As Erik sat up your picnic in his Dreamery, he couldn’t help but smile. “Wild you sing for me?”

“If you wish.” You responded with hesitance.

“Oh… I do.” He said longingly. “very much.”

After a moment of silence, he tilts his head. “I’m sorry… what’s wrong?”

“If I sing for you… will you grant me a favor?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because. You must sing for love and joy. Not for gain.” He fiddles with the picnic china. “I will grant you a favor not matter what you do. Tell me what it is you wish.”

You take a deep breath. “Let me see your face.”

He freezes, staring up at you from behind his mask. The silence is almost deafening.

“You have asked, I’m afraid, the only thing in my power I cannot grant.” He seems almost hurt. “Please don’t ask it again.”