Alastair opened his eyes as the dreamscape faded. For many nights that had passed, he could consider that the best dream he had had. Miranda's presence was like honey to his mind and the intimacy they shared in the dreamscape was something they both needed.

But he could not help but wonder how disturbed and stressed out she was. He wished he could do something to help her, at least take the burden off her shoulders a little. But there was little or nothing he could do, not unless they used powerful magic to bind their minds and let Alastair take control like last time. That was not even certain to work for the distance between them was so great even the connection would snap.

Alastair heard a cock crow from a distance and sighed. The little room he had been sleeping in slowly began to brighten up as the rays of the morning sun hit the windows. The first warm ray that fell on Alastair's face burned away his worries and when he stood up, he discovered Fristborn was in the room with him