#dreaming

"Too cool for her anyway" Siv says

"What will she be?"

"A toy, one that can't be pulled apart... and in a year, she'll be lost... and the day after... back to herself."

"I refuse!" The balor says.

Siv laughs

Then says "She won't be able to hurt the child?"

"No, she'll never be able to remember just who the child was" Puff says.

"That seems fair..." She rubs the back of her neck. "You weren't a threat, not like the other dragon..."

Puff blows on the sidhe... who shinks, turning into a rather goofy looking doll.. and vanishes.

"other dragon?" He asks

"Don't think I like Dictum much. Be good she can't control people."

"Oh..."

"Not one like you. One we're trying to get ready for."

"Mm hmmm sounds serious," The dragon says.

She nods. "We just want to make sure everybody lives. But... it.. hey, do you find other kids? Make friends with new ones?"

"I did" he says, "And do. And I'm very sorry, Sam. I wish I could have met you sooner," Gentle

Her voice catches funny. "You meet kids like me?"

"Like.. I mean, like I was?"

Siv seems to find this the ideal moment to see what the departed foes dropped

as if she hears none of a private conversation

"not all of them were as brave as you, but yes," He says, "some I could help. Mostly I have to hear a call.. and I don't always. My ears... aren't as good as they were. If you know a name? I can find one"

Her eyes seem very bright and she nods. "That's good. I'm glad, that's good. I... it... there's a girl.. in Paramis, yeah? She'd be eight now..."

A nod to show he is listening " Paramis, Do you remember her name?"

"Malia. I forget her last name..." A worried look, and she draws up a hand to chew on her cuticles.

"Malia...." He blows a puff , a ring really... and there's an image of a sleeping 8 year old, or she should be sleeping. She's staring out the window, counting stars.

"Oh, that Malia. Yes I think I can help her. Oh yes."

Sam smiles and nods. "Please?"

"Thank you for letting me know about her," the dragon says with a wink, "It's not as easy to reach them as it used to be. But now I can make it to her in her dreams..and maybe show her some fun. Siv?" He turns.

Siv nearly jumps holding the great sword, "Ah..startled me. I was getting that ogre's blade. It fell from his hands."

Another wavery smile and she bobs her head. "Thank you."

"Oh I don't deal in weapons, but.. bring it here... please. I think tha'ts more of a wilder thing" He breathes smoke across the blade.

And it changes, one handed but only barely.. and only for a troll... Siv blinks confused, but Dagmar recognizes it! It's a Shamshir blade!

"Now," Puff says "Do you know a wilder who might like one of these?" He looks at Dagmar.

"Oh! Shyre! We were talking about it..."

Puff grins.

"He's from Baltimore."

Siv smiles, "We'll let him know we've got a spare," Then a look to Puff, "So glad you're well. " Then alarm "Oh no. I best get back to the Narwhal. There's a redcap in the water. He could hurt me ship!"

"Right, no redcaps eating the boat!"

She reaches out, daring a pat on Puff's snout. "I'm glad you're okay."

"Thanks to you two, I quite am. I'll go visit Malia tonight." the dragon draws his claws in a cross motion of his heart "Promise"

Siv says "Thank you, Puff! We've got to go..." even as Dagmar feels the firm snout of puff and gets a smile out of him.

Sam echoes the gesture. "Well.. bye." She tangles up briefly in her own feet as she catches up with SIv, like an overeager great dane pup.

"Oh thank goodness," Siv says seeing her ship is still there, "Looks like he took the other ship and deserted his fellows"

Then she glances back at Dagmar, "Malia huh? "

A nod.

"It's been a couple years. She... she's a lot like me. Was."

"I used to look out for her."

"I hope she's ... well, Puff will help her" A nod

The two get on board the Narwhal, and Siv takes to the helm.

She nods. "I think so, too."