Ardos dreamt of hollyhocks. They were purple in hue, lighter than the coloration of Alder's eyes but distinctly purple nevertheless. In the dream Ardos was a dove, idealistic and free yet trapped in a cage of gold. The cage seemed to merge with the shape of a room, in which he could see multiple other birds and symbols and flowers. The level of vivid detail disoriented Ardos. He had never done well amongst large gatherings of people or objects, and much rather preferred to be in silence and simplicity.

Despite it's vibrance and effulgence, it held a gloom to it which Ardos could not shake. It was a blissful nightmare which was impossible to rouse from. But such a term could be applied to everything in Ardos's life. It was a haze of color and sound which Ardos so willed to expunge. But unfortunately, it was the reality he lived in, and as such he had no choice to adapt, whether he liked it or not.

He adjusted his eyes to the scenario in which the dream was taking place, attentively dr