<html><body><div style="color:#000; background-color:#fff; font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12pt"><div></div><div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">I expected weary eyes, a gruff voice and the loud bang of a closed door. Well, my expectations and the outcome never had the best relationship. Obviously my opposite is wide awake, more than me, in fact. And although annoyed he’s trying at least to be polite. Plus, he effortlessly drove me into defense. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">"Uhm..." not good, not good. Think faster! I breathe deep and indicate a bow. "My deepest apologies for disturbing your studies, star-gazer. My name is Mark and... Well, the lady of the Keep wants me to meet you." Oh great, did you just say that? You're lucky if he doesn't scream for the guard right now.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">No yell so far. Actually he doesn’t do anything besides blinking once for a couple of moments. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“And what brings you to the conclusion the keep wants us to meet?” Then his hand comes up, reaching out, intending to shake mine. “Anyways, I am Kindle.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">He is not the only one to blink. Maybe this will not end in another stay in the dungeons. Delighted I grab the offered hand - and fight down the disturbing urge to scratch him between his ears (or chase him across the keep). <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His paw has a comfortable grip, but his fingers are definitely slender. "If I’m honest, it's more a wild guess. You see, I passed your door about ten times this night. Not without a reason, I assumed."</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">The mouse morph folds his ears behind his head and gestures to the darkened hall behind him. "Well, since the Keep led you here, come inside and we can be more properly introduced. Do you like the stars?" So saying, Kindle steps back inside the hall behind the door, and moves toward an open passage in the back that is even darker. I follow him into the hallway - with a narrow ceiling, my ears almost brushing the boards. Surprisingly the feeling I get it is more comfy than restrictive.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">My host pauses before entering the darkened room and chitters. "Could you shut the door? You're letting in all the light."</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">"Sure." I close the door, and although the torches in the hallway out there were dim, the change in lighting is noticeable. Blessed be my cat eyes, Kindle's lamp is more than enough to avoid stubbing my toes against one of the numerous stables of books and/or crates in the passageway. Definitely a man of the sciences. "If I think about it, I honestly don't know if I like the stars. Actually this might be the first occasion in a long time for me to look at them."</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">That elicits a short, quiet laugh from him as he guides me back into a small room which opens out onto a balcony. The cool October air is pressing into my fur, not an unpleasant sensation, though. This body was made for it. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">The mouse sets his lamp on the floor and then returns to a small chair in front of the low railing. "Well, Mark, I am also just beginning to learn more about them. So I'm afraid if the Keep wants you to learn about the Heavens, it won't be for a while."</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Now I'm here, and I feel obliged to take a moment and look up to the object my host dedicates his time to. The stars are wonderful, of course, but... just there. The last time I felt that uninterested was when I tried out a bow on the shooting range. At this point I think it is better to try to change the subject. "Somehow I don't think it is the heavens why I'm here. Can I ask you what you're doing normally?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Kindle chitters under his breath as he makes a note on the pad before him. "Mostly I spend my time on patrols as a field mage. It's why when I'm back home at the Keep I like to do something peaceful. And what of you, Mark; what do you do?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">"Searching", I reply without a thought. And in reaction to his puzzled expression I add: "For myself. You see, I lost my memories. Everything before the curse took me is gone. My only occupation in the last few weeks was searching for clues about my former, my real life. Dustin meant I should consult a mage. Well, there was this weird incident last night, and... You’re a mage!" Winded I stop my ranting. By the gods, I start to sound like Dustin. Self-control, Mark!</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Kindle turns away from the stars with a surprised expression, first shocked, and then sorrowful. "I'm very sorry to hear what happened. Perhaps I can help a little. Tell me what you do know. And who is this Dustin?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">I lift my ears and mouth corners to give Kindle a reassuring smile. "Dustin is my best friend here and my host for the meantime. He is age regressed and works as a scout in Skylarks squad. He can testify everything that happened." I stop for a heartbeat to collect my scattered thoughts. Where to begin? How about… "Have you ever rubbed your fur for some time and then touched a metallic surface?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">The mouse runs one paw through the fur on his arm, pushing up the sleeve of his blue robe as he does so. "It doesn't work as well with mice as it does with cats. But I know what you mean."</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“You're blessed with your short fur" I say. "Anyways, imagine the flash enhanced by at least a tenfold. That's what hit Dustin when we chinked our jars. And after that when he tried to touch mine with his bare hand. I'm still skeptical, but he suggested I should search out a mage. In most occasions he is right and I'm desperate for answers about me."</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“So, you need someone to test you for magic abilities, and if there are some, what kind. Am I right so far?”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“This sums it up, pretty much. Would you be interested?”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“Yes, but not yet.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">My disappointment is heavy and something of it seems to seep into my body language, because the mouse adds: “See, it’s late, Mark. And you are looking like you haven’t found sleep for a while now. Magic isn’t something you approach tired out. Besides, there is still this clear, cloudless night for my studies.” </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“So how about a meeting later, say, tomorrow?” I have no intention to let him off the hook, this is too important. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">*****</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">… “Now tell me what you see.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">I open my eyes and it’s almost like I lift my lids for the first time completely… </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">But it’s probably better I start a little earlier in my narration. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">I met Kindle after lunch, to give us the opportunity to catch up with some sleep. We started with a relaxed talk, back in his study, in which the mouse tried to elicit what I know about magic. A repetitive issue, he usually asked questions and I shrugged. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">His conclusion as expected: “We better start at the beginning.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“I took the liberty to use my mage sight on you. There might be some talent in you, but we have a lot of work to do before we know if that’s true. And even more than that to determine what sort of mage you might be.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Our first step, to wake my own mage sight, if any. The concentration- and focus exercises the furred mage showed me felt comfortingly familiar. Automatically I reached into my belt pouch to retrieve notebook and pen, breaking concentration on the way. The ink was already uncorked until I noticed Kindle’s baffled expression. </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">I produced something between laugh and an embarrassed cough.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Erm, sorry. I made it a habit to jot down practically everything that could give me a clue about my life so far. A note about each activity I try out, and if it feels like I’ve done it before - or not. Guess that went a little overboard.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“You don’t have to apologize, I understand” he assured me. “Just let it rest aside for the time being. I could give you pointers when you write it down later.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Back to the present moment. I have vast difficulties to describe what I’m seeing when I’m using my mage sight. Nothing beyond the mundane reveals itself with a distinctive shape or color. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">No, that’s misleading. Actually everything is clear and defined – until I try to compare it with the non-magical world, then it slips my grasp. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">So I see these… shapes and at the same time feel them somewhere behind my eyes. A mixture of almost-seeing and almost-sensing. I guess I lost you here, at the latest. Well, it may sound harsh, but get your own magic eye and you might understand, or not, depends on your personal approach to magic. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Also, that proves there is some magic talent hidden in this fuzzy hull. I now have a direction where to head in my further investigations! I can’t help it, I jump up (almost bashing my head on the low ceiling), snatch Kindle in a hug, ignore his startled yelp and whirl in a silly dance through his study. To this I yell the joy of my conquest at the top of my lungs – and gather a good share of spider webs with my ears on the way.</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Eventually I come to my senses and the constant stream of “Thankyouthankyouthankyou” trickles down to a lone, mortified “Uhm, sorry.” Carefully I set him back to his feet and straighten his disheveled clothing a little. A task I end as quickly as I started it (stop it; he’s a grown man, for god’s sake!). </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">The mouse takes it with reasonable countenance. “My my, aren’t we excitable today.” He smirks. “It is encouraging to see you have enough vigor left to go to the next step. Shall we?” </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">What else could I do than eagerly agree? </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">*****</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Frustrating hours went by; an emotion that made itself a constant acquaintance of mine. You learn either to deal with it or you go totally bonkers. I’m still here, though (alongside with comrade frustration) with a mind in fairly intact state. But fighting it is tiring. The more for my teacher, who seems not as used to failure. He doesn’t speak it out, he is too polite to do so, but his body language betrays his doubt. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“I think we should stop here.” I have feared this moment, it’s not the patient: “Try it again.”, like the previous times. It hurts, but he’s probably right. Weird dreams and dancing sparks don’t make me a…</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“Maybe we are storming too hastily in one direction. You seem to be bogging down.” </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">With most other people these words would have been the intro to a lame excuse to end the torment and resume it “somewhere else” (read: never). Not with Kindle; his supportive smile and his scent tell me of his determination (and of healthy diet, why’s my mouth suddenly watering?). This mouse hasn’t given up yet. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“Fire and air are avoiding your grasp, that’s vexing, nevertheless let’s try it with something less likely instead. After the phenomenon you described I surmised an affinity for one of those elements in you. Also, it is easier for most pupils to imagine themselves lighting a candle or summoning a gust of wind. That's the most basic magic, the sort you'd find at carnivals. But it might have come across the wrong way. My apologies Mark, no offense was intended.” </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“None taken” I answer, already acquainted to his sharp tongue. “Please continue.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“Earth is a sturdy, some might say stubborn element”, the mouse declares. “Reluctant to let itself be manipulated. It takes less finesse, but more force to get a grip on it. A novice’s store of power is slim, so training with this element is usually scheduled for later lessons. But you, on the other side, are no beginner.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">He places a pebble on the table. “See what you can do with it. And take your time.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">And take your time. I suppress a groan. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">This</i> phrase has seen a lot of use during the day, worn thin in a lot of places. Breathing in, breathing out I focus on my mage sight. With intensity, born out of pent-up anger I reach out to the smooth piece of stone before me...</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">What the daedra I’m doing on the floor?</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">And who’s the idiot who’s lifting my eye lid to let the searing daylight flood my head? </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Wait a moment, why are my eyes closed? Am I sure I’m not sleeping? Positive, forehead hurts too much. I’m awake, if you stretch the definition a tad. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">A warm glow appears within the pulsating pain and spreads from there, soothing the ache and driving away the fog from my mind. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“Mark? Can you hear me?”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">Now I do, finally able to identify this buzzing sound as a high-pitched voice. Kindle. The touch on my forehead is his hand and the warm sensation must be a healing spell. Magic can be a handy thing. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“Kindle, why am I lying on your floor?” A moment later I add: “It is your floor, right?”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">“It is. You and my floor are now officially introduced.”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">My eyes, a moment ago perfectly comfortable being half lid are open in a heartbeat. Stunned I’m gaping at the mouse, who himself seems surprised about this snarky comment. </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US">I can’t help, I just have to laugh, then wince because it makes my head hurt anew, and then laugh even more. “By the gods, mouse, are you sure you don’t know Dustin?” I giggle. “To get back to my first question: What happened?”</span></div> <div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US" lang="EN-US"> </span></div> </div></div></body></html>