Walking Nightmare

Writers: Halyonix
Date Posted: 29th April 2026

Characters: Hesbia
Description: Hesbia has a nightmare about A'len
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 13, day 5 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: A'len (not by name), Hellond (not by name)

Hesbia

Hesbia thought that Impressing a dragon would mean that her past was done. That there would never be another chance for it to catch up with her. Sure, people still judged her because she was Holdless but that was on them. She’d punch the next person that said she didn’t deserve Oriveth. Being judged for that wasn’t the thing she was worried about.

The thing she was worried about found its way to creep into the one place where she couldn’t defend herself: her dreams.

The nightmare started off wonderfully. The heat of the Sands, the cheer of the crowd, the absolute adoration radiating off Oriveth as his eyes locked with hers. That moment that had changed her life irrevocably.

But as she led Oriveth off the Sands, a figure blocked the entrance of the Hatching Grounds. Gaunt. Disheveled. Clothing torn yet his bronzerider knots were still impeccable. And with his head at an unnaturally awkward angle.

Yet still the same flashing eyes. The same hated voice. “You…” he said. Just hearing that one word filled her with dread. He took one step towards her. His hand reached forward with fingers bloodied and broken. “You don’t deserve…to live. You don’t deserve…him…”

Hesbia couldn’t feel Oriveth anymore, even though she was sure the hatchling was behind her. She couldn’t feel the heated Sands either. It was like all of the light and warmth of the giant room had been bled out. All she could focus on was him. Why was everything suddenly so cold? Was that the blood rushing in her ears or was that rushing waters below?

Another step. “All…your…fault…”

The clawed hand was close enough to touch her face. Reached to caress her cheek. The shadows darkened around her. Coldness seeped into her bones. Where was Oriveth? Where was anyone?!

“No,” Hesbia whispered, stricken. Desperate. Denying. She had to move. She had to do something! Anything! If he touched her, he would hold her down again. He would pour that awful fellis down her throat again. She would drown. She wouldn’t survive, she wouldn’t live, he would kill her somehow, he would take Oriveth away, he-he-- “NO!”

}: Hesbia! :{ Oriveth shouted into the darkness, his confused bugle echoing in the quiet of the Barracks. His eyes whirled a terrified yellow, illuminating the shadows. He was halfway on the bunk, his claws holding on to her arm, his wings spread as though he was ready to fly them both far, far away. }: Hesbia, what’s wrong? :{ he pleaded.

A dream? It had been a dream?

Kicking free of her blankets as realization hit, Hesbia threw her arms around Oriveth’s neck. }: I’m here! I’m here! I won’t leave you! :{ the dragon repeated over and over. }: Why are you scared? I don’t understand! :{ For too many racing heartbeats, Hesbia didn’t answer him, because she didn’t think she would be able to find the words to explain it all.

How could she tell her dragon that her uncle had murdered a dragonrider?

“A d-dream, Ori,” she tried to assure him as she released her hold. Shakily, she wiped at her eyes. “A b-bad dream. That’s…that’s all. I was…” Just a dream. Not reality. No one knew the truth still.

Except for that bloodied, broken hand, reaching for her.

“I…I had a d-dream that I lost y-you,” she lied. “It was awful.” That much was heartfelt and true. She leaned into that. “I thought…I…I was so scared that it was true.”

Oriveth seemed to consider this as he curled himself as best he could around his rider. }: But I’m here. I’m not lost and you will not lose me. You are mine and I am yours, Hes. That’s how it will always be. :{ She had to believe him. The hated bronzerider was dead, he was never coming back, and Oriveth was here and would always be here.

She had to believe that.

“I’m okay, I’m okay, Ori,” she assured him after a few minutes. “Dreams…dreams are just that. Dreams. Sorry to scare you, okay? Let’s go back to sleep.” Hopefully she hadn’t woken up anyone enough to tell the Weyrlingmasters. She’d have to lie her way out of that one too.

Oriveth went to curl up again, readjusting his wings so that they lay flat, while Hesbia punched her pillow to get it back into an acceptable shape. }: I love you, :{ Oriveth said as the lids began closing on his eyes. }: Nothing will ever separate me from you. :{

She held on to that promise. The hated bronzerider was dead. He could only reach her in her dreams and what were dreams but just fake manifestations? Nothing that ever came true. No one else but her uncle knew the truth and he was gone. Good riddance. Hesbia rested her chin on her pillow, forcing her eyes closed, willing herself back to sleep. She leaned into Oriveth’s rich tone, letting it wash over her fears.

She was a dragonrider now. Oriveth was hers. And no stupid dream was going to mess that up.

Last updated on the May 1st 2026

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Walking Nightmare