Zikkar couldn't sleep, not with the snoring fireball nearby. Sunset had followed her namesake and dropped like a sack of coal after all their exertions earlier. Zikkar, of course, felt fine. A little burnt, maybe, but that wasn't something he was unfamiliar with.

Shining had left for...wherever it was the guards here went to sleep. Another had come in his place. One Emerald Buckler. Supposedly he had shields as strong as Shining, just nowhere near as flexible in their application.

Zikkar shuddered, that strange feeling from earlier still possessing his senses. Something was very, very wrong, and he just couldn't place it. To entertain himself and take his mind off of it, he started muttering, not bothering with his limited supply of materials this time as he didn't have to call upon much for this.

Small lights began to dance before him, each on creating an almost bell-like sound, though said sounds weren't very loud at all. Just enough to be audible to the kobold. His nest-mother had performed this trick for his nest-mates and himself, and it had been one of the first spells he'd learned. It was always calming, the chimes and lights reminding him of many things.

With a huff, he hopped off of the couch, dispelling his charmed lights as he did so. He was so far unrestricted with where he could go or do, but Zikkar was no fool. They would be watching him, certainly, and waiting for him to do something that would allow them to put him away. It's how it had always been, why would these...ponies be any different? At least the fireball was fun. The shieldworker didn't seem like any guard he had met, however. Too friendly.

The kobold opened the door with barely any sound, slipping out and walking onto the landing, looking up into the night sky.

"Svaklar...svaklar ui okarthel?" [Home...where is home?]

Only one moon. Zikkar shuddered, realizing some of his spells would probably not work without the moons that he called upon for those spells. But so far none of his casting had failed, even the ones he thought had come from the call of one of the gods. Sure, they didn't discriminate with who used their spells...well, most of them. But that still didn't explain why he could cast some of them now. Perhaps they were latching onto some other gods here? He could only wonder.

Hopping up onto the side of the observatory, Zikkar scrambled up the rounded roof until he was on top, at which point he took a seat and stared up at the stars and lonely moon, taking some note of the shape of the shadow that crossed its face. It felt regal, to him. Casting the chiming lights again, he danced the laughing orbs in the air, trying to make the constellations of home as he did.

Help thee...

Zikkar sat up quickly, looking around. He could have sword he heard a voice just now.

Release us...

Another voice. Too quiet...he heard them. But too quiet. Where?

I'm here...please...

We can't...not alone...escape

"Who speaks to Zikkar? Where be?"

Above...

Within...

They were becoming distinct now. Both were definitely female, and Zikkar had to admit, both had strangely alluring voices, almost the same. But one felt innocent, and the other, not so much.

She won't leave Thee alone...

We must be free...together...

As Zikkar looked around, trying to find the source, he felt it. That sensation of being watched. And the magic behind that stare. It was phenomenal. Almost on par with the Princess. The only problem was, it came from...

We beseech thee, little one. Free us!

Zikkar was staring at the moon...and that twinkle in the eye. That barest of motion in the shadows.

The moon was staring back.

Author's Note

Rather short, I know, but the next chapter should hopefully make up for it.

Comments and critiques welcome!