((Here you go, Fire. Your beloved Traveller finally has their chapter.))

Blue was awake early despite having gone to sleep so late at night, having slept in the Rider's tree. He hopped up and out of the bed he'd not shared with anyone and immediately teleported a little outside of the elf swordsmith's home, striding over with a smile on his face as he saw fit to return his most trademark bandana around his neck vertebrae.

His smile faltered though, when he heard a yell and caught sight of Eragon dropping a blue, flaming sword. He had to jog to reach them in time for Eragon to pick it up and Rhunön to tear it from his hands to give it a once-over.

"You are fortunate I have already protected it with wards against heat and damage, else you would have just scratched the guard and destroyed the temper of the blade. Do not drop the sword again, Shadeslayer- even if it should turn into a snake- or else I shall take it back and give you a worn-out hammer instead." She grumbled.

At the boy's apology, she begrudgingly gave it back. "Did you set fire to it on purpose?"
"No." Eragon replied, bewildered.
Blue blinked at the prospect.
"Say it again." The she-elf demanded.
"What?"
"The name, the name, say it again."
Keeping it a fair distance from himself, Eragon spoke.
"Brisingr!"

It fwooshed as it flared ablaze, the flames crackling and reaching up several feet. They watched it burn for a moment, then it was extinguished, presumably by Eragon.

Now there's a fitting sword for a Rider and dragon! Saphira spoke excitedly.
It breathes fire as easily as I do.
"But I wasn't trying to cast a spell!" Eragon argued.
"All I did was say Brisingr and-" He yelped as it burst into flame, swearing as Blue started quietly giggling at the ridiculousness of the situation before Rhunön asked to hold it.

Eragon handed it over and Blue briefly got a good look at the beautiful, shimmering blues of the blade and what looked like twin silver lines of flame in the blade before she spoke the fated name.
It visibly trembled, and a faint tongue of fire danced along its surface briefly before peeling off and wisping away.

Thoughtfully, Rhunön regarded the sword, returning it to the Rider as she spoke.
"I can think of one explanation for this marvel. I believe that you may have discovered the true name of your sword. There is also the possibility that because you were involved with the forging, you imbued the blade with a portion of your personality and therefore it has become attuned to your wishes, but evidently I am leaning more towards the latter theory. In any event, you have chosen well, Shadeslayer. Brisingr!" She paused as the flame twisted around and disappeared.
"Yes, I like it. It is a good name for a sword."
A very good name. Saphira approved.

Brushing her hand over the center of the blade, she muttered under her breath and the elven glyph appeared on either side of it as did the front of the scabbard, gifting it to the Rider with a loving smile.

Eragon bowed as he and Saphira thanked them greatly, Blue deciding to bow as well simply to show respect, and the woman pressed her thumb to the dragon and Rider's foreheads. "I am glad I was able to help the Riders this once more." She moved then, surprising Blue by cupping his face in one hand to study him warmly before letting go.
"Those new and old. Go, Shadeslayer. Go, Brighteye. Go, Brightscales. Return to the Varden, and may your enemies flee with fear when they see the sword you now wield."

They all nodded, Blue forcing himself not to touch the cheekbone her hand had touched as they made to leave, Eragon still holding his new sword with awe as Saphira took to the sky.

. • ° ° • .

Blue blinked in surprise when he appeared amidst the clearing, seeing the tremendous dragon that was Glaedr seated almost perfectly still and dressed in a saddle that sat between two great spines of his back, Oromis standing patiently beside him, dressed in thick, blue and green robes, golden scaled armor around them, joined by bracers and a shield in shape of a diamond upon his back. He carried an old, beautiful helm in his left arm and his golden sword, Naegling, was belted to his side.

GB, already having managed to work himself into his own saddle, quickly bounded over to Blue, Draco following shortly after with a far more aloof attitude.
"They're coming with us!" GB exclaimed in incredulity. "They want to fly to the edge of Du Weldenvarden and then head for Gil'ead!"

"What- really? But what about secrecy?" Blue questioned, glancing between his friend and teachers.
Draco huffed, shaking the tips of his wings before sitting beside his mate.
"It's no longer the time to hide, apparently. So uh. I'm coming, too."

GB excitedly clanked his skull to Draco's jaw, the other reciprocating with a contented hum.
"But what about your children?" Blue asked, bewildered. The pair looked down at him.

"We trust Life. She isn't really a fighter-" "A killer, really." Draco cut in. GB nodded. "That, so we've decided she will watch them. She agreed, obviously. We can't thank her enough, it almost hurts leaving them.." He turned somber.

Blue reached over to pat him on the radius. "If anyone can keep something safe, it's her." He smiled softly.
GB returned the look knowingly, moving to pat him with a large talon.

Saphira came swooping in then, flapping to land gently, gazing at the teachers in excitement.
Are you going to fly with us to the Varden? She quested as Eragon dropped from her saddle.

The other came up as Oromis responded.
"We shall fly with you as far as the edge of Du Weldenvarden, but there our paths must part."
Shoulders slumping slightly, Eragon said. "Will you return to Ellesméra then?"
The elf shook his head. "No, Eragon. Then we shall continue to the city of Gil'ead."

Saphira hissed at the concept, human gasping.
"Why to Gil'ead?"
Bending down slightly, the great gold dragon spoke. Because Islanzadí and her army have marched there from Ceunon, and they are about to lay siege to the city.

With wide eyes, Saphira questioned. But do not you and Oromis wish to keep your existence hidden from the Empire?
After a pause, the elf opened his eyes and spoke somberly.
"The time for hiding has passed, Saphira. Glaedr and I have taught the five of you everything we could in the brief while you were able to study under us. It was a paltry education compared with that you would have received of old, but given how events press on us, we are fortunate to have been able to teach you as much as we did. Glaedr and I are satisfied that you now know everything that might help you to defeat Galbatorix."

Regarding them, he went on. "Therefore, since it seems unlikely that any of you will have a chance to return here for further instruction before the conclusion of this war, and since it seems even more unlikely that there shall ever be another dragon and Rider for us to instruct while Galbatorix still bestrides the warm earth, we have decided that we no longer have any reason to remain sequestered in Du Weldenvarden. It is more important that we help Islanzadí and the Varden overthrow Galbatorix than we tarry here in idle comfort while we wait for another Rider and dragon to seek us out."

Blue felt a cold dread seep into him, a memory of ingrained, unchanging futures returning to his thoughts as Eragon glanced thoughtfully at Draco.

Oromis continued.
"When Galbatorix learns that we are still alive, it shall undermine his confidence, for he shall not know if other dragons and Riders have survived his attempt to exterminate them. Also, knowledge of our existence shall bolster the spirits of the dwarves and the Varden and counteract any adverse effects Murtagh and Thorn's appearance on the Burning Plains may have had upon the resolution of their warriors. And it may well increase the number of recruits Nasuada receives from the Empire."

Casting his eyes nervously over the teacher's sword, Eragon stated. "Surely, though, Master, you do not intend to venture into battle yourselves."
With a tilt of his head, Oromis asked. "And why should we not?"

Awkwardly shuffling his feet, Eragon looked at thr ground before explaining. "Forgive me, Master, but how can you fight when you cannot cast spells that require more than a small amount of energy? And what of the spasms you sometimes suffer? If one were to strike in the middle of a battle, it could prove fatal." He glanced at Blue, recoiling slightly at the empty sockets staring at the elder Rider.

"As you ought to know well by now, mere strength rarely decides the victor when two magicians duel. Even so, I have all the strength I need here, in the jewel of my sword." He tugged said weapon around to set his hand over the pommel.

"For over a hundred years, Glaedr and I have stored every iota of our excess strength in this diamond, and others have added their strength to the pool as well; twice a week, several elves from Ellesméra visit me here and transfer as much of their life force into the gem as they can without killing themselves. The amount of energy contained within this stone is formidable, Eragon; with it, I could shift an entire mountain. It is a small matter, then, to defend Glaedr and myself from swords and spears and arrows, or even from a boulder cast from a siege engine. As for my seizures, I have attached certain wards in Naegling that will protect me from harm if I become incapacitated on the battlefield. So you see, Eragon, Glaedr and I are far from helpless."

Nodding, the boy muttered. "Yes, Master."
Oromis' face gentled. "I appreciate your concern, Eragon, and you are right to be concerned, for war is a perilous endeavor and even the most accomplished warrior may find death waiting for him amid the heated frenzy of battle. However, our cause is a worthy one. If Glaedr and I go to our deaths, then we go willingly, for by our sacrifice, we may help free Alagaësia from the shadow of Galbatorix's tyranny."

Now the human finally brought up his fears.
"But if you die, and yet we still succeed in killing Galbatorix and freeing the last dragon egg, who will train that dragon and his Rider?"

Oromis reached out to grip his shoulder, but before he said a word, GB dared to slurr a word in a language his mouth was not built for, sounding thick and worried.
"'Ee hill, Aer- Ehr- Ehrrahgahne." He stared imploringly at the boy, both his and his dragon's eyes wide at the sentence.
All of us. He added.

"That is true, Flamedeath." Oromis nodded, understanding the importance the skeleblaster had been trying to impress upon the boy.
"If we should die in combat, then it shall be your responsibility, the five of you, to instruct the new dragon and Rider in the ways of our order."

Eragon blanched and Oromis noticed.
"Ah, do not look so apprehensive, Eragon. You have a fellow Rider and dragons to help you. No doubt Islanzadí and Nasuada would ensure that the wisest scholars of both our races would be there to help you as well."

Eragon was no less troubled, and this time, the others shared in the discomfort. Blue gripped his arms as the human studied the grass and clover between his feet.

Oromis moved away then, changing the subject by indicating Eragon's new sword.
"The entire forest shuddered when you woke the Menoa tree, Saphira, and half the elves in Ellesméra contacted Glaedr and me with frantic pleas for us to rush to her aid. Moreover, we had to intervene on your behalf with Gilderien the Wise, so as to prevent him from punishing you for employing such violent methods."

Lifting her head, Saphira stated.
I shall not apologize, we had not the time to wait for gentle persuasion to work.
The elf dipped his head. "I understand, and I am not criticizing you, Saphira. I only wanted you to be aware of the consequences of your actions."

At that, he promptly asked for Brisingr, to which Eragon reverently offered it.
Looking it over, from the shimmering blade to the vines twining around the glittering blue gem and the handle itself, Oromis spoke his praises.

"Rhunön has outdone herself. Few weapons, swords or otherwise, are the equal of this. You are fortunate to wield such an impressive blade, Eragon."
His brow quirked at the name.
"Brisingr…" He paused as the tendril of flame rose up, it's center bluish white before it faded.
"...A most apt name for the sword of a Dragon Rider. Has this phenomenon happened before?"

"Aye, it has. Whenever someone holds it and utters it's name, it bursts into.." he switched from the ancient language and to his home tongue briefly to complete the sentence. "..flames."
Eyebrow rising further, Oromis queried.
"Indeed? Did Rhunön have an explanation for this unique phenomenon?"
"Yes, Master." Eragon then described what the she-elf had said.

The teacher's eyes drifted to the horizon thoughtfully. "I wonder…."
Blinking, he shook his head, face drawn.
"I am afraid I have let my pride speak for me. Glaedr and I may not be helpless, but neither, as you pointed out, Eragon, are we entirely whole. Glaedr has his wound, and I have my own… impairments. It is not for nothing I am called the Cripple Who Is Whole."

He huffed out a faint breath.
"Our disabilities would not be a problem if our only enemies were mortal men. Even in our current state, we could easily slay hundred ordinary humans- a hundred or a thousand, it would matter little which. However, our enemy is the most dangerous foe we or this land has ever faced. As much as I dislike acknowledging it, Glaedr and I are at a disadvantage, and it is quite possible that we shall not survive the battles yet to come. We have lived long and full lives, and the sorrows of centuries press upon us, but the five of you are young and fresh and full of hope, and I believe your prospects of defeating Galbatorix are greater than those of anyone else."

With an unexpectedly disquieted look, Oromis looked up at his partner.
"Therefore, in order to help ensure your survival, and as a precaution against our possible demise, Glaedr has, with my blessing, decided to…"
I have decided to give you my heart of hearts, Saphira Brightscales, Flamedeath Brighteyes, Deathwing Brighteyes, Eragon Shadeslayer, Uniter Brighteyes.

Several jaws dropped upon hearing that, Draco even recoiling.
"It- it is an honor-" Blue stuttered before Saphira managed to find her words.
Master, you honor us beyond words, but… are you sure that you wish to entrust your heart to us?

I am sure. He confirmed, leaning down until his face was nearly level with the Riders.
For many reasons, I am sure. If you hold my heart, you shall be able to communicate with Oromis and me- no matter how far apart we may be- and I shall be able to aid you with my strength whenever you are in difficulty. And if Oromis and I should fall in battle, our knowledge and experience, and also my strength, shall still be at your disposal. Long have I pondered this choice, and I am confident it is the right one.

Blue glanced fervently between Oromis and Glaedr, visions plaguing the back of his mind as a deity whispered the secrets the seas of Wyrda were communicating. He was fighting back tears when GB placed a talon on his shoulder, telling him that he knew, he could see it, feel it in his Soul that this was a moment unavoidable.

And he loathed that fact as Eragon spoke up in a small voice, noticing the distress a little after their teacher first stared looking at him.
"But if Oromis were to die, would you really want to live on without him, and as an Eldunarí?"

Turning his massive head to better look at them, Glaedr replied. I do not wish to be parted with Oromis, but whatever happens, I shall continue to do what I can to topple Galbatorix from his throne. That is our only goal, and not even death shall deter us from pursuing it. The idea of losing Saphira horrifies you, Eragon, and rightly so. However, Oromis and I have had centuries to reconcile ourselves with the fact that such a parting is inevitable. Such is the way of the world.

Shifting, Oromis spoke up. "I cannot pretend that I regard this with favor, but the purpose of life is not to do what we want but what needs to be done. That is what fate demands of us."

So now I ask you, Dauthíblaka Brighteyes, Istalrfreohr Brighteyes, Saphira Brightscales, Uniter Brighteyes, and Eragon Shadeslayer, will you accept my gift and all that it entails?
The grand dragon implored them.
I will. Saphira answered, Eragon's mute answer clear.
I will. Blue spoke with his thoughts as well, shaking in place.
I will. Said Draco next, sockets still wide in shock.
I.. I will. GB nodded fervently, shifting from side to side.

The great dragon pulled back, convulsions wracking the muscles of his midsection before they moved to his neck, spreading his legs. They sped up, contracting faster until he angled himself in front of Eragon, who glanced around frantically at the others before GB gave him a nudge forward as Glaedr basically gagged, putrid breath washing over them.

Moments passed, then a glint of gold light shone through the mass of red flesh, then just as quickly a gem a foot wide flew out and Blue yelped and caught it with blue magic before Eragon could even touch it.

He winced and quickly dropped it in the human's arms, apologizing with a steep bow before realizing that it was unnecessary.
The vast dragon and young human were already occupied.
Seeing something so big flinch was a novel experience indeed.

The teachers allowed them a minute to behold the strange gem, all five staring in amazement at the thing.
It was warm, generally round save for the thousands of facets that stuck this way and that from the main structure, glowing faintly.
In it's depths, the light shifted and swirled, wisps flaring up and disappearing in the same instant, ever flowing, ever streaming, pulsing with life.

"Here." Oromis finally offered a sack, Eragon delicately sliding the stone inside and clutching the cloth to himself when it was in. Blue couldn't help but stare at the bag even as the others thanked the great gold dragon.

We shall guard your heart with our lives.
"No!" The elf barked, startling Blue back into the present.
"Not with your lives! That is the very thing we wish to avoid. Do not allow any misfortune to befall Glaedr's heart because of carelessness on your part, but neither should you sacrifice yourself to protect him or me or anyone else. You have to stay alive at all costs, else our hopes shall be dashed and all will be darkness."

"Yes, Master." Both dragon and young Rider said simultaneously, the others agreeing.  Then the great one spoke again.
Because you swore fealty to Nasuada, and you owe her your loyalty and obedience, you may tell her of my heart if you must, but only if you must. For the sake of dragons everywhere, what few of us remain, the truth about the Eldunarí cannot become common knowledge.

May we tell Arya? Saphira quested.
"And what about the others of the Wyrdaí Islingrya? The gods? They may very well find out themselves later on." Blue pointed out.
"And what of Blödhgarm and the other elves Islanzadí sent to protect us? I allowed them into my mind when Saphira and I last fought Murtagh. They will notice your presence, Glaedr, if you help us in the midst of a battle."

Because we cannot truly prevent them from learning of our secret, you may tell the gods of monsterkind if it becomes necessary. As with Blödhgarm and the spellcasters, you may tell them only after they have sworn oaths of secrecy to you.

Settling his helm on his head, Oromis lifted his voice.
"Arya is Islanzadí's daughter, and so I suppose it is proper she should know. However, as with Nasuada, do not tell her unless it becomes absolutely necessary. A secret shared is no secret at all. If you can be so disciplined, do not even think of it, nor of the very fact of the Eldunarí, so that no one may steal the information from your minds."

"Yes, Master."
"Yes, Master Oromis."
Nodding, the elf began tugging on a pair of gauntlets.
"Now let us be gone from here. I have heard from Islanzadí that Nasuada is about to lay siege to the city of Feinster, and the Varden will have need of you."

We have spent too long in Ellesméra. Saphira realized.
Perhaps, but it was time well spent. Glaedr replied.
Then Oromis ran at his partner, leaping up onto a foreleg and into the saddle, settling in and starting on tightening the straps, calling down.
"As we fly, we can review the lists of true names you learned during your last visit."

Eragon and Blue moved to climb atop their respective partners and buckle in. Blue spent a few extra moments just checking everything was in order as the human tucked the Eldunarí into Saphira's saddlebags.

Then Glaedr spread his tremendous wings, walking to the cliff edge. He surged forward, claws cracking the stone as his wings beat downward and the air boomed, Saphira charging after and diving over the edge as Glaedr ascended. The other pair simply teleported high above the ground and glided into a steady flight path, joining the massive dragon at a slightly higher altitude, coasting on his tailwind while Saphira winged her way up to his side.

She let loose a roar, and the rest of them quickly joined in, a chorus of dragons bellowing into the sky.

. • °

They flew on from Ellesméra without pause, most of them practicing words, Draco just being openly affectionate with GB, who playfully nipped and dove at him regularly.

It was over all too soon by afternoon, the sun hanging low in the sky as the dragons flew in circles around each other.
Keep safe your hearts, hatchlings, and mine as well. Glaedr spoke, voice a rumble of thoughts.

We will, Master. Saphira replied.
"Your Soul- heart is safe with us!" Blue flushed at his slip but otherwise no one commented.
Oromis called from his saddle. "Fair winds to you four, Uniter, Flamedeath, Eragon, and Saphira! When next we meet, let it be before the gates of Urû'baen."
"Fair winds to you as well!"
"Fair winds! Yes!"

Draco keened, this being where he and GB would part. GB let out a low howl, swerving to touch wingtips.
See you soon. He told his Riderless partner sorrowfully.
As soon as possible. Draco crooned back before flapping backwards, trailing after the enormous Glaedr while still gazing after his love.

They finally parted, flying on until neither could see the other anymore.
At last, GB despondently flew over Saphira and latched his front talons around her back spikes, Eragon placing a hand over the bone moments before they teleported across the continent.

The skeleblaster fell back, dropping out of the sky as he fainted. Blue yelped, slapping him in the effort to wake the other as they abruptly plummeted.

After a few seconds of terrifying freefall, blue talons reached around and hooked around GB's collarbone and ribs, Saphira grunting as she took on the excess weight, further gripping his pelvis and looping her free back foot under his spine.

"Oh dear, are you sure you can handle this?" Blue questioned in surprise, bending over so as to not bump into her belly scales.
You are both very light. She reminded him, adjusting her grip as GB snorted weakly.
It is easy to do when he has taken us across Alagaësia. He should not have overextended himself, though.

"Are you alright?" Eragon called down then.
"Just fine! I'm small enough to be unbothered here!" Blue grinned, frowning as GB still didn't wake.
"He said he could handle it an hour ago!" He added uneasily.
"I'm sure he's alright, it's a great distance to leap across Alagaësia all at once." Eragon hollered back.
Blue didn't reply, still concerned.

Suddenly, GB jolted, lifting his skull up so fast his back facing horns jabbed into Saphira's neck. She barked out a snarl, turning her head to glare as GB shook himself in confusion, finally looking up at her.
What..?

That hurt. She growled, then suddenly let him go.
"H-ey!" Blue cried, gripping the saddle as GB flailed and reformed his wing membrane, flapping wildly before stabilizing frightfully close to the ground.
Oh geez I hate that. He muttered before pulling up beside the true dragon.

I'm so sorry about that, I wasn't expecting that rush. He apologized to both her and Blue.
"What exactly happened? You worried me." Blue asked, letting go of the saddle.
Dunno, just was hit with a rush to the skull after that. I've never actually shortcut a distance that big before. I knew I could do it, yeah, but I guess that's different than, well, actually doing it.

"Well, at least you're alright." Blue sighed, patting him.
Thanks, but did I really hurt you, Saphira? He regarded her worriedly. I know I got some points back there. He added.
Only a scratch and a bruise, nothing I can't handle. She replied easily. I will live.
He let out a discontented hum, but let it slide.
Sorry anyway.

With that, they headed off to fly towards Feinster, following the distant trail blazed by the Varden as they had marched through the land.

. • ° ° • .

The brothers strode through the vast pines, gazing half-lidded at the sun dappled ferns around them, meandering through dusky shadows. They followed the faint scent of smoke, idly pondering the strange mind they sensed ahead.

Gradually, a soft voice became apparent, singing a tune never once heard in Alagaësia.
Bits and pieces of "It's a Wonderful World" drifted by, following the faint embers as they peered at the figure seated beside a campfire, gazing up into the dark, glittering sky.

The stranger trailed off, muttering something that neither twin could quite catch.
Dream stepped closer to listen in, wincing when a fallen twig snapped under his boot. Nightmare snatched him back and hid him behind his own dark form.
"Who's there?" The childlike voice called regardless.

Nightmare dared speak, now cautious.
"We've been noticing you for a while."
Now revealing themselves, they saw that it was, in fact, a young skeleton before them, making a face.
"Ah…. I'm sorry, I did not wish to interfere."

Dream finally spoke. "How can you say you've interfered when all you've done is lurk in the shadows?"
The youthful face smiled sadly, gesturing around.
"I do not belong here, this world. Not even the Multiverse you came from. I am but a Traveller seeking home, I try not to interfere unless there is no other choice." He finished by flicking a drifting ember, said spark blooming into a flaming blossom before it faded to nothingness.

The pair finally stepped within the circle of firelight, one unbelieving and another willing to try.
"And who interferes with you?" Dream asked softly, curious.

The one who went by the Traveller regarded him distantly.
"There are many that can interfere with me, those that can step easily between one Omniverse and another with nary a thought. I am but an ant to them, dear Dream and Nightmare. I am but a daydream in the eyes of giants; I can only travel because they allow me to seek a home."

Nightmare peered at the child with greater curiosity, and on some small part, pity. Dream led him to the youth's side to sit down, abashed. The Traveller simply plucked two wildflowers from the ground, scrutinizing them before they shuddered and transformed into delicate crystal.

Nightmare stared at this as Dream posed another question.
"Does no one care for you?" He asked before the darker made a reflection based on the other's previous statement.
"Even so, you seem forgotten."

The Traveller flashed an almost cheeky smile, voice shifting strangely.
"Not forgotten, never alone. My Multiverse is long gone, fallen beyond memory. We are the last."
In spite of that morbid statement, he yanked out three long blades of grass and started braiding them together.

"Perhaps you are remembered." Nightmare murmured, watching the other as he found himself strangely understanding.
"But who would want to be so together and alone?"

"I have made many friends since my journey began, helped raise children, had many happy meetings. But I've yet to find the one I can stay."
He completed his braid, clasping the flowers together with it until he pulled back and revealed the grass now a glittering metal with the blooms attached. It was a simple necklace, though crafted of magic.

Upon seeing the work, Dream hesitated. He turned to his brother.
A child, Brother. They feel.. familiar under all their strangeness.
I feel it too. Nightmare held back a sigh, knowing what his other half wanted.

Instead, he curled a tendril over the litte one's shoulders. "We can't offer much, especially as of this moment, but you shouldn't hide yourselves. We are here."
"Perhaps it's pushing it a bit, but we're alone too. Wandering Alagaësia until we can settle down." Dream offered. "We could be here for you if you need someone to talk to."

They both faintly hesitated as the familiar magic and voices of thoughts clicked into place, and they understood what they were looking at, they understood how painfully identical other Multiverses could be, excruciatingly similar to their home and vastly different all the same. They knew what the Traveller was.
The knowledge only left a hitch in their breaths as they went on.

"Not just us, but the others here, too. You may not be able to stay, but you can still return here."
"No one should be left wandering such a vast expanse of Multiverses with no one to talk to."
"Even if you have each other, you're still children."
"And we can sense your magic."

"Godlings like yourselves need help, whether or not they know it."
"So take a break, pastel death." Nightmare finished. "It doesn't need to be a vacation, but just a day where you have somewhere safe."
"Ellesméra is safe from the dangers of the Empire, after all." Dream smiled.

The Traveller looked up at them with a sad, sad smile. "I wish I could stay, but this is my final visit." He spoke with a weary sigh.
Dream blinked, his Soul fluttering as the true gravity of their realization set in, the identity he could feel in the magic and the thoughts of the child of two Souls.
Nightmare spoke in his place.
"And why is that?"

The youth grinned and said, "My magic cannot adjust to this Multiverse, its getting more painful to stay here. It's trying to adjust me to it, except to adjust us would mean death." He giggled as if this wasn't a horrific fact.

By now Dream failed to hold back the tears, realizing a part of him wanted the child to stay, to care for, to watch over, to love and to live and protect and-
Nightmare sighed, winding a tendril through Dream's vines to halt that train of thought.
It wasn't him.
Wasn't them.

A bubble of a distant, sleeping consciousness twitched in the back of their minds, heavy in their Souls.
"Perhaps it is for naught. We're sorry that it came to this for you." He muttered.
"I.." Dream found his voice again. "We hope you find your home soon, Wanderer."

"Its fine, we knew it would be hard when we chose to live instead of end like our Multiverse. If I'm lucky, I'll somehow be able to visit in the future; but I'm glad we got to speak at least once before I left. I hope i didn't worry you with my lurking." The child giggled again, having somehow duplicated the singular necklace into two and setting it on the ground next to the flames and making like he was about to leave.

Something in that yellow flash, glint in the eyelight, the faint pulse of energy only Dream was capable of struck them, the child that was two minds letting their identity loose in the last moments before he would disappear forever-
Dream launched upward, standing stiff as stone.

The Traveller laughed, standing and walking through the campfire like it was nothing and pausing at the edge of the light to peer up at the stars.
"Its beautiful, to think such beauty can exist in a world so broken."
"Wait." Dream stated.

The child glanced over as he marched around the blaze and wrapped the youngling in his arms, daring to speak in a voice he did not use aloud.
"𝓜𝓪𝔂𝓫𝓮 𝔀𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮. 𝓦𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝔂 𝓫𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓪𝓵𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓪 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓻𝓮𝓰𝓪𝓻𝓭𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓸𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂."

Nightmare rose to his feet as well, a branch hooking underneath the gifts as he approached, the understanding sinking in.
There were alternate Multiverses. It was possible to travel between them. There were beings that watched over these as gods and deities did with AU's.

And this. Was a child. Related to them from another Multiverse.
Why?
Why did they have to suffer this knowledge?
To know that it could be possible to save their home in some way and to not do so…
Because he liked Alagaësia.
He wasn't seen as evil.

His brother didn't fight him, only accepted him now.
He felt whole. He was working towards a goal with an end in sight, creating a place where his boys, and all monsterkind could be safe.
…And Dream was silently agreeing in his thoughts.

Their Souls ached at this as he addressed the Traveller.
"You can call us Alalëa and Islingr if you so choose. Or." He glanced up at his brother, his other half.
Their minds converged to murmur into the running commentary of the dual-minded child.
𝕛ꪊડ𝕥 ᥴⅈᥴáꪶꪶꪖé.

That brief contact had him looking into Nightmare's lights knowingly.
"Thank you, you may call me Goth. There is a good chance I will be born still with the way my parents are going at it." A new voice spoke, only half of the Traveller's tonality.
Self aware.

A second voice rose up, mouth quirking slightly as he regarded Dream.
"You may call me Palette, I won't be born. As doubt you will get together with my father." The grin dropped slightly and he stepped away, out of Dream's arms.
"Thank you Mother, Uncle Nightmare." And he vanished, as if he never were.

The lights vanished from Dream's sockets, blinking rapidly to prevent the green tears from falling, his arms still in front of him.
His pulse sped up, incomprehensible feelings swirling inside.
"...I was right." He whispered hollowly.

Nightmare, who had been standing as stockstill as a tree, came back to life, rushing over to catch his brother as he collapsed limply.
"I. I don't understand. Brother, what- I-I-I feel..?"
"I don't know." Nightmare admitted, the same dense knot of feeling in his own ribcage, roots clenched and grinding, twisting and writhing inside.

Dream clung to him, winding his vines with his brother's branches, the two merging more and more until they were joined by a small tree formed of themselves yet again, and in that moment, in the dim glow of the campfire with blue eyes, a third consciousness shuddered and awoke, looking out through four sockets that stared into each other, lights swirling as the minds mingled.

...𝓜𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻..? Dream gasped faintly, eyelights glazed.
𝕀..
The voice was discordant and echoing at first, then quickly solidified into one, thrumming throughout them as a part of them both.
ડꪊꪀ𝕥 ꪖⅈᥴⅈ.