Darkness...
Flash of searing pain..
Blackness...
Flash of searing pain..
Blackness...
Flash of searing pain..
Darkness...
A Bright Green flash of light...
Jason opened his eyes and looked around the familiar, Japanese/Philippine dwelling, his home within his head. For some reason, Jason knew at this time, that he was dreaming and fully, consciously aware of where he was. He was inside his subconscious mind, lucid dreaming.
Jason heard the ringing of a large bell from within his dwelling's master room. Jason sat up, tossed the coverings aside and rose to find he was instantly dressed in black camouflage utilities. Oddly enough, Jason then found himself wearing a duty belt with his swords under it, at his side. Jason looked around and didn't see any sign of the dog anywhere and briefly wondered about that. Jason shrugged then, strode confidently to the door, slid it aside and looked into the courtyard.
In the space between the two tables in his courtyard, there stood a post with an arm extending at a 90 degree angle from it, with a bell hanging suspended from it's end. Next to that, stood a very old, matronly woman, dressed in what appeared to be fine silk, the colors and pattern of a lush green forest camouflage, woven into the fabric, seeming to shift with the slight breeze, with her hands in her sleeves, with long, braided, white hair and three doves flying circles around her, above.
Jason strode to the edge of the walkway porch of his home and stood there, hands on his hips and addressed the ancient looking, old woman. "Do you seek audience, or are you just trying to be annoying?"
The old woman smiled and floated forward, soundlessly. "Ever the impetuous adolescent, aren't you, child. And at your age, no less." came the old woman's voice, from everywhere, not loud but gently powerful.
Jason blushed, feeling rebuffed and scolded at the same time.
"I am The Lady Midguard. Listen carefully, child. What you have learned here, is but a part of what there is possible for you. There is much to learn and not much time, learn quickly. Question, examine and explore. Remain teachable."
Jason stood with his mouth agape as the old woman floated upward, suddenly becoming a flock of doves, flying in every direction.
Blackness...
Searing pain...
Jason was floating in space, suddenly Jason felt electricity all over, like he was holding 220 volts and not letting it go. Bright flashes of light danced before him, all over him, through him.
Jason heard that kindly, matronly voice again. "The Heralding Shield has defended you. You are safe within your scabbard, my sword."