Curiosity killed the cat (Dreamer)

[Casalynn Laymont]

Casalynn had silently left Dreamers room that morning feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated following yesterdays events. She always had a tendancy to wake up as soon as the sun rose and had done this ever since she was young. She couldn't bring herself to wake Dreamer up as he looked so peaceful in blissful sleep. That and she thought he looked completely exhausted and deserved the rest. She had left a note on Dreamers pillow telling her where she had gone and hoped that he would join her once he woke; she was rather hoping Dreamer would show her the extent of his magic like he had said after all the forest was a place that had space in its plenty.

Dreamer,
Gone to the forest. I have a horse waiting for you outside, so join me whenever you read this.
Casalynn xx

Her neat and kempt writing made her note easy to read and elegant elongated curls decorated her fancy sprawling. Casalynn had never asked Dreamer if he could read, yet sincerly hoped that he could. As she had been highly educated as a child reading, writing and speaking several different languages came secondary to her. She just assumed that other people could do the same. Cass knew that Dreamer would eventually get the message as he could always ask someone in the building that had the ability to read.

Casalynn tapped her horse gently to spur him to go faster and to pick up the pace. Ever since the last time she had visited the forest, she always felt anxious and wary so thought going faster would avoid any unwanted confrontations. Every now and again she would stop and place a few strands of bright, red ribbon and tie it onto a tree so Dreamer would only have to follow them to find her; she was very thoughtful like that. She knew the forest was a big place so the ribbon would direct him to her whereabouts. Mounting her horse again she carried on, pausing several times to tie the ribbons onto the tree.

She ground her horse to a stop where she reached her destination; a small clearing in the heart of the forest. The ground was covered in crispy brown leaves where the trees were bare preparing themselves for a cold winter yet to come. The sky was dark and dingy, grey clouds looming overhead posing the threat of a sudden downpour. Her mouth curved into a smooth smile, water was something she liked. She had found controlling water was something she was good at, controlling fire coming in at a close second. So far these were the only forms of magic she had discovered and lacked sufficient knowledge and education for learning anything else.

She dismounted her horse and jumped several feet until she hit the ground, feeling the soft cushion of dispersed leaves that had littered the floor. She advanced on a unsterdy looking tree trunk and took a seat sitting on her dark blue cloak, raising her hood as a strong gust of wind came and went. There she sat patiently waiting for Dreamer.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer woke up easily, yawning as the sun began to pour into his room. He could hear feet moving outside his room as others began to wake up. Dreamer smiled, he felt refreshed and ready for the wonderful day ahead. He pulled himself up and stretched, letting a long yawn out as he did.

He rubbed his eyes out as he picked himself up, the sand making it hard to keep them open. Once he had rid himself of the sleepy sands intrusion on his day, he looked around his room. He found everything as it was, his bag, his clothes, his messy bed. Messy Bed? Dreamer looked down at the makeshift bedding he had made himself on the floor, and then the bed, when suddenly it all clicked.

Casalynn?

Dreamer jumped with a start as his mind began to race. Casalynn was gone, when he said to himself he would protect, and already she was gone. He looked around for any clue that she may have left of her presence, leading him to find the note on his pillow. He quickly snatched it up and brought it to his window to read.

The few minutes it took him to read where frustrating, and yet made him feel proud in the end. Weeks ago he would have never been able to read such a simple note, but he had been practicing. Rolling up and grabbing all of his possessions, Dreamer ran from his door and out of the inn.

*Twenty minutes Later*

Dreamer felt a little awkward on a horse, he had felt more comfortable on foot. He didn't wish to look ungrateful to Casalynn, so he had been taking the pains that came with his kindness. Behind him he had tied along a bag of bread, meat, and wine. Dreamer had inquired with a merchant about what food he should bring, since they would surely be hungry. When he had told the man that he was spending the day in the forest with Casalynn, the man only smiled and gave him the bag full of refreshments.

People could be so odd sometimes

Dreamer had found the clues that Casalynn left, and removed them as he did. He didn't feel like attracting any bandits that may be traveling the parts, he didn't feel like dealing with the mess. Soon he did find Casalynn, sitting in a clearing, waiting for him. He smiled and waved at her as he approached.

[Casalynn Laymont]

The time alone gave Casalynn plenty of time to think. She had time to clear her head before seeing Dreamer again, and she was more than grateful for the peace and tranquility being alone in the forest gave her. Her mind buzzed over previous events, she had time to think about her uncle's hanging due in a few days which drew her onto another thought she had been supressing. She reminded herself to ask Dreamer if he would go with her as she didn't think seeing Baldrick hung would be a thing she wanted to undertake on her own. With Dreamer there he would provide reassurance and safety although she wasn't too sure what Dreamers reaction would be when she plucked up enough courage to ask him.

As she broke away from her thoughts, she saw Dreamer in her field of vision. He was here at last and now all the waiting was over, he had the perfect opportunity to show her his magic and her the same. That was if she found her voice in time which seemed to have stopped her previous efforts. It had crossed her mind that Dreamer may not see her the same if he knew she had magic and floods of doubt and worry often clouded her thoughts. After putting them to the back of her mind she concentrated on Dreamer who was rapidly advancing on the clearing.

Casalynn raised an arm to wave back and a warm smile immediatly followed upon seeing him. She felt happy now, all the fear, frustation and thoughts about hangings had vanished completely as the only thing she could focus on was Dreamer. She stood up from the cold tree stump and brushed the imaginary dirt off her cloak. She slowly walked over to Dreamer and gave him a swift hug, feeling his warmth react with her cold skin. She was glad that he had found her and was just happy that he even showed up at all.

"I didn't think you were going to come" She expressed showing her upmost happiness that he was here as she withdrew her hug. "I didn't want to wake you this morning, I thought you deserved a lie in" She said happily, patting the horse she had arranged for him on the neck and signalling to Dreamer he should tie it up near her own horse.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer blushed as Casalynn hugged him, her cold skin against his warmer, commenting that she didn't believe he would arrive. He saw that as a little awkward, "Why wouldn't i come" he asked, able to still keep his voice somewhat calm. Giving her time to answer him, he led his horse over to her's and tied them together.

Then he removed the bag with the food and wine and slung it across his shoulder. He approached Casalynn again, this time his face wasn't so pink, and his smile was still warm. He wasn't going to say anything, figuring he still wanted his question answered.

[Casalynn Laymont]

"Why wouldn't i come"

Casalynn was surprised to see Dreamers reaction when she said he didn't think he would come. In her mind, she could see a million reasons why he wouldn't end up coming yet he didn't seem to think so. She couldn't help but crumple her face in slight confusion; she really didn't think she was worth trailing out in the cold trekking for miles on end into a dangerous forest that posed so many risks some may consider their trip as foolish. Cass carefully thought of her response, trying not to insult herself in the process. In her mind Dreamer had many other things more important than following her about and demonstrating his magic too her. She removed the crease from her forehead and smiled, patting the horse Dreamer had rode on as he tied the two together in a firm knot.

"I don't know. I just figured you'd probably have better things to do than spend time with me" She said warmly, glancing over the tie Dreamer had made just to make sure their horses had no chance of making a quick getaway or escape. As she didn't fancy walking back to Camelot or chasing them around the forest trying to get them under control.

She walked back over to the middle of the clearing and resumed her seat on the wobbly tree stump. She was glad that he was here with her and knew that soon all her thoughts and theories were going to be answered. She was also glad for the excuse to see Dreamer again outside the walls of the White Dragon Inn; it was nice. She knew she liked spending time with him so their was no complaints from her. She smiled and spoke softly and politely. "I hope your not delaying anything to be with me. I won't mind if you have to re-schedule" She said happily, feeling a sudden rush of guilt that he may have more pressing matters to attend to.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer tried to keep himself from laughing, his attitude growing more positive as he listened. When it was his turn he smiled, without laughing luckily, and said "You give my Calender too much credit". She believed him to be a busy person. Sure, some days he was pressed for time. Juggling studying, practicing, working, eating, sleeping, the basics, was hard sometimes.

He lifted the bag of food and wine and smiled, shaking it a little, "If i was pressed for time, i wouldn't have stopped for lunch". He was trying to cheer her up, he didn't want her believing he had anything better to do. He enjoyed spending time with Casalynn, nothing was ever boring.

"Or at least" Dreamer said, "That's what the merchant said it was when i told him we'd be out here".

[Casalynn Laymont]

Casalynn's eyes strayed to the basket Dreamer was carrying and smiled when he said he told the merchant they were only going to the forest for a spot of lunch. One thing she liked about being in the forest was the peace and tranquility; there were no busy people scuttling past fulfilling their hectic schedules and tending to their daily errands, no onlookers prying into their private conversations; they were free to do what ever they wanted without attracting a crowd. Dreamer could practice his magic without having to worry about anyone watching as it would only be her eyes watching intently on what he was doing.

She was glad that Dreamer had brought food as she had not thought of doing such a thing; she didn't exactly know how long they were going to spend there. She had already been up for a few hours now and in her haste to leave Dreamer's room without upsetting his sleep she hadn't eaten anything, although she didn't much mind. Cass felt slightly reassured as Dreamer told her he didn't have too many things he needed to attend to and if he was pressed for time then stopping for lunch was something he would have skipped.

Ever since Dreamer had arrived, the smile on her face seemed like an almost permanent fixture. Whenever she was with him, she had found her smile hardly ever faltered although she put that down to his witty comments and general bubbly presence; it was hard not to smile when you were around him. Casalynn elegantly crossed her legs and placed her hands on her knees, lowering the hood on her cloak so her view was not limited. She was sure to catch everything he did as she doubted she would get another chance for him to show her.

"I'm eager to see what other extents of magic you can do. My mind has been running in circles all night. If your still willing to show me then I'd be most grateful." Casalynn reminded Dreamer of why they were both here and awaited eagerly his response. She wouldn't much mind if he wanted to just sit down and eat for a while or if he wasn't to keen on showing her his magic after all.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer watched as Casalynn say down, crossing her legs and pulling her hood back. Before it had been placed down lower, as to hide her face, possible from the sun. Now it was out of the way, and her expressions were easily recognizable, she was both excited and extremely pleased. Dreamer was surprised that she could sit still with the emotions she gave away.

Dreamer set the bag of food beside her stood a pace or two infront of her. He waited for a moment, as she situated herself on the hard floor, before he began. He closed his eyes for a moment, drawing in his magic slowly as he carefully chose his words.

Fair maiden, turn my way..

It was all over in a mere moment.

Dreamer had opened his eyes and shaped how he wanted his magic to play out. Dreamer couldn't help but flourish his magic, he would admit he wanted to impress Casalynn. Time seemed to slow around him alone as he moved in a rush to Casalynn's side. He knelled down and drew himself closely to her, to peer into her eyes, before that particular spell ended and he went on with his song.

Tell me what you from me today...

[Casalynn Laymont]

Casalynn awaited and watched him with eager eyes. She saw Dreamer close his and what looked like deep concentration etched on his face. She had no idea what was about to happen but waited patiently with baited breath as Dreamer collected himself and prepared for whatever he was about to do. All outer distractions became silent in Casalynn's head, she focused only on Dreamer and his actions and movements alone. The howling wind that was rapidly beginning to pick up speed remained silent to her and the sound of steady falling leaves was almost non-existent. She didn't want to miss anything that he did as she didn't know how long it was going to last. One blink and she may miss it all.

Even as focused as her eyes were, she could not follow what he did next. One moment he was standing right in front of her and the next he was standing right beside to her. It took several long seconds for her eyes to acclimatise to what had just happened and somehow her eyes did not want to believe how fast he had just moved.

Hiding the slight confusion on her face was hard to disguise as she struggled to find any possible justification for how he had just done that. Did he have the ability to move at super speeds? Or was it another reason. Slowing down time had never crossed her thoughts as she believed that to be impossible. Surely. Once again her eyes darted from the place where he had formerly been standing, to the place he was currently standing now. Her brain still trying to adjust to the sudden, rapid change of placement.

"Wow. How did you... how did you do that!?" She spoke more to herself than to Dreamer as a way of confirming what had just happened wasn't a trick of the light or her mind playing tricks on her. "You were over there. Now your over here... Wow. That's... amazing" She said realizing she was beginning to babble. "Sorry. I didn't know you'd be able to do that. I wasn't expecting it" She said smiling thinking that she prepared herself for almost anything, except this. "So you can heal people and move... really quickly. Is there no bounds to your powerful magic?" She said laughing, wondering what else he could do.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer didn't move, he just let his mouth pull up into a wide grin. He could tell that she was surprised, which was close to what he was expecting. She asked him how he did it, "Magic" he replied back to her. It had taken him awhile, but he had figured out that he had slowed time for a short moment. It was easier than it sounded, not that he asked anyone else if they could do it.

"So you can heal people and move... really quickly. Is there no bounds to your powerful magic?"

Dreamers cheeks grew rosy red, and he couldn't help it, but he did move back a little so his face wasn't so close to hers. "I...I wouldn't go so far as to call it powerful", he paused for a moment before saying "but yes i can do more, but there are limits".

[Casalynn Laymont]

Casalynn liked making Dreamer go red, it entertained her somewhat. It always made her smile and never failed to lift her mood although she tended to do the same. In her eyes she saw Dreamer as powerful as in her books, being able to heal people of potentially life-threatening, deadly injuries gave you the opportunity to decide life and death in a chosen person. Taking her for an example. Surely if Dreamer had not healed her, standing here now feeling the wind blowing against her skin would not be possible. She could imagine she would be laying 10 feet under with no one being the wiser of her dismise.

Being able to move faster than the average normal person opened up a series of opportunities. He would excel in thieving although she couldn't quite see Dreamer going up that route. He would make an excellent assassin and would be able to speed past any guarded door that he needed to sneak past undetected. The possibilities were endless. Maybe Dreamer didn't see it the way she did and was glad that his magic had not gone straight to his head like it may with other power-hungry people. She was glad that he seemed to use his magic for selfless acts, such as healing herself rather than using his speed for stealing or others of the like.

"Yesterday you spoke of white magic. Is healing and speed apart of this white magic or are there other arts of magic as well?" Her mind was almost overwhelmed with questions yet did not want to bombard him with her inqueries. She did not want to appear to eager, as it must not be normal for one to obsess themselves over magic yet hoped she came across as merely interested. Her curiosity was spiking and she couldn't wait to discover what else he could do.

"Limits? What sort of Limits?" She asked curiosly. Wondering if there was a chance that Dreamer could harm himself whilst carrying out the magic demonstrations.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer moved to sit beside Casalynn now, his face back to normal and the subject changed. She seemed slightly curious about magic, which was actually a relief to him. It meant he could speak freely without offending her, which was an actual problem he had often heard about. People seemed to be divided over the subject of magic, they were either interested and for it, or not and were against it. It was a wicked gamble of heads or tails, but luckily he knew at least one person now whom he could talk to.

Dreamer spoke carefully when answering her questions, seeing as she had a few. "Magic, the way i see it, comes from the caster, in a sense magic is the caster, a distinct part of them, possible even their soul..." Dreamer had pondered over these questions before, they intrigued him. "Which is why there are limitations, If i use too much magic, i could injure myself or even...well...Die".

Dreamer let the last part hang in for a second before going on, "Not that i'm going to die anytime soon, i mean, you know, there's alot i still want to do..."

[Casalynn Laymont]

It was interesting to here Dreamers view on what he thought magic was and where it comes from. She had always thought magic was something you were born with, someone that god granted you to use in whatever way you deemed necessary. Dreamer thought in much of the same way as she did as he also saw that magic was apart of the casters life and that it came from them. She found it useful to learn these such things from Dreamer as before she had been completely clueless over what magic entials. She wanted to find out where he had learnt this from, although those questions would come later.

"Which is why there are limitations, If i use too much magic, i could injure myself or even...well...Die".

Casalynn was shocked. She contained the small gasp she was feeling inside and never realized that this could be a possible situation. If he ever used too much magic then dying was a very real reality. Something like this had never crossed her mind and now she was slightly more apprehensive to see him do anymore. When Dreamer had healed her, she noticed him becoming slightly tired so maybe that was one of the downsides that she had discovered earlier. She couldn't help but raise a smile when he picked up his hanging sentence and said there's still plenty that he wanted to do so dying wasn't much of an option. "Good, I wouldn't like if you died on me, I rather like having you around." She expressed a small laugh and then carried on her sentence.

"Is that the end of your demonstrations? It's just I have something to share with you too..." She said finally plucking up the courage to say something. At least now she was at a point of no return as she had already jumped the first hurdle.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer listened as his cheeks grew red, again, the traitors. She said she had something to show him, which didn't help his shy nature, but he jumped at the opportunity. "Yo...you.. go ahead" he said quickly, "There's nothing else i can show you at the moment". Which was true, she had already witnessed his healing ability, and he didn't feel like hurting another creature for the purpose of entertainment.

He watched intently at Casalynn showed him what she needed to show him. His eyes trained on her, his curiosity didn't need to force him to watch, he did it with free will.

[Casalynn Laymont]

It seemed the tables had turned now and it was Dreamer who was watching intently for what she was about to do. The only difference was that Dreamer did not know what was about to happen and she had. She had made the split decision only seconds before to only show him the one element to her ability. She was more confident with Water anyway and she did not want to risk harming Dreamer with accidentally burning him or something of the like; she was unsure whether he was able to heal himself or not. "I hope what I'm about to do won't change your thoughts and views on me in the slightest..." She said more quietly than usual before standing up from the moth-eaten log and raising her hood again so Dreamer could not see her eyes change.

She knelt down onto the floor and dropped her head to stare at a small patch of ground in which to carry out her demonstration. "You may want to come in closer, I'm not good with controlling it big-scale" She said with a reassuring smile, looking up to Dreamer until he moved closer. She returned her head to look at the ground and closed her eyes to concentrate. As Dreamer had done, she collected herself to make it clear in her mind of what she was about to do. She had picked this trait up of Dreamer as it looked like it had worked well enough for him.

She cleared her mind of all thoughts to concentrate solitarily of what she was about to do. She drew a deep breath in and tried to steady her nervous, fluttering heart which was telling her beyond everything that she should refrain from doing this. She trusted Dreamer fully and hoped that he would take this well. As she exhaled, she drew in one more breath and hovered her hands over the cold ground.

"ahsian gesettest wioforan aenigmon"

The words flowed out of her mouth with ease and as she opened her eyes they flashed a brilliant white which drowned out their usual colour of blue. This had been the reason why her hood was raised as she didn't want dreamer to see her looking like a wierd zomby mutant women. Several seconds passed without any evidence of magic, yet soon after water began to form around her hands. Then a puddle began to emerge seemingly out of nowhere spreading much more rapidly that she had intented. She immediatly withdrew her hands and waited for the water to settle before performing her next form of magic.

"forbredan toecan aespring"

The puddle of water steadily began to change shape beyond recognition. Soon it began to look like a magnificant water fountain that spirted out shoots of water from it's top, dropping to the bottom and starting the cycle all over again. 'Party tricks' as she called them, was all that she knew how to do. Using her magic usefully was something she lacked yet there was plenty of time to learn that later. Her eyes were still glazed over and remained completely white so she waited until they returned to normal using her reflection as a signal for when they regained their usual blue colour.

She was unsure whether to look at Dreamer or not as she had no idea of what his reaction would be. She kept her head dropped until she anxiously raised it to read his expression.