"Even in my dreams, it's hard to fly.
"I can barely keep my feet off the ground. My freedom seems limited. What was all that fighting for if I can't even sing my heart out-- fly? I feel as though my fears are catching up with me. In fact, they are; I am haunted by what may come." he confessed.
"In my dream," he continued after refilling his silver cup with fresh wine, "A swift runner runs swiftly across the horizon. He climbs the highest peak of the Snowy Mountains just south of Sought After Village without breaking but a single drop of sweat; he doesn't even pant for air."
"Once towering above the earth, he takes a breath, shuts his eyes closed and thinks of times long gone and hopes that are far away. Then, he jumps into the dark chasm whence he came, head first. The cool night blows his dead-black hair and causes his dark cloak to flutter frantically.
"For a moment his worries are left behind, but the bottom draws nearer--death approaches and fear seeps itself back in as one uninvited. He tries to fly; but instead, he continues falling.
"A wet tear escapes his lids and travels across his face and touches his right ear before disappearing into the cold night. And just before impact, the well-built man shuts his eyes, breathes in and tucks his knees in, curling himself up like a ball and spins with prowess and lands modestly on both feet on the dry ground beneath.
"A few autumn leaves are blown away by the soft, graceful impact and not a single injury is inflicted. Disappointment is what he feels. Then, he looks up at me with a sad yet blank expression across his face. He looks at me with gray-colored eyes and I stare back.
"What does it mean, my darling?" he asked. "He that stands alone at the foot of the mount is I; I am he who cannot fly."
Silence filled the room, and the man couldn't help but sob. He looked at his hands then rested his head on her lap. Then he added: "It is when I see his face that I awake; sweat across my face and a cry in my soul."
Oliviana, his one and only, looked at him with her ever-reassuring and loving look. That's why I married her, he recalls, she always looks passed my flaws; She's the perfect listener and partner.
And as the brave warrior waited for her reply, he looked down and wondered what she would say and she looked out the window into the sparkling stars and chose her words carefully.
