The Lady of Dreams
Elaine Grace Silvering smiled as she got ready for bed. She was a pretty girl, with wild dark brown curly hair, a softly rounded face with high cheekbones, fair skin, full lips, and warm hazel eyes that sparkled with life. She was small for her 17 years of age, standing at only 5’1. But she was lithe and agile and in good shape. It had been a long, but productive day. She had aced her algebra test and, after a stressful week of studying, was ready for the weekend ahead. Finally done brushing her teeth, she kissed her parents goodnight and made her way up to her bedroom, entirely ready to go to sleep. She let out a relaxed breath as she got into bed, enjoying the feeling of the blankets, and allowing the tension to leave her body. She closed her eyes and smiled as she drifted off, feeling certain that she would have nice dreams.
She opened her eyes and frowned. It felt like she had just gone to sleep minutes ago. She looked around her room, but something felt off. It was her room, everything was the same so why did she feel so strange? She stood up, padding gently over to her window, and gasped softly at what she saw. Instead of her backyard, a beautiful landscape stretched out for miles and miles before her. Rolling vibrant green hills that sloped softly, leading to beautiful mountains in the distance. Towering strong trees that stretched upwards to the heavens as their leaves cast a cool shade over soft green grass. Through it all a clear blue river wound lazily along, and a simple dirt path followed beside it. Elaine turned back into her room, but she wasn’t in her room anymore. She was now standing underneath a beautifully blossoming peach tree.
“I’m dreaming” Elaine realized. Suddenly, a sweet and gentle voice spoke.
“You are perceptive child. Not many can discern dream from waking whilst they are dreaming.” Elaine turned to see a beautiful woman standing with her under the sun spotted shade of the peach tree. The woman had flowing midnight black hair. She had a kind, but agelessly beautiful face that shone with wisdom and joy. Her violet eyes glittered with a gentle warmth and a lively mirth. She was dressed in a white flowing dress that was detailed and glittered with silver and sapphire. She wore a crown that was delicate and beautiful made of white sliver and adorned with diamonds and sapphires. As Elaine looked at her, she was left with the impression that the woman in front of her was both amazingly powerful and undeniably good.
Dropping into a small curtsy, Elaine spoke. “Who are you fair lady? Are you just a part of my dream?” The woman smiled, and her eyes twinkled with gentle amusement. She reached out and gently lifted Elaine out of her curtsy.
The lady spoke with a voice as sweet and kind as a summer breeze. “There is no need to curtsy dear child. As for your questions. I am Irelissa, The Lady of Dreams. I am a part of your dream, in a way. I am giving you a glimpse into my domain. The Land of Dreams over which I am master and protector.” Elaine’s eyes widened in awe and wonder, and she looked around again at the magnificent world around her before turning back to the lady.
She tilted her head slightly in confusion before asking another question. “Lady Irelissa, why am I here? Why have you shown me your beautiful kingdom?” The Lady of Dreams sighed, her proud and beautiful head dropped sadly.
“I need your help. My kingdom and, consequently, all dreams across the world are in danger. I cannot defeat the foe that assails us.”
Elaine’s jaw dropped, as the lady explained why she was there. She just looked at her for a moment before answering, “You need my help? What can I do against an enemy too terrible for even you to defeat? I am only a child. And who is this foe you speak of?” The Lady looked up at Elaine, smiling slightly at her inquisitiveness.
The Lady of Dreams held out her hand to Elaine. “You are a child, but you are good and you possess the rare virtue of understanding how wonderful it is to dream. You have the virtues necessary to prevail against my enemy. You do not let fear or anger or hate best you. You instead fall back on joy, and kindness, and grace. That, my dear child is rare in a world where dreaming is seen only as a waste of time, and not a gateway to wondrous worlds.” Here she hesitated, breathing deeply before continuing. “The enemy I need your help to defeat is Phantasos, The King of Nightmares. Dreams themselves do not have the power to defeat him, and therefore neither do I. He corrupts dreams, twists them until they are foul and horrible. I can only hold him at bay, but that will not last for long. He grows stronger every night, and as he grows more people will suffer from nightmares, and the power and joys of dreaming will fade away. Will you help me?"
Elaine looked at her, still doubtful that she could do anything against The King of Nightmares himself. But as she looked at the fair Lady of Dreams, she saw how much hope The Lady was placing in her. So, still unsure about if she of all people could do much to help, Elaine agreed. “What can I do?"
The Lady of Dreams looked at her, joy and relief making her face even more beautiful. “You must go to inspiration peak.” The Lady pointed at the tallest mountain in the distance. “There you will be tested three times and if found worthy, you will be given the key to defeating the King of Nightmares. You must follow the path that winds along the river.” Here, the Lady waved her hand, and a white backpack appeared before her. “This pack will give you anything you need. All you have to do is dream what you desire, and the backpack will bring it to reality.” She smiled “Well, dream reality anyway. It is a 7 day journey from here to the peak of the mountain. Travel well courageous child. All of dreaming depends on you."
Elaine blinked and looked at the bag in her hands. She suddenly found herself dressed for the adventure ahead. She wore a purple shirt with a white jacket and white jeans, and comfortable gray boots. Elaine slung the bag over her shoulder and offered a small bow to the Lady of Dreams. The Lady smiled softly at her before bowing her head and fading away. Elaine looked at the spot where The Lady had been standing, the weight of the task before her sinking in. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders and started off on her adventure.
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