Chapter XI, Reading 7

It unnerved Flindra to be hearing her mother's words outside the dream realm.  "I'm not really here, Momma," she answered hesitantly.  "I'm still with Kewero in the Northern Reaches.  I'm just projecting my mind through the crystal sphere.  I'm not sure you will be able to hear me now that you are awake."

"I can hear you quite well, dear Flindra," Dakra said with a happy smile.  "I don't know how you are doing this, but you're here.  You're here, Flindra."

"I'm awed, Momma.  I don't know how I'm doing this.  I don't quite understand how."

"Don't question things, Flindra," Dakra said with the wisdom of a mother.  "Now, tell me why you are here."

"I wanted to tell you that you and Leudh saved me.  I wanted to thank you.  It was your love, which helped me focus my thoughts so I could escape the void.  Without your help, I couldn't have made it.  I also want to know how you knew I was in such trouble."

"Dearest Flindra, there is no need for thanks.  The knowledge that we, in some small way, helped you is thanks enough.  We knew you were in trouble when both Leudh and I had a nightmare about you and our hearts were filled with worry.  The next night I dreamt of you again.  In this dream, I experienced a horrible, endless and hopeless void.  I could wake up from such a nightmare but I knew you weren't able to.  I talked it over with Leudh and we decided that we had to try to reach you.  We thought of our home as we went back to sleep.  We know you love this place and hoped that love could aid you."

"How did you guess to do this?"

"It was Leudh's suggestion.  Perhaps his love for you gave him the answer."

"Will you thank him for me?"

"You've already done that."

"I have?"

"After we sent the vision of this home, we both knew that we had succeeded.  You reached out to thank us.  Don't you remember?"

"No, Momma.  I don't remember, but I'm glad I did so you wouldn't worry about me.  I must thank you again."

"I'm happy that we were able to help you in your time of need.  There is no need for any more thanks."  Dakra looked intently at her daughter.  "What did you do to your hand, Flindra?"

"I burned myself," she said as she looked down at her bandaged hand.  She had forgotten that her mother could see her as if she were present.

"Does it hurt much?"

"No.  Kewero has been taking good care of me so don't worry, Momma."

Dakra smiled.  "I will always worry, Flindra.  Don't you know that's the nature of mothers?"

Flindra laughed joyfully.  "I guess it is."

"How is everything else?  Are you happy?  Are you safe?"

Tears touched Flindra's eyes as she noted the tone of concern in her mother's voice.  "I'm safe here with Kewero.  I have a terrible enemy who I must face at some point in the future, but that trial is hopefully a long time in coming.  Now is the time for learning.  I'm learning the things I will need in my conflict with the Evil Ones."

Dakra's eyes clouded with worry.  "I see."