From the edge of dreams

Talathel awoke, not with a jolt that he somewhat expected when he jumped through the Dream gate, but very slowly. The light that came down upon him was warming. He allowed his eyes to adjust to the new world. For a few moments he did not move, unsure of if he was back.

"Did it work?" he asked, not knowing who else was in the room.

"Did what work?" the soft, gentle voice of Lailsan replied. She was calm, collected. Talathel was unsure of how long the group had spent in the Dream world. They were there for awhile, but he didn't know if time had moved at the same pace as it did there as it did here. Regardless of his questions, Talathel smiled at her voice.

"It did...it worked." Talathel slowly sat up. Lailsan looked as radiant as ever. "How have you been? Have I been out long?"

"Long enough," she replied. "We were worried about you all, but now that you're back things can return to normal. Whatever that is anymore." She gave Talathel a reassuring smile, the gesture for herself as much as it was for him.

Talathel reached out his hand and the two touched. He closed his eyes, knowing he was back in his world.

"I suppose you want rum?" she asked.

"You know me to well..." Lailsan handed him a flask.

"One of our passengers did not follow Beranhond's rules regarding alcohol. I managed to talk him out of throwing it overboard. Thought you could use it when you got back."

Talathel held the flask in his hand. "I do need a drink...but perhaps something to eat. What have you got prepared?"

Lailsan smiled. 'The galley is open...lets see what I can do."

The two elves made their way to the kitchen, Talathel giving quick hellos to his crewmates who were surprised to see him up and about.