Dreaming - In Darkness

When we finally reach a place for rest I call for us to stop. We are halfway to our destination and the sun is setting in the West. The clouds turn to colors of sweet-peas and lavender as I set up one side of the tent, Nethdir the other. We don't speak - much to my relief - and I take the first watch of the night after our supper. He shuffles to a comfortable position before he lies still. The fire crackles on.

I don't find myself dozing off, but suddenly I fall asleep. The day had been tiring, as I remember. It is a dark abyss, sleep. It is either peaceful or chaotic.

My dreams are always chaotic. Onyx curtains open and I see a forest. Dust-like snow covers the slippery ground. I see through both eyes. I see shadows in black hovering between the trees. I'm running... Running fast, the fog around my eyes. I fear something in the trees, but I don't even know now what it is. I can't wake. I still run. Everything is fading as I reach a lake. Falling. Falling. The water is cold.

"AH!"

I wake in a cold sweat, much like the water. I'm not loud enough to wake Nethdir. I hear him snore. My eye adjusts to the dim fire, but I do not add another log. The night is quiet.

I stay awake.

I only dream in darkness.