GB was gliding on thermals, balmy with excitement. Blue spread out over his spine, hooking his hands and feet between the other's ribs as he giggled softly, listening to Saphira fawn over Glaedr. Draco was hanging back, a little above the pair.
It's just.. weird. GB spoke after awhile, letting Saphira croon about Glaedr's claws.
How so exactly? Blue asked back, resting his jaw on the other's shoulder blade. GB waved his skull, gesturing with his talons. I don't know! I'm just shoved into this new world with so many stories, it tells me there's only one- sane, anyway- dragon left and I'm just that weird part dragon guy that looks like them. I don't even know what I am, Blue. Hell, before I ended up in Alagaësia all I knew about you was that you were the best person to be around and part of the Star Sanses. The mascot.. But actually knowing you, you're just as normal as any of us! Even.. the 'Bad Guys'. I can't even call them that anymore, not with what I know now. You're all just trying to get by with what you have. Including you. He sighed, a breathy whine on the back edge of it. Blue went limp, thinking.

Who's to say you aren't getting by yourself? You've been lost and confused, just as we were. Alagaësia just.. seems to help us find ourselves. We may not know some things, or what we are to do in the greater future, but we know what we are doing now. In this moment. We have purpose, and are being respected for our purpose at long last. And you, Blaster Sans, are finding your place as well. Has your Determination ever burned this powerfully before? Have you ever felt so right? So sure of yourself? You know what you want, you are going to learn of your past, and you are going to carve out everyone's future. Is that not.. amazing?

GB was silent beneath him awhile.

Damn, you're good at that. He muttered. Blueberry patted his neck vertebrae. I had a long time to perfect that talent; you're welcome.

They arrived back at their quarters, GB promptly hiding in the study to change as Blue showed Eragon the washroom. GB then pushed them both out, wearing only his shorts as he claimed it for himself for an hour.

Next morning came and Blue found the razor, fascinated by them before handing it to Eragon to shave. The human had looked unsettled when GB commented that he didn't look entirely human anymore.

Blue was in the study, curiously searching for papers when he heard Eragon yell.
Jumping, he leapt downstairs as Saphira cried out her Rider's name. He arrived to find her bulk filling the doorway, so he scowled and teleported into the vestibule to the washroom. GB met him, shoulders slightly tense before a snort escaped him.
The dude cut himself shaving.
"Oh." He felt silly now.
Saphira was speaking to Eragon. Be more careful. I'd rather you were as ragged as a molting deer than have you decapitate yourself for the sake of a close shave. 

She paused, then grunted before pulling back. She glanced at the skeletons before retreating further into the bedroom. Blue peeked in to check on Eragon, who was standing stiffly.
"Maybe you can think of a spell instead?" He suggested, eyeing the pinkish water below. "I was thinking of doing that." The human growled, though not upset with him. Blue smiled cheerily. "Good! I wouldn't want you hurt, either!"
Not if you can decapitate yourself. Stars I didn't know that.

He found GB laying across the mattress, snacking on a breadstick and listening to Saphira chatter about Glaedr and knead her bedding, a low rumble emitting from her. Not purring, but something very close.
Suddenly the light from outside was blotted out, something slamming into the wall, clawing at the wood.
Draco peered his bright yellow-blue eyelight at them, sticking his skull in the window.
Sup.
Alternating light and shadows played across the floor as most of his bones shut out the sun's rays. Blue pouted at him. "Did you just break something?"
Silence as he pulled his skull out to check.

Nothing worse than Saphira. 'Sides, it's fine. They love me.
"That doesn't mean you should give them a reason not to!"
GB pointed with his breadstick. Blue's got a point, we're just guests here. Do ya really wanna get on their bad side when they're all so powerful? And there's so many of them?
Draco adjusted his grip on the tree, Eragon returning with a shaven face.
Whatever. I'm just here to check on you guys. And I just came here after talking to Dream. First time meeting him… I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that. To be fair, no one has been what I expected lately. Wood creaked as he shifted in place.
You guys ready?

GB swung his legs off the bed, boney claws clicking on the floor. Not yet, I gotta change. He made his way up the stairs to the study, tail clacking on the steps. C'ya in a minute.
Blue adjusted his bandana around his neck vertebrae as Eragon started saddling Saphira. Then he helped with the task. They were a minute or so into the task when GB called out uncertainly to all of them.
Heya Blue?
"What is it?" He responded curiously.
Would they put a saddle on me? He asked. Blue erupted into laughter before calming down. "I honestly have no idea; what do you think? How do you feel about that?"
I dunno.... Saphira, what's it like? He asked, still upstairs. She shook her head with a snort.
It keeps Eragon from being thrown off when I must perform a complex maneuver, but it itches.
It itches… He repeated, half to himself.

They finished the last buckle, Eragon climbing atop Saphira as Draco fell from the window, flipping and catching air as he soared upwards. She took off out the window, leaving Blue behind. He shrugged to himself, thinking about GB's words as he headed into the study where he awaited, wings half open.
Would it be weird if I had a saddle? He spoke the last word like it was alien to him.
I feel like it would be weird. I'd feel weird.
Blueberry sighed as they took after the others.
I don't know, GB. Frankly, I think it's a matter of your opinion and Oromis's counsel. We should probably ask him, he would know what to say.

Draco swooped down aside GB, wind from his wings forcing the skeleblaster to flap maddeningly, shooting him a glare as Blue hooked his feet in between GB's ribs. Draco spoke.
About the saddle. He glanced over, drifting to the side to give them space.
I don't wanna insult you, or offend you, or scare you- any of that. I'm just gonna say that if you're gonna carry Blueberry all the time, you should at least be prepared for the possibility that he could fall off and not be able to teleport to safety in time. For whatever reason. This is a war. Shit can go sideways and fast. Besides, doesn't it kinda tickle or hurt when he digs in with his feet like that?

Blue gasped, immediately moving. "GB, you never told me that hurt!" He snorted at Blue. It doesn't hurt that much. It only bothers me when you're hanging on too tight.
"I've been doing that so much! You should have said something sooner."
It didn't seem like an issue. GB argued. Blue sighed, pressing his hands together in front of his face. "Alright. But consider; if we are in a fight for any reason, I don't want you distracted by the pain or the probability of myself falling off as Draco said. I know I often oversell or undermine my own abilities, but that risk is something I cannot ignore. We are discussing this with Master Oromis when we arrive."

And so they arrived.
Oromis went straight to Saphira's saddle, listening to Blue and GB as they spoke in turn, nodding. They finished before he was done with her saddle, waiting in silence as he looked over the straps and buckles. Then he announced it was passable.
"Brom was always clever with his hands. Use this saddle when you must travel with great speed. But when comfort is allowed-" he disappeared into the hut before returning with an elegant, molded saddle that he dumped in Eragon's arms, the human stumbling back from the weight.
"-use this. It was crafted in Vroengard and imbued with many spells so that it will never fail you in time of need." It was beautifully designed, gold running along the edges. It was made to allow room for years of growing.

"What are these loops for?" Eragon asked, indicating the ties by the front of the saddle.
Those secure your wrists and arms so that you are not killed like a rat shaken to death when Saphira performs a complex maneuver.
Oromis helped Saphira out of her saddle before finally addressing GB and Blue.
"As for you two. Your concerns are valid, and we have already been discussing this ourselves. However, due to your shape and lack of flesh, any saddle you wear will need to be specifically made in adaptation of your form. That is, I have already been redesigning one of our saddles for you, as you cannot let Blue cling to you while flying, it is inevitable he will fall, regardless of circumstance. Is this understood, Istalrfreohr?"
GB nodded, avoiding meeting his eyes.
I understand.

Oromis nodded, kindness in his gaze. "Good. Dragons, you will go with Glaedr today, and I will work with Eragon and Eldgath Blue here."
As you wish. Saphira crowed at the thought of spending the day with her idol.
Yes sir. GB dipped his skull, then launched into the air. Draco lept clear over GB, his downstroke nearly sending the skeleblaster back down to the ground. Saphira took off, circling GB before the three backed away from Glaedr, who heaved himself into the sky, leading the three of them north.

Oromis faced Blue. "Both of you, come with me." They did, drawing deeper into the forest.
There they stopped in a hollow, a single stump in the center. Oromis directed Blue to sit down and close his sockets, so he did.
"Open your mind, Eldgath Blue. Open, and listen to the world around you, to the thoughts of every being in this glade, from the ants in the trees to the worms in the ground. Listen until you can hear them all and you understand their purpose and nature. Listen, and when you hear no more, come tell me what you have learned."
He left with Eragon before Blue could say anything.

How… How am I supposed to do that..? He questioned fearfully.
He didn't tell me how!
He opened his sockets, peering around. "I don't know how to do that!" He whispered frantically.

Panicking, he stood up. No-no-no, I can't leave; I haven't done anything!  His phalanges curled after where the elf and human had disappeared. He dropped his arm.

Oh.. Stars….Starsdamnit. He collapsed back on the stump, wringing his hands. Blue wasn't sure what to do, he was afraid of disappointing Oromis. Him and Glaedr.
How does one open their mind? He pondered, deep in thought.
Maybe we can't, and he doesn't know- no that won't work, he's known everything thus far. Blue started a mental argument with himself.

He picked at a groove in the wood as he rolled through his options.
Rocking back and forth, he considered how it could be done.
How did Nightmare and Dream always get in my mind? Could.. anyone do that? He shivered, imagining the implications of everyone being capable of such things.
No wonder it's a secret; that'd be terrible.
He tried to remember how he contacted GB, how it felt when others reached into him.

He closed his eyesockets, putting his hands in his lap as he concentrated. Maybe it's like.. expanding your magic.. He theorized. Shuddering at the sensation, Blueberry let his essence pool outward, then retracted suddenly.
This isn't right, one's being should stay in their Soul. He gritted his teeth. I have to try.

He did it again, shaking as he felt his very self seep outside his body, open, fragile, afraid. His Soul shook, fluttering in his ribcage. He could feel the stump beneath him, his self flinching away from the contact. But then something indescribable jolted him back to his body. Blue yelped, slammed back into his body and gripping the front of his shirt with a trembling hand, gasping. His Soul hammered inside him.
What was that?! It was terrifying!

Blueberry slowly calmed himself again, now curious. It didn't attack…. It was just there. For all I know, I could have scared it more than it me. He reached, slowly, ready to withdraw at any moment. He flinched hard as he hit it again, but once more nothing happened.
I'm only scaring myself. He complained, irritated with his own apprehension.

Once again, he pooled out, feeling his mana seep into the environment as he found the bright thing again. It was.. moving? It was alive. He enveloped it's surroundings, wondering what it could be. He couldn't see it, but he felt it. It was vivid and alive, quivering as it shuffled around, tending to smaller creatures as Blue soon realized.
Is this a mother? He pondered, fear whisking away as he watched with fascination. He could sense it's thoughts, mindless, not overly intelligent, but aware.

His Soul thrummed, less afraid the longer he observed and more intrigued as time went on. The tiny children it attended to were so feeble, so meek. He worried about them due to their weakness. They were all so small.

Eventually the mother got up, nose quivering in hunger. She moved away. Blue excitedly watched through her as she scrabbled up a tunnel and into the light. Eager to see what he'd been following, Blue whipped his skull around to see.

A rabbit. A black and white rabbit crawled out of a hidden hole not far off from the stump, one of it's gnarled roots hanging over the entrance.
A low chuckle escaped him. It was so simple. A mother rabbit caring for her brood. She met noses with a brownish male with grey tinging his fur. A mate. Blueberry couldn't help but aw at the sight.

He joined his consciousness with the male as it hopped across the field to the hole, crawling inside to watch over the brood while mom was feeding.

Then he remembered what Oromis said. Oh, fool me! He berated, shifting in place as he tried to expand his awareness.
At least it's fascinating. He admitted. Strange, but fascinating.
Opening up, Blue felt the world. It was quite beautiful, like he was enveloped in the skies of Outertale, the plants the soft nebulae, the stars and galaxies all the rest. It was awe-inspiring.
A sky under a sky. He inevitably thought.

Spread between it all was a dull glow, much like the light of the world itself, he imagined. Emboldened by curiosity, Blue explored the energy.

It. It was familiar.
At first he was stunned by how conscious it was, then somehow began recognizing notes of the mind behind it. Lost melodies, thrumming and humming in a song that never could grace anyone's ears. It was untold, hidden from all but those who sought it, never able to share the entrancing yet forbidding beauty.

Then it hit him. It struck him, like a smooth criminal.
Nightmare? Dream? He called into the fantastical hymns. The presence recoiled, then drove into him like a wave crashing on the beach. Blueberry screamed, collapsing into himself as it buried itself in his mind.
𝔚𝔥𝔬 𝔡𝔞𝔯𝔢𝔰-
𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓷-
Both voices cut off as he curled up into himself, shivering and whimpering.
It drew back, letting him breathe.

᥇ꪶꪊꫀ? A gentle voice asked, concern radiating from the other.
"Please stop." He whispered aloud and mentally. It pulled back entirely, just sitting there.
Blue, I'm so sorry.
I didn't realize it was you.

He took a few shuddering breaths before responding.
It's. Okay. You didn't exactly hurt me.
But it feels like we did.
Yes, we.. I could have killed you.
We need to work on that, Brother.
Yes, yes. But Blue, what were you doing?
Sitting up, Blueberry hugged himself. I was doing what Master Oromis told me.. after I figured out how.
Surprise emanated from them. He told you to do that?
That's ridiculous!
Mortals get hurt opening their minds-
They get killed!

They froze as Blue stiffened in terror.
Nightmare! They only get killed if they're attacked! Dream rebuked.
Oromis must believe it's safe, right?
There was a pause.
He's very wise. I believe you can trust him.
Dream is right, I do not think he would ask you to put yourself in danger. Besides, the most dangerous thing you can encounter here is talking to you.
Brother..
Would you say I'm wrong?
No, but isn't that a little rude?

Blue sighed, standing up wearily. I think I'll return. This was not what I expected.
Are you okay with it? We can always- I'm fine, Dream. He interrupted. Thank you. He walked off the tree stump, Nightmare sifting through his recent memories.
He's certainly… thorough.
He is! And he doesn't under or over estimate me! I can't help but respect him all the more for that.
Dream was silent.
If you appreciate it so much. But really; you must see Ellesméra. It's quite remarkable. Me and Dream shall be exploring much of today, Dream says he's heard of an interesting elf that he'd like to find. I'll be joining him.
That's wonderful! Blue gushed. But honestly, I just like seeing you two happy alongside each other; it makes me so happy, too!
Oh, thank you Blue! It makes me so excited as well! I hope to see you later today; I've missed you!
Bah. I have wondered how you've been doing. Though I suppose; we could always just check in on you.
Alright! I really must go, though.
Okay…
Good luck.. Eldgath.
You too, Alalëa and Islingr.
He cut the connection between them, though now he was left feeling the echoes of magic.

…

They felt Blue close off from them, sharing a look between each other. "What is he teaching them?" Dream pondered aloud. Nightmare stared over his shoulder, flicking his tentacles. "We could always find out, given our position."
"Or we can ask, Nightmare." He sighed.
Nightmare grinned. "That's what I meant."
"No, it wasn't." Dream pouted.
"Bah, whatever. Come, there's a place ringing like hammer on metal, I'm curious."
He deflected, walking away. Dream had to hurry to catch up.

Admittedly, he really enjoyed their new relationship. It wasn't like before, almost nothing in common with that forgotten age. This time, Nightmare was the more dominant one, teasing Dream as the lighter pouted, but smiled.
They were brothers again, but different.
Dream refused to let Nightmare keep secrets from him, the one thing he was adamant about.
And Nightmare didn't really mind that.

Sometimes they would flinch around each other, which both felt varying degrees of guilt over, though neither could change the past. Both wanted to move forward, though while Dream wanted to forget, Nightmare knew they would always remember.

And the new appendages changed things, too.
They both found that they could retract them, Nightmare not as worried when it had been an ability before…
It was just that it was surprisingly difficult to do so.

Though the tendrils allowed Nightmare a lot more freedom now that there were so many, and Dream could fly wherever he wanted.
But something new.
They could merge the separate limbs, creating a tree that sprouted from the two of them. They did this yesterday for an hour in the sunlight, only a dozen or so words shared between them as they enjoyed the light together, meditating.

Since then, they often walked together with a single vine merged with a tendril. Elves treated them with so much respect and even adoration that it almost sickened Nightmare.
Actually, at one point, it did. He'd ripped away from Dream and teleported elsewhere, heaving. Feeling worse the moment they were apart.

But he was better now. Handling positivity while his brother grew more tolerant of negativity.

They strode through the wooden halls, following the sound of metal on metal. The scent of coals and iron assailed them.

A ring of trees formed a larger house, inside of which the sounds and smells originated. Animate chatter emerged from the forge of a house, sounding entirely unlike the voices of elves.

Dream and Nightmare entered, caught by surprise with a fire elemental and a strange elf.
"Sinead." Nightmare deadpanned. She grinned at the two of them while the elf looked them up and down.
"Look at you two." Sinead started. "You're finally growing up. About time."

Nightmare stepped forward. "How did you get here?" He pointed accusingly. She shrugged, spreading her hands. "I have my ways. Let me keep my secrets; I let you keep yours." She turned away, sticking her bare hands into the forge to grab part of a mail corselet and mold it into shape with inhuman speed. She hung it nearby on a wall. "Rhunön, you mind I step out a minute? They're here after all."
The elf, Rhunön, grinned and spoke in a scratchy, rasping voice. "Go. Show them our crafty little tools, Arucane." And returned to her forge. Sinead chuckled. "You're damn right." Before sweeping past the twins, embers trailing after her.

Absolutely confused by what was happening, they followed. "Where are you going?" Dream called out, but the flame ignored him. Nightmare growled, tugging Dream after him as he caught up, grabbing her arm carelessly.
It burned.

They stopped and she slowly turned, an eerily wide smile on her face. "Good. Let's go." With lightning speed she snatched Dream's arm and they suddenly teleported.
She released them.
Now they were beneath the branches of the Menoa tree.

"What do you want with us?" Dream whispered, utterly confused. Sinead sat down on the root they stood on, patting it beside her. "Nightmare may or may not recall that I promised something."
"But who are you?"
She spread her hands. "Fire incarnate."
"You're just an eccentric fire elemental." Nightmare growled.
"In a way, you're right. I admit I'm weird, but who would wanna be normal?" She snorted. "That shit bores me. Now. About what we are really here for."

She pulled out something that shone with it's own inner light, glowing like the sun with yellow. It was an elegant, thin blade. A rapier, with a yellow-gold crossguard and a gold-brown handle, a strip of leather wrapped over the stone. A yellow stone lay in the pommel, in the semblance of the sun. A sparkling gem with flecks inside it that reflected it's own glow shone in the crossguard. In her other hand was a sunny sheath. Dream gaped at it. She held it out to him. "It's for you." She explained in a low voice.

"For me?" He squeaked.
"Indeed. I present to thee, Blädrsolus. One of two weapons, the most powerful ever created. A mix of magics, both of Alagaësia and the Multiverse. Use it as you will, Islingr Draumr, Ástaréra Cicállaé." He recoiled. "You know that name."
She stared him deep in the eyelights, her gaze full of love and kindness. "I know many things, my dear. I see more of the future than either of you ever could. I want you to carve your legacy out of the stonework that is the fate of Alagaësia. For this will be your greatest tool to leave behind. An heirloom, you could say. Something that will never fade. Take it, Dream, and accept your wyrd."

He stared hard at her, searching for something… he knew not what. Then he grasped the hilt, sliding it out of her hands. "I take Blädrsolus with honor." He whispered, focusing intently on her blue eyes. "Sun Blade." He murmured in translation.
"Good. But like you, it is only half. The other…" She grasped something that practically radiated a majestic darkness.

"Arget Sundava. Silver Shadow. Silver to gold, moon to sun. The other half." She held a graceful sickle, the blade gleaming obsidian, in the shape of a perfect crescent. The grip looked to be made of a pearly version of the surface of the moon, and a dark purple and black stone jutted from the end of the handle and was the handle beneath the moonstone. Nightmare rested his gaze upon it with awe.
"It's beautiful." He breathed.

"It's yours." Sinead responded, holding belts in her other hand. They looked to be versions of their old belts, made to hold the weapons. Nightmare took the sickle in hand, gazing at the purple reflecting off the black blade.
"Here." She held out the darker belt, black cloth with silver ringed moons going through the phases and purple apple-shaped gems between them. It had a sheath for Arget Sundava already attached; blue lining the edges of the black crescent, already open to fit the blade inside. The front of the belt had a silver buckle in the shape of the moon.

"No gold?" He found himself asking, taking it and studying both blade and belt.
"No." She answered. "Perhaps before, all those eons ago, that was fitting. But now? Do you really feel like gold is your color anymore?"
Admiration welled up within Nightmare.
"No."

Sinead grinned. "That's what I thought." She held another, off-white belt to Dream, a spot for clipping the sheath of the rapier available. It held suns made of the same stone in the crossguard, glowing with radiant flecks illuminating the light within. Between each sun was an apple made of the same yellow stones as the pommel of Blädrsolus.

"What even are these gems?" Dream mumbled incredulously. Sinead's smile gained a dangerous edge.
"You want to know about the crystals?" She asked carefully. Dream looked up. "If you can tell me. I'm genuinely curious."
She leapt to her feet, clapping excitedly. "Oh I'd love to tell you about those gems! They fit you two better than any others; in all aspects! It's like a glove!"

She giggled, pointing at the blade itself. "It's called brightsteel. It's from Alagaësia. It's something that falls from the heavens; I would prefer not to say how I got ahold of it. I managed to wrangle Rhunön's help making it, as she made all the Riders' blades. However, she swore never to make another. It was surprisingly easy to convince her; it's not for a Rider and is a group project between the two of us. It was a lot of fun, combining magics, designs and power."

Her finger traced the blade down to the crystal in the crossguard. "Sunstone. It's also the sun's in your belt. It's a naturally joyful and light-inspiring stone. It instills good nature and heightens intuition. Nothing you don't already have. Complementary. If life ever loses it's sweetness, sunstone can restore it. Like you. It helps bring about a profound connection to the light and regenerative power of the sun." She waved at his wings. "It removes codependency and facilitates self-empowerment, independence, and vitality. Also an antidepressant, it detaches from feelings of discrimination, disadvantage, and abandonment. Removing inhibitions and hangups, Sunstone reverses feelings of failure and increases self-worth and confidence." She grinned joyously. Dream blinked, not sure what to do with the new information.

She already moved on to the gold and brown stone in the handle, beneath the leather strip. "Tiger's eye. Gold tiger's eye, specifically. It's a protective stone, traditionally carried as a talisman against ill wishing and curses. Facilitates manifestation of will. Recognizes one's needs as well as others. Differentiates between wishful thinking and what you really need. It resolves internal conflicts, especially those brought about by pride and willfulness. Heals issues of self-worth, self-criticism, and blocked creativity, though the last is rather redundant. It again, alleviates depression and lifts moods. Gold tiger's eye specifically aids in paying attention to detail, warning against complacency. Assists in taking action from reason rather than emotion. All stuff that assists you in what you do, while also helping you personally. These weapons are designed to increase both your powers and help you grow as people." She smiled lovingly at them both, something that made Nightmare feel.. strange.

Sinead returned her attention to Blädrsolus, tapping the yellow stone on the pommel, blade aimed downward. "Golden topaz. Same crystal as that in the apples on the belt. In some cultures it symbolizes the sun. A mellow, empathetic stone that directs energy where it's needed most. Soothes, heals, recharges, remotivates. Promotes truth and forgiveness. Brings out a trust in existence that enables one to 'be' rather than 'do'. Cuts through doubt and uncertainty. Brings joy, generosity, abundance, and good health. A stone of love and good fortune. Releases tension and speeds up spiritual development. Makes one feel confident and philanthropic, wanting to share good fortune and sunshine all around. Promotes openness and honesty, self-realization, self-control, and the urge to develop inner wisdom. Has the capacity to see the bigger picture and minute detail. The gold variant specifically acts like a battery, recharges one, strengthening faith and optimism."

She smiled at Dream. Sinead had been smiling nonstop. Joy just suffused her features, and Nightmare could feel it within her, though it was tainted by a deep-seated pain she hid expertly. Sinead stepped back, hands now behind her back. "Blädrsolus and it's accompanying belt and sheath are designed with you and your powers in mind. Due to Rhunön's involvement, it also has a number of spells that protect it from all manner of harm. And with what I added myself, I daresay it's basically indestructible. Same goes for Arget Sundava."

She faced Nightmare. "May I describe your unique weapon?" He looked down at the obsidian crescent, flipping it side to side thoughtfully. Then he held it out. "You may, Arucane." Sinead grinned, hooking her finger on the inner edge, cutting it and leaking fireblood on the blade but persisting as if nothing had happened.

"This is obsidian. That much you understand clearly. However, it's an exact variant known as just black obsidian. There are many kinds of obsidian, after all. But this, this is special. Truth-enhancing while exposing flaws, weaknesses, and blockages. It brings Negativity to the surface as well as unpleasant truths. Although you are no longer quite that, obsidian is helpful to highly sensitive people, as it is protective. Draws out mental stress and tension. Confronts the reasons. Vitalizes Soul purpose. Urges exploration of the unknown. Brings clarity and clears confusion. Psychologically helps you to know who you are. Brings you face to face with your shadow side and teaches you to integrate it. Promotes compassion and strength. Now as for the black obsidian part, it magnifies negative energies so they can be released. Reverses previous misuse of power and addresses power issues on all levels, teaching that to be empowered is not to wield power but rather to channel it for the good of all."
He stared at her.

Sinead promptly ignored his hard stare, curving her finger up the rounded edge to the crossguard that was also the same stone in the pommel. "Charoite. Stone of transformation. Overcomes fear. Aids with coping with enormous change. Provides deep physical and emotional healing. Helps to accept the present moment as perfect. Also integrates 'negative qualities' and facilitates acceptance of others. Bestows drive, vigor, and spontaneity while it reduces stress and worry. Brings a relaxed attitude. Can be used to overcome compulsions and obsessions. Assists overcoming the sense of alienation and/or frustration. Encourages a path of service to the greater good of all others."

She rubbed a spot off the white, pearly handle. "Moonstone. A stone of new beginnings. Connected to the Moon and intuition. Calms emotions. Promotes empathy. Encourages lucid dreaming, especially during the full moon. Enhances psychic abilities. Calms overreactions and triggers. Soothes emotional instability and stress. Improves Emotional intelligence."

She looked up at Nightmare and Dream, smiling like a mother when proud of her children, something that just put Nightmare on edge. "Both of you boys are so beautiful." Sinead pushed between them to touch their plantlike appendages with a gentle hand, keeping her heat back in the effort to not burn them. She ran a hand over Dream's wing and one of Nightmare's split tendrils.
"You have…. No idea how long I've waited on you two. I may not be from here, but I've watched since the beginning, ever so eternally patient."

Sinead sighed wistfully, patting both their shoulders. "All it took was a little push from Alagaësia. I'm glad to see you grow, Adfectus Cicállaé. Very."
She vanished in wisps of flame and embers before either of them could ask what she meant.

"Who?...What?.." Dream questioned existentially. Nightmare shrugged dully. "She is just like that. Odd. Come. I don't want to deal with the skullache her words tend to bring."
"Oh... okay.." Dream responded in a high voice as they teleported away from there, leaving the Menoa tree as though they'd never been there.
"Adfectus...waited.." Dream muttered to himself.
They walked alongside each other down the wooden hallways.

"Grow?" Nightmare found himself asking.