Ruger froze for a moment, then gave a wry smile much like Lord Kurt's.
This was the first time since arriving in this little corner of the Endless Sea that he had seen his two trees entwined so harmoniously: the Twin Dream Trees.
He had thought about this before. First, he could only enter the fixed dream anchored by these two trees when he dreamed, and falling asleep did not always mean dreaming. Second, there was the influence of the Nightmare World's power. Back in Burning Blood City, that power had apparently seeped through from time to time, causing him to enter his fixed dream frequently.
Ruger stroked the strange patterns on the trunks. During the days he had not seen them, both trees had grown well, becoming stronger and sturdier.
His fixed dream seemed more stable, too.
There were advantages and disadvantages. Although it deprived him of the freedom to dream, he would probably be better able to withstand certain special nightmare spells if he encountered nightmare Wizards in the future.
Ruger tried to look on the bright side, but he still wanted to leave the dream and enjoy a good, restful sleep.
His hand on the trunk suddenly felt the Dream Tree tremble slightly.
Ruger smiled. Was this fellow instinctively trying to keep him there?
For some inexplicable reason, he sat beneath the trees for quite a while longer before leaving the dream and falling asleep again, just as he had once done in his little attic.
Sure enough, he woke up refreshed the next day, an energetic Kobold once more.
His powerful body and mental strength were not only sturdy and enduring, but naturally recovered quickly as well.
Stretching, Ruger glanced out the window, then waved a hand and entered the Abyss Bedroom Space. He walked toward