part 1: nightmare

as I run for my life
I feel it getting close
I dare not look back to it
for it is of complete, total evil
I run from it as fast as I can
but my legs move in jelly
I forever run in dreams

This darkness that taints
my fear is deafening before
before all I see is light in my eyes
the light of dawn meets my eyes, safety
I forever am haunted and scarred
for I suffered this nightmare
every night for years

I hide it always
but I've started to doubt
what is nightmare, and what is real
for I see it's shadow in my waking moments
and I see it's deep crimson eyes
in my nightmares at night
I have eternal fear now

part 2: Coping

I lay with my company
Within these darkened pillows
The scents within the air wafting
The darkness lit only by the flames
The shadows dance on the walls
the light plays at the evil
the evil fades for now

The siren woman
that has chosen to share
herself and her bed with me
lays next to me, sleeping peacefully
I feel jealousy rear it's head at her sleep
I calm myself, for it is not her fault
I smile, stroking a loose strand
of hair from her face


Part 3: healing

I approach my last hope
a shaman of some renown
she is said to be able to heal
any and all ailments of body or soul
I seek her for guidance and safety
for the nightmares have long
become too fierce for me

she listens quietly
as I describe my nightmares
she remains utterly silent for long
before she speaks up, " a price you must pay"
I listen carefully to her for longer
I write all instructions down
and I perform each task

part 4: restful sleep

The next night
I perform each task quietly
I place a candle on my table solmenly
and I light it with a tinderbox of willow bark
I place a dirk beneath my mattress
poisoned with the Selarnia venom
I lay my head down

I walk through my dreams
the world seems very peaceful
I find no hint of the shadow so terrifying
I wander my dreams, hesitant but emboldened
I sense no danger to my safety now
I enjoy the sweetest of dreams
for the rest of the night

part 5: awakening

I awaken in the morning
almost regreting the sun rising
I feel the strangeness of not wanting
the waking world to come knocking, realizing
that two days earlier, I wanted it sooner
I climb from my bed quickly
I give joyous shout

I greet the day happily
I seek out the joy of the world
the fear is gone now, no longer a problem
I no longer feel terrified, I always seek happiness
I just want to dance like a big jester
I just want to sing like a small bird
I am happy for the first time ever

Penned by my hand on the 21st of Scarlatan, in the year 603 AF.