3/23/2026, 7:14 PM
The next dream comes with the ferocity they're expecting. The story... they aren't, not so much.
They can deny a lot of things; can't deny the reality in front of them. The dreams have always been too real, and the things they herald... the runes are no lie. Neither are the great blue cracks in the earth and sea. Only a lie as much as the rest of this place is a lie- the dying dream of someone who should've stayed drowned with the others.
Sacrificing everything... not a warning that matters much to them, but plenty will leap at the opportunity. Not for them. Taloka knows what they are, knows where they're needed. A soldier is more use in battle than in killing a chained man.
The second portal welcomes them in a flare of blue light. The stump of their tail twitches against their haunches. Pale figures dart around the tree, followed by wolves, tigers, birds, snakes- strangers answering the same call as them.
And Toad, crying nearby, tucked behind the legs of a large yellow wolf.
Taloka wards the first of the wraiths that comes close off with a snap, prowls over to their side. No expert with children- never will be, doesn't care much for it- but nudges Toad behind the ear with their muzzle. "Slow breaths," they say. "Stay here. You'll be all right."
And Lyra will be furious, but the child might be happy for it, then. Taloka shakes their fur out; turning, snaps their jaws onto the closest wraith and tears with a rending shake of the head.
They can deny a lot of things; can't deny the reality in front of them. The dreams have always been too real, and the things they herald... the runes are no lie. Neither are the great blue cracks in the earth and sea. Only a lie as much as the rest of this place is a lie- the dying dream of someone who should've stayed drowned with the others.
Sacrificing everything... not a warning that matters much to them, but plenty will leap at the opportunity. Not for them. Taloka knows what they are, knows where they're needed. A soldier is more use in battle than in killing a chained man.
The second portal welcomes them in a flare of blue light. The stump of their tail twitches against their haunches. Pale figures dart around the tree, followed by wolves, tigers, birds, snakes- strangers answering the same call as them.
And Toad, crying nearby, tucked behind the legs of a large yellow wolf.
Taloka wards the first of the wraiths that comes close off with a snap, prowls over to their side. No expert with children- never will be, doesn't care much for it- but nudges Toad behind the ear with their muzzle. "Slow breaths," they say. "Stay here. You'll be all right."
And Lyra will be furious, but the child might be happy for it, then. Taloka shakes their fur out; turning, snaps their jaws onto the closest wraith and tears with a rending shake of the head.
english | gujarati
