Noctivagant

[Thalia]

Nimeda had watched the water freeze without a word, and did not interfere with his recreation of reality around them. He glanced at her reaction and received an encouraging smile for his efforts. If her eyes were a little sad at what she wondered might have been meant to hurt, it was only what she deserved. He’d been the one to wield rejection like a sword, but she should not have run away.

As the beat of wings darkened the sky, she finally pulled her legs back over the edge to watch as the Watcher finally revealed himself. The grip of the demon’s will kept her in place, but she did not try to fight it. There was little point. Its hideous skin did not repulse, though she was curious at the choice; whether it was subconscious, or took the dreamer’s force. She looked over her shoulder for Noctua’s response, hoping his rediscovered revelation that this was a world of dreaming would protect him now. Else what he would not do something stupid, for the same reason.

Her expression deadened when she realised what was carried in clawed talons above, though.

Mara’s body plummeted from its grip, and Nimeda winced for its impact, though she knew her sister’s mastery would bear no injury. Her posture shifted in time to receive the girl’s trembling body into her arms, and held her protectively close. A kiss pressed against her brow. The Watcher saw and heard all he wished to, but the words spoken next were soft and soothing and for Mara alone.

“You did not know who Noctua was. There shall be no apologies for being who you are, Mara.” Nimeda suspected her friend might be afraid more than she was truly repentant, if she even knew what she had done wrong, but it did not matter much to Nimeda. Of course, Noctua himself might feel differently.