Glimmers of a Dream

[Thalia]

“Little Bird, Little Bird. Jon Little Bird.” She murmured it mostly to herself, wondering if the repeated sound of those four syllables might somehow leave a footprint in her memories if she really willed it to. She wasn’t sure she was capable of planning where in the dream world she’d materialise when she next woke here, or even if she’d recognise her surroundings, but she did know she’d return. She always did. In any case, she was not prone to worry over the whims of fate. Things were changing; old things were waking – her gaze flickered momentarily to Bear – and out of the hundreds, thousands, millions of souls who drifted in and out of this place, she had met Jon. Simple, uncomplicated faith prompted her to believe they’d probably run into each other again. And time runs in circles.

She laughed at the earnest offer; not unkindly, but amused all the same. Formality edged his kindness; the sort of chivalrousness she was quite sure didn’t fit into this era at all, unless she was confused as to which era this was. Maybe? No, no; she didn’t think so. But there was something about Jon – not just his charming manner – which both diluted and stirred up old memory. Have we met before? They’d established they hadn’t, but the question still circled like the answer was unsatisfactory. “I’m okay. And you should get some real rest.” Yes, she had been listening to his warnings; else she had known it already. If he was going concern himself with her welfare, she felt perfectly entitled to do the same. The warmth of her smile was undiminished, and if she noted his reluctance there was no indication. Goodbye was nothing sentimental to her; beginnings and endings were essential to… well, life. And anyway, she didn't think this was an ending.