

''Oh, but I see it on your face dear. Who is the lucky lad your heart desires?'' The humble woman asked.

Lucy laughed at herself. She knew this was nothing more than a fantasy, dream that would never come true. ''The King of England, Arthur Pendragon.''

''What is so funny about that?'' She asked confused.

''It's just silly of me to even think about him in that way.'' Lucy chuckled at herself. She shouldn't pretend to hope.

''Hardly dear. Not when he thinks of you too.'' The woman suddenly snapped her fingers and Lucy's vivid dream began to fade away.

She didn't know when or even how she fell asleep, but upon waking up something felt off. Was it the warm light coming in through the window? Was it the refreshing fall breeze that sent a slight chill down her spine? Or was it the heavy arm secured around her waist. She didn't remember going to sleep in the same bed as someone else but she must be mistaken.

She let her eyes flutter open and get used to the morning light. He hadn't moved in the slightest, but his breath brushed faintly across the back of her neck. She felt so comfortable that she didn't even want to move from the compromising position.

She looked around and confirmed that she was still in her own room before attempting to acknowledge the man snuggled up against her backside. She moved just a little to slowly begin turning in her spot until her chest rubbed against his. She was so close to him she could kiss him if she wanted.

''Good mornin' Lucy.'' He mumbled with a slight smirk.

''Good morning Sir.'' She said awkwardly. Where had he come from?

''You can call me Arthur, I assure you its fine.'' He smiled at her as he moved a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

''What about Art? or Artie? Can I call you that?'' She asked curiously. She wanted to call him by a nickname, but they sounded so foreign coming off her tongue.

''Where did you hear those names?'' He asked defensively.

''No one, I thought of it all on my own. Is that too much to believe?'' She replied.

He looked at her skeptically. ''I don't allow many people to call me by anything other than my name.''

''So, that is a no then?'' She asked playfully.

''I didn't say that.'' He smirked as he leaned in and kissed her. It was a sweet and simple kiss that completely blew her mind. It was enough to feel him on her, then desperately miss his presence.

''I just ask that you not do it in public.'' He smiled, staring back at her.

''Why are you here Arthur?'' She asked suddenly. She didn't understand what he liked about her, she was nothing special.

''I missed you. When I'm with you I sleep better than I ever have.'' He answered with a charming smirk.

''Is that so?'' She laughed.

''Very.'' He smiled. She wanted to lay there all day with him. She looked into his beauitful blue eyes and got lost for a moment.

''Why did you want me to go to the Academy?'' She asked.

''Mága told me about your situation. I wanted you to be prepared for whatever comes your way. I don't want to lose you before I've even had the chance to call you mine.'' He answered thoughtfully. She buried her head into the crook of his neck and breathed him in.

''Thank you for being here for me.'' She whispered to him

''Always, darling.'' He clasped her in a tight hug.

Author's Note:

Things are heating up! Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Please keep voting! I'll see you guys again on Friday! Yay!

-Surviving (8/13)