Woman of Dreams [Alivilda]

[Brent Forrester]

Woman of Dreams
72 Zi’da 719
Brent’s House, Alivilda, Melrath

“Let me get you a glass of water.”

Brent awkwardly scrambled to put on pants and left his bedroom to procure a glass of water from downstairs. His limping gait was most obvious on the stairs just by the sound of his footsteps. For just a moment he ran into his elder brother, Ted, in the living room.

“Got a girl upstairs, if you know what I mean.”

There was a mutual agreement between them, and Brent knew that his privacy wouldn’t be infringed upon. When Brent returned with the water, he closed the door discretely behind him and offered the glass to Malach.

“Well, I never thought I’d see the day where dreams come true,” he said as he sat down heavily on the bed near Malach. He was still recovering from the whirlwind of activity and emotion from that morning.

“I still don’t know how you managed to get here. You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to. You might be a mysterious woman who likes to keep her charms a secret.” He gave a playful wink.

“How are your legs doing? I could make us a little breakfast. I’m not much of a cook, but I could do up some boiled eggs with some bread. Or I could bring it up here.” Brent offered. He wasn’t used to being a host, but any minute his stomach would start growling.

He wasn’t too sure what to do about clothing. All his clothes would end up being baggy on Malach. She didn’t need much to stay warm inside. But if they were to go outside, even though he had both a cloak and a coat, he only had one pair of boots.

There was simple furniture about the room. The single bed, a couple of dressers, a nightstand and a wardrobe. There was also a table and chair in one corner near the window. If Malach was curious, she might notice a hand drawn portrait of a woman on a sheet of parchment on the nightstand. It was black and white, done up in charcoal and while the drawing was somewhat amateur, it was of a woman with sharp features and an ashen skin tone.

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Template Credit: Navyri

[Sybil Malach]

I

72 Zi’da 719

As Brent returned with the water, they graciously accepted it with a light smile. But really, all they took was a single drink from it, before resting it on any flat surface nearby.

Upon hearing the bed shift from the added weight, Sybil was sure to return to Brent's side, nuzzling in against him. Their movements were still slow, but not entirely drained like before. Seems that they just needed time, as opposed to straight up sleep. Resting the side of their head against the man's stomach, they looked up at him, before closing their eyes and getting comfortable.

"It's something dangerous. I would teach you-- But I wouldn't be so cruel as to bring you into another world without a mentor." Their lips knit to the side, as though thinking something through, before burying their face further against the larger man's stomach, their body draped across his lap. Seems Sybil has become very comfortable around Brent, "The world of dreams is something that can be manipulated and toyed with... At no light risk."

They allowed a brief silence to fill the air. Their memories traced back to when they were made Lucid. There was much fanfare, but... They couldn't recall anything when it came to actual teaching.

What did a card game in the dreamworld have to do with teaching them the dangerous of being Lucid? They only knew that mortality was possible by cutting their body on accident in a dream, and it carrying over into the waking hours. Perhaps it was something they didn't understand, but... The lesson was lost on them. Was it even a lesson?

They shook their head, as they just enjoyed Brent's warmth. There was no point in lingering on things they didn't understand, "Mmnf... I think I can come down, if you help me to stay vertical." They murmur out softly, hands travelling up the man's front, as they slowly slip into a sitting position on his lap, eyes tracing the room, idly.

An artist? Sybil's mind paused. It looked like a person in charcoal. But they were culturally blind to the arts. It served its purpose, didn't it?

Their head tilt to the side, before they returned to the man's shoulder, giving it a soft, light smooch.

Seems Sybil is drawn to the warmth of body heat more than the sheets, at this point.

[Brent Forrester]

Brent wrapped his arms around Malach’s frame as she nestled against him on the bed. Her movements so natural and relaxed, and he ran his fingers through her silky hair. She cautioned him of the dreamworld. In normal dreams he had never even considered dangers of the sleeping world, but he imagined that if she was traveling through dreams themselves, there was much more to it.

There was obvious hesitation in her voice, but it didn’t bother Brent. He wasn’t planning on doing what she did, and he simply hoped that he would be able to see her in future. With her silence, he simply held her almost protectively within his arms on his lap. There was something soothing about being there for another person and feeling the trust they put into you.

Brent chuckled at her comment as she moved into a sitting position. It was clear that she was still tired, but he had no major plans. It was Zi’da after all and the village was going into hibernation.

“If you’d like some breakfast, you’ll have to get off my lap sweetheart.” He teased and gave her cheek one last caress before shifting so that he could stand. With two outstretched hands, he offered to help her up onto her feet. He looked around and then snatched up the shirt she had been wearing and handed it to her. He threw on a shirt of his own, as the floors were still rather chilly. He stopped a moment to look her over. The top and the shorts were not the best of clothes, and even he wore pants.

“If you need something more to take away the chill, you can borrow something of mine. But it might be too big on you. Or even just to throw on my cloak if it’s not too scratchy.”

Brent would wait a moment if Malach needed something, then he offered his arm and he led the way downstairs, with every other step a slight limp.

He gestured to the simple sofa and chair arrangement in the living room and then left to go into the kitchen area. It was all one large room, but there was distinctly a living space, a dining table and a kitchen. He got out a pot and filled it with water and a few eggs. The fire had burned low in the middle of the room, and he added a few logs before hanging the pot on the inside of the hearth. Limping back to the kitchen, he produced a couple of plates and cut some slices of bread for the two of them to share.

“It’s not much,” he said almost apologetically as he handed her the plate. The water in the pot was still warming up and it would take a little longer for the eggs to be ready.

“So where have you come from? I’ve only ever lived here in Melrath. But maybe one day I’ll explore more of the world and chart new lands.” He winced a little at how naïve the words sounded. He was a simple Melrathi with hardly any knowledge of the outside world and yet there were people who had travelled far and wide from lands beyond.

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Template Credit: Navyri

[Sybil Malach]

II

72 Zi’da 719

Being pulled up onto their feet, Sybil could almost feel their bones turn to jelly. A sense of vertigo washed over their senses as they furrowed their brows and closed their eyes for a moment. This was... Strange. They never got sick on ships, or even in carriages, but the sudden movements and being vertical made them uneasy to their stomach. They pressed against Brent with some of their weight, leaning into him. In truth, their small body was simply nothing when it came to weight. Sybil's form was something that was light, and there just wasn't anything... There, aside from the legs, that seemed to possess anything that remotely looked like it could put too much force behind it outside of the basics of what could be expected.

Sliding on the shirt was an awkward ordeal. Their pale, almost vaguely pinkish skin was on full display, and given that they were still recovering from an adventure across space it seemed, they needed to rely on Brent's form before even thinking about going downstairs. Sliding on the shirt, they let out a soft breath, squirming it onto their thin torso. They weren't cold. That was the first thing that distinctly made them feel strange. Furrowing their brow, they reached to the side of their face, pinching it, as they tried to make sure that they were still feeling correctly. Compared to the Videnese winters... Or rather, the Videnese temperature all around, this place felt oddly... Temperate? It was hard for their mind to wrap around the concept.

It was nearing winter. It should be deathly cold. Was temperature... Truly that different, from region to region? Then again... They didn't know how far north they were. Matter of fact, they probably couldn't even find Melrath on a map, if they even tried.

Sybil had to rely on Brent to go anywhere. When the arm was offered, and the two began the tedious process of leaving the bedroom, they were all but reliant on the arm to even keep a steady pace. Walking like a newly born deer, Sybil's face couldn't help but dye a distinctively red shade of embarrassment. Leave it to fate to decided that, yes, they could travel such long distances, with a caveat of basic movement becoming a chore.

But with enough elbow grease, anything can be accomplished. Sybil was soon firmly planted in a chair, and offered some bread.

Lips slowly turning into a smile, they simply let out a chuckle, "... This is fine enough. To be frank... I don't eat quite as often as I should, these days." They admit with a sigh, rolling their shoulders, as they slouch a bit forward, chest leaning against the table.

"I come from... Well. Judging by the air, I'm from even further north, it seems." They admit with a shrug. Eyes glancing up to the larger man, their jade eyes consider him for just a moment. ... He'd been a hospitable host so far, and it only made sense that they trusted him a little bit more, "I'm from the Academy in Viden."

A twinge entered their chest. Their eyes glanced down to the table, before murmuring out, "Would you... Mind if we shared a seat? Being so close makes me feel... Safer, in this foreign place. ... I think I'm very far from home."

[Brent Forrester]

“The Academy of Viden.” Brent repeated. “Sounds like a grand place.”

An academy. He wondered what sort of disciplines were taught. Sciences? Magics? What about more practical things that were down to earth? Oh but Malach seemed to have a certain caution towards magic. And truth be told, it was quite understandable.

“A place even further north? From here it’s only Raelia that’s further north until you hit the sea.”

He looked at her curiously at her request. The chair he was sitting on was padded and comfortable, but only really designed for one.

“C’mere love,” he said and beckoned her over to sit on his lap. Should she oblige, he would at first find himself juggling the piece of bread and the plate before setting it down to wrap his strong arms around her. She was certainly slight of build, certainly compared to his own broad shoulders, and almost dainty. Precious, like a flower in need of protection, yet still distinctly her own.

As they settled into whatever configuration suited her best, Brent couldn’t help but catch himself smiling as he ran his fingers through her silky hair. Contentedly he breathed in her lightly perfumed scent of flowers and let out a soft sigh.

“Viden… Maybe I’ll be able to visit sometime. But for now you’re here, and I’ve got you all to myself.”

For a couple moments he was quiet. Did she want to see any of Melrath? What was there to show? Plus it was Zi’da and not the most inviting of weather. Or was she just content in front of the fire? He shifted slightly out of nervousness and then eventually voiced his thoughts.

“We could sit here all morning and I’d be quite happy. Or if there was something you wished to see in Melrath… I mean, it’s cold outside but there’s the mead hall which is warm and cozy for drinks or if you’d like to see some of my maps…”

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Template Credit: Navyri

[Sybil Malach]

III

72 Zi’da 719

Sybil would find their seat right on top of Brent's legs. Letting out a soft, comfortable breath, they nestle on in against the sensation of the larger man's body, and just loosen up a bit. A mixture of Brent's body heat and general presence was enough to coat Sybil's mind with a familiar ease that they don't often get to experience. It's like the tingle of numbness, but rather than removing sensation, it eased their mind of the struggles it was experiencing. Nuzzling back against Brent, it was clear that they were comfortable here. With their back towards his stomach, Brent would find it very easy to get a nose-full of their perfumes, only needing to tilt his head slightly.

It's not long before Sybil places their lips against the underside of Brent's jaw. Their soft, warm lips linger as they softly murmur out, "... Please, don't let go...?" They ask of the man, as he placed the plate and bread onto the table. Their hands slowly reach back, and begin to itch at the larger man's back. Slow movements are given, as they trace their nails against his skin, just giving one of Brent's harder to reach areas some attention, their right hand right above the tailbone, while the other tends to the area right beneath the neck. It continues for a moment, before they even consider moving their focus on his back.

A giggle leaves their lips, as Brent says he has them all to himself. The statement makes a smile hang on their lips. Sybil nuzzles the side of their face against the man's chest, giving an idle kiss at it, "Saying stuff like that makes me feel nice and warm."

"Mm... Of course I wanna see more of this place. Where, is up to you..." Sybil murmurs out against the larger man's neck as he buries his nose against their hair. In a show of affection, Sybil nuzzles the top of their head back against the man's nose, teasingly, "And... Maps? Are they maps that you've made? If they are... I'd like to see them. Considering the talent you showed in your dream." They wink up at the larger man.

[Brent Forrester]

She was comfortable and warm and Brent tried to keep himself in check with the close way she was seated upon him. It didn’t take long before it was quite obvious that she preferred this, as she nuzzled against him and planted the occasional kiss. Come on, don’t lose yourself Brent. But he was fighting a losing battle as he ran his hands up and down her sides. The kiss to his jaw was tantalizing, placed just where his beard ended.

The attention she gave his back was well received and he arched it slightly to give her better access as shivers shot down his spine. For a moment he wondered if all this attention was undeserved. How had he managed to bring home a woman like her, and not from Melrath but from his very dreams? Yet she giggled happily and he couldn’t help but smile, knowing he had made her laugh.

Every now and then he was amazed at how feminine she appeared and behaved. Maybe it wasn’t just that she liked men. Maybe it was just how she was. He still found her nature… peculiar, but he wondered if that might change over time. She was certainly a tease at the moment, and his nostrils were filled with that flower scent of hers again.

“The maps, yes they are maps that I made.” He said simply. “For when we go outside, maybe I can borrow an old pair of boots from Ted, my brother. He might have a spare, but we’ll have to lace it up tight.”

He seemed briefly distracted by the logistics but then he turned back to his guest on his lap.

“Are you done with that?” He asked, in reference to the bread. “The eggs will probably need a bit longer, but I can show you the maps in the meantime.”

He placed a kiss on her cheek and with a grin he rotated her slightly in her seat. “Put your arms around my neck.” Moving to the edge of the seat, it was a bit of a struggle but he managed to get up, with her in his arms.

“The maps are upstairs in the drawing room, and I noticed you were still feeling weak in the knees.”

With a grin, Brent made his way up more slowly, to the upstairs room at the end of the hall. Fortunately her frame was slight and he was used to the manual labour of outdoors.

The room was small with a large table dominating most of it. At the far end were a couple of large windows facing south with the morning light streaming in. But most noticeably was the vast array of papers scattered over the surfaces, depicting various sketches and maps of the region and cities. There were a couple of wooden chairs, and when he set her down on her feet, he gestured for her to take a seat. He pulled out one of the larger maps, one with a lot of detail and fine writing.

“This is my latest map – Fensalir. It’s a forest city not too far from here.” Brent explained, obviously proud of his work.

“But we’re in Alivilda. That’s this one.” He produced another drawing that appeared to be made up of farmlands and small village shops.

“Somewhere I have a map of Melrath…” He rummaged around the various sketches, lifting some up and putting others down. At last he produced a third one. “But I might have to redo this one properly. I don’t think it’s as accurate as it could be. But here’s Alivilda and Fensalir.”

Maps

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Template Credit: Navyri

[Sybil Malach]

IV

72 Zi’da 719

Sybil had no qualms with being hoisted around like some toy. Their frame was light enough that they knew that it wouldn't be too much of an issue, and they just enjoyed the travel. Brent seemed receptive to their shows of affection, so they kept deepening it as he moved. Their lips pressed against exposed skin, soft lips pressing and suckling. Their hands grasped at his chest. This was the first time they felt... Alive, when it came to showing such affection, and they let it be known just how much they appreciated it. By the time that Brent managed to get to the room with all of his maps, however?

His neck and shoulder were covered in hickies. It'd be... Quite the ordeal, trying to hide those signs of affection.

But as with all good things, eventually the destination was reached, and they were put down upon their feet. Their tongue took a moment to trace their own lips, before they glanced around at the place they had been transported to. In truth, they were busy teasing Brent, seeing just how far they could take it before either he, or they, gave in. The answer to that was inconclusive, as the walk wasn't long enough to find out. Though, even as he put them down, they nuzzled in against him, using him as a leaning post, until they were gestured to take a seat.

And when a seat is offered with legs like these? It'd be a bad choice to decline.

Brent began to rummage around, digging through maps. Sybil's eyes slowly glanced at the parchment that surrounded them, trying to catch glances of his style. But before they could manage it, he was back, with a large one in hand, already showing off his designs. Sybil couldn't help but give a slight smile to this, and a brief chuckle. Seeing someone so excited to show off his work was something they could appreciate. But above all, they found it to be endearing: Brent wanted to share his work with them, and it was something he clearly had a passion about.

They could waive their exceedingly low view on art. This was being used for practical purposes. Cartography was a respectable position, after all.

"I must admit, I don't know much about where we are. But that certainly... Is a huge amount of... Flora." They admit, looking down at the maps that Brent was showing them. Their eyes glanced from map to map, and they all had a similar thing attached. Green and farmlands. They were used to this being within hothouses, and the mere idea of things growing in the outdoors was something that perplexed them, despite them knowing that's just how the world worked outside of Viden, "... And these are really good maps. ... I would offer to get your services some recognition back in Viden, but... I'm uncertain if I can be habitually making these journeys."

Sybil looks up at Brent though, smiles, and wraps both of their arms around one of Brent's own arms. Hugging it.

[Brent Forrester]

Each kiss was delectable on the sensitive skin of his neck and shoulders. When he squinted down at what he could see of his shoulder and collarbone, his face reddened a little to match the numerous hickies. How he was going to explain such to his brother, he had no idea, but he’d get to that when the time came.

“Flora? I suppose that’s one way to call forests.” Brent replied with a chuckle. He was pleased that she liked his maps, as he took great pride in them. Viden. She mentioned her homeland again and it sparked his curiosity, particularly as he was in his drawing room.

“Tell me of Viden, Malach. You said it has an academy? And further north than here? What’s it like?” Brent shifted closer to Malach as she hugged his arm, and traced his fingers through her hair. He could hardly get enough of her and he cupped her cheek as he planted a soft kiss on her lips. “And how does a place like Viden produce someone so beautiful as yourself?”

He seemed in no hurry and was genuinely curious about the place she called home. Previously, he had not really thought about mapping beyond Melrath, but now it seemed like his maps would be horribly inadequate if he never knew what the world looked like beyond the region he called home. He had met people who had travelled to distant places and wished he could at the very least recognize the cities and nations they hailed from.

“Did you want to venture outside? The eggs should be ready. You had mentioned that you wanted to see Melrath. That is, if your legs are feeling better.” He tugged himself just enough away from her embrace and then reached up to ruffle her hair with a grin.

“Let’s get some more food in you and I’ll show you around.” He limped down the hall at a quicker pace, as if egging her on to catch up, and went down the stairs. Plucking out the boiled eggs from the pot with a spoon, he let out a couple of curses as he tried to peel off the shell without waiting for it to cool off.

“Ted! You still have your old boots?” He called out to the empty air. There was a muffled voice in return and a minute later a door opened with the elder brother looking a little disgruntled. “Yeah, why? I think they are at the back of the closet.” “I’ll be out of your hair in just a sec. We’re going sight seeing.” Brent gave his brother a wink and Ted shook his head before closing the door to the workroom again.

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Template Credit: Navyri

[Sybil Malach]

V

72 Zi’da 719

Images of forestry entered Sybil's mind. Their brow furrowed as their thoughts raced in an attempt at making sure what they were about to say sounded right. The cold often led to a distinct... Blancheness, to the terrain. Most of the maps they had seen weighed more importance on the differences of height between areas, as well as waterways. Biting down on their bottom lip, they searched for the right thing to say at this very moment, a tad confused.

"Well... Things aren't as green, where I'm from." Sybil sighed out, as their eyes began to close. Living within a literal cliff face society was something... They had to remember was not normal, "Is flora a bad term for trees?"

Sybil's mind began to relax, however, once Brent began to take charge. Rather than worrying about the stupidity of their statements, it took only a few moments for their mind to acclimate to being patted. With their gaze softening, they listened to the man's words, and it's not long before they're pulled into for a kiss. Plush lips parted, allowing him to kiss against them, an obvious affirmation of consent. Their head leaned against his cupped hand, relaxing.

"Perhaps... Had an Academy, would be too light of a term. The Academy itself is... Well. It's a feature of our governance, more than an... Overlooked institute." Sybil didn't see the harm in spilling the beans with the basics of Viden. Especially with the sensation of Brent's lips still warm against their own, and the feeling of their cheek warming against his palms, "... And I'm a mistake, in more ways than one, when it comes to... Appearance."

A brief chuckle is given, as Sybil allows their humor to slip into the gallows. Their mind was far more used to the cynicism of the depressive wastes than anything else. Yet... As they let out a sigh, they simply... Eased.

"Yeah... Outside should be fine." Sybil finally said, nodding their head, as they felt Brent get a bit distant from their body. Letting out a soft breath, Sybil rolled back their shoulders, and started to walk along with the man, trailing behind him. Though... It wasn't long before they had to start relying on the walls to steady their shaky legs and achy body.

Letting out a breath, as Brent got things ready, Sybil leans up against the wall, hand resting on their hip, kneading into their pliant flesh. For now, they seemed to just try and get their body ready for walking around a bit more.