Chapter 6

“Tom,” she started, “no one has ever had an ability like that. Many healers have claimed to, but I have never seen it. Besides, I am a spirit. You are solid; even with the power you possess, I doubt you could.”

“May I try? You have had this in you for a long time,” Tom said, a sad smile on his face.

Sighing, Frilly only nodded, not really expecting anything to happen.

Tom walked up to her and held out his hands. Slowly, he walked around her, moving closer and backing away many times. Frilly had never seen anyone do this before, so she didn’t notice the glow forming around her for a few minutes. Suddenly, Frilly’s mouth dropped agape. What the hell...?

She felt a tingling and a warmth she hadn’t felt in over five centuries. It slowly crept up her body. Almost unable to move, she stared at Tom. Climbing higher, it soon reached her head, the warmth spreading, making her feel loved, embracing her as her mother had all those centuries ago. Turning, Frilly could only stare in amazement. With each passing moment, the pain started to fade until it was a dull distant throb. Then this too faded and was gone.

Frilly felt freer than she had ever felt. She felt lighter and happier, and though she could still see the death of her mother, it no longer plunged her into an abyss of sadness.

Unable to speak, she could only continue to stare at Tom. Who or what was he? He did things that no one could do or hadn’t been seen in ages. Finally finding her voice, Frilly had to ask, “How did you ... What did you ... WHY?” she whispered.

“The how and what, was I just thought of the joy you shared with your mother. Then I just amplified that feeling and stuck it in your memories at the front of everything. The why, well ... might take a long time to say. Let’s just say you deserved it after having this pain for so long,” Tom replied.

“But sir, I haven’t done anything to deserve this,” Frilly cried.

“I know better,” Tom replied. “You watched over me and tried to make me comfortable. I saw the blankets and pillows. Though you didn’t have to, you did. Therefore, this is my gift to you.”

Bowing low before him, Frilly whispered, “I owe you a life and that of my family. I will forever be pleased to serve you, sir.”

Tom stared hard at Frilly. That was the second time he had heard that. He got the life owed part, but what the heck did they mean, that of her family, just like the sprite had said days ago. He really needed a book on all the strange customs here in this new world it seemed he was now a part of.

Suddenly tired again, he almost fell, Frilly hurrying to help him get in bed. Laying down, Tom was out as soon as his head hit the pillow. Drifting again, he was met by the small golden-haired woman.

“I was hoping to meet you again,” he said. “Since this is a dream, I assume this is the only way to communicate with you.” Nodding, the woman smiled, and Tom’s heart melted in an instant.

“May I have your name?” nodding, the word Myria appeared between them.

“Can’t you speak?” Nodding no, the words not at this time, not till appeared.

“Not till? What?” Nodding no again, Tom felt a deep pain from her and reached for her. Nodding no again, she backed up slightly. Tom stopped, not wanting to scare her off.

“I have to tell you before we go from here. I know you helped Frilly take care of me, though she doesn’t remember,” the woman nodded yes. “I wanted to thank you and to tell you I ... I think I am in love with you.” The woman’s eyes grew wide, then she smiled. It was the happiest Tom had ever felt, a warmth climbing up his feet. Then, just as suddenly, she was gone, and Tom woke up. “Damn it!” Tom shouted, startling Frilly from her perch at the top of the bed.

“Sir?” she asked, concerned. “Are you alright?”

“No, but I will be. I need to finish healing and practice. No more of what happened the other day,” Tom said, a new determination in his voice.

“Good, sir. Do you want me to advise the council?” she asked.

“No, not yet, not till I’m not so weak,” Tom’s face now mirroring the anger he felt for being so overconfident. “Not ever again if I can help it.”