Ch 39: Fruits

Those who believe the creation of life is solely the domain of the gods have never worked a farm.

• The Laborer

Solomon found himself unable to sleep that night. His mind was too filled with thoughts of magic and his dreams were of dark forests he could not be certain he ruled or ruled him. He crept from his room quietly and made his way to the library in the dark. Once inside he locked the door and approached the suit of armor. Rather than having it move he simply opened up its faceplate.

“Excuse me,” he said as he did it. Inside it was too dark to make out the symbols within it so he returned to the desk and lit a candle before returning to look at it. He recognized the runes for blood, open and control, as well as several Drakthic words mixed in with orcish, and elvish. There was a glow to the armor that let him see the mana, but it didn’t seem to flow throughout it, rather it seemed concentrated at certain points throughout it. He returned to the desk and grabbed a piece of paper. He took the time to write each symbol and word he didn’t recognize, slowly filling. He yawned as he finished, folding the paper and tucking it into the inner pocket of his robe.

He returned to the suit of armor with a tired smile and gently placed the faceplate back down.

“Thank you for your time.”

He stretched a bit and blew out his candle, letting his eyes readjust to the darkness before he walked back out into the hall. He was walking slowly when he stopped. He wasn’t alone. In the darkness he could see a figure staring out the window. Based on the silhouette it seemed to be a woman. Her hair was down and she had one hand pressed against the glass.

Not wanting to frighten them, Solomon coughed loudly before he got too close. She didn’t respond.

“Hello?” He said, taking a few steps closer. The moon was barely a sliver, but as he closed in on her he realized who it was.

“Felicity? Are you alright?”

She didn’t respond, still staring intently out of the window.

Solomon moved closer until he was only just a few feet away. He looked out the window to see if she was looking at something in particular, but saw nothing. He looked at her eyes and they seemed to be vacant and unfocused. She was still asleep? He’d read of this. It wasn’t uncommon for those who’d experienced traumatic events to walk in their sleep.

He gently placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her. She didn’t respond, so he shook her a bit harder.

Felicity blinked, the focus coming back into her eyes and she jumped away from him, hitting her shoulder against the wall as she did so.

“It’s okay,” said Solomon. “I think you were just sleepwalking.”

Her breathing was fast as she clutched her shoulder. She kept her eyes downward, avoiding his.

“I’m sorry, lord.” Her voice shook as she spoke.

“It’s okay. Return to your chambers and get some sleep.

She bowed and quickly fled back to her room.