Dramix walked over to the pitched tent that he shares with Naleeit, and while he didn’t mind sleeping outdoors, it was nice not to get wet from the rain and be protected from the cold. Even with another person.
He sighed after sitting on his thatch bed and closed his eyes to think.
A moment later, he took a meditative pose and opened his mouth slightly as streaks of fire escaped the edges of his lips. He entered deep meditation, then he entered the void of the amulet around his neck. A familiar figure was there that he was happy to see.
“Spirit! You seem well, I’m pleased.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter didn’t break his stare at Dramix.
“Are you not well?” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter let out a deep breath and smiled at him as he sat down.
“You’re in good health, which means I am to Dramix.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix smiled as well before sitting in front of him in his drakan form.
“I came here to discuss with you what may be done.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter had a sorry expression on his face before speaking.
“I don’t know.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix looked at him surprised.
“What do you mean you don’t know!? You counsel me on every decision I make!” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter lowered his head.
“I have my limits Dramix. I know about your cage in the prison and the fight…. of your struggles. I’m the one that completely understands you, but you know so little about me.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix became puzzled where this was leading.
“You know that I’m a soul with a body on another plain that I must care for, yet you did it anyways! What am I to you Dramix? A tool? A tool like a hammer or a sword?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Peter paused for a moment.
“A needle and thread?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix hesitated.
“No, of course not! I don’t understand.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter eyed him coldly.
“A spirit is what to a drakan shaman? Tell me the truth Dramix, because I already know.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix paused and closed his eyes while looking away.
“A tool.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter sighed before speaking.
“Tell me why you bound me here. You owe me that much.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix kept his eyes closed, looking away in shame.
“As I started becoming closer to Naleeit, I saw you growing more distant. I was afraid that you would leave to care for yourself and not return.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter closed his eyes as well and took a deep breath.
“What is the one thing that I said is important above all Dramix? What is the one thing that I repeatedly say after you ask for my counsel?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix turned toward him while looking sorry.
“It’s my life. I must make my own decisions.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter nodded.
“Your decision wounded me Dramix. By your actions, I was forced to endure a far worse torture than you experienced over the past year. You had Naleeit. You kept her hope alive, which in turn kept yours alive. You bound me to a prison of nothingness. You bound me to sit in darkness, helpless to help my friends.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Tears started coming from Peter’s eyes as he continued talking.
“I helped you, and watched you turn from a selfish b****** that easily got drunk and wound up in a slaver cage, to one of true pride. Someone that wouldn’t hesitate to cast his own life for those he respects and stranger alike. One that answers any challenge and challenger with a head held high, and stout to his cause. Are you the one to do what you did to me because I’m your friend, or just a tool to you?” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix’s heart felt pained at his words.
“I don’t know.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter moved to have his back to him.
“You’ve done this on your own. No amount of healing magic will cure the pain in you now. I speak to you now as your friend, and not as the spirit you’ve trapped. Remember this pain of betrayal you have brought upon yourself, and may you feel it for the rest of your life so you don’t make the same mistake again.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Peter crossed his arms, then Dramix moved over to touch him.
“Until I’m your friend once more Dramix, I will not aid you.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix withdrew his reach and sighed.
“Yes, I trapped you. It was wrong to do so, I’m sorry. If you wish, I will free you.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter looked behind him, still saddened.
“No, you weren’t wrong Dramix, and you shouldn’t be sorry. From the beginning, I’ve been here for my own musings. I’m forbidden to tell you everything, but if I wasn’t trapped here, I may not have been as committed as I am now.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix became a little surprised.
“What do you mean?” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter smirked as he turned back toward him.
“You wounded me, but I had time to think after learning about what you did. If I kept leaving you, how would you know for sure that I’ll aid you when you need me? How would I know something if I’m not here? There is no guide to life Dramix. You’ve taught me this. Until you free me, I won’t be appeased of this wrong. By no means should I let Naleeit, Gulliver, and so many others suffer for your mistake though.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix gave a smile of joy he hadn’t seen from him before.
Normally, it’s a small smirk or snicker, but Dramix stood up and took Peter’s arm to help him up.
“I am pleased that you give me your forgiveness.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter shook his head as he laid his hand on Dramix’s shoulder.
“Don’t mistake this as forgiveness, but acceptance. Every moment you live, you will remember what you did to me. The moment you forget, is the moment you enable yourself to betray another even closer to you than me. During such a time, you have truly lost yourself.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix took in a deep breath before speaking.
“On my honor as a drakan.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
He then relaxed himself before continuing.
“As your friend, I won’t make the same mistake.” (Dramix’s Spirit Talking)
Peter smirked and put his arm over Dramix, then he started walking.
“Good, I trust you to free me in due time. For now, let’s discuss more urgent matters. It’s been months since you’ve unwound some stress. Your body has just been through a great trial. As I told Naleeit on the steps, she needs to rest, and you two should spend a few days together. You need to talk about your coming future seriously and enjoy eachothers company. Your time is shorter than it could have been before. You better make the best of it.” (Peter’s Spirit Talking)
Dramix nodded while agreeing.
