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Elle was already shaking her head gently, a slight movement, as she didn't wish to lose the touch of his fingertips against her face. Halexei? She would have remembered that name, but...

Instead, a face rose in her memories...pushing through the darkness just as it had in that place. The perfect skin, dancing eyes, holding answers she never wanted to hear. Always wanted to hear. What was it Asra had said, then?

I thought he only wanted her...

That same sad tone, was this the Halexei Asrafel spoke of? If it was he that had changed Asra, and it was he that wanted Shauna...

A great cold grew within her, freezing her stomach into a knot of worry. Lifting her hand to cover Asra's, Elle pressed it to her cheek...trembling ever so slightly as the possibilities washed over her. "Asra?" He only wanted her... "Is Shauna...safe? Is she well?"

She didn't know who needed her more...tiny Redtail, or the Skydancer that rested so peacefully upon her lap. Sliding her hand from where it cupped Asra's against her face, Elle let her fingers settle just below his chin...tipping it up gently so she could look down into his eyes. "What has he done...to both of you?!"

Elle was at a loss for words. Halexei had saved them? For a few long moments, she was silent...letting it all sink in. She brushed the hair from Asra's forehead once more...leaning forward to be closer to him.

They sat for a while in the old tree house, snuggled and warm as the wind stirred the rustling ferns below. What could she say? It was Asra's life, if he was happy...

But was he?

"If there is anything I can do...you know I will. Maybe you could take some time off? I would be a wish maker for you, if I could." Her words were quiet, murmured into his pale hair as she hovered over him.

There was something about accepting your lot that Elle understood, it resonated deeply with her. To see Asra have to do the same, however, struck her as more than unfair. She smoothed the yellow ribbon gently before letting her hands come to rest upon his stomach once again.

"Just say yes, and we'll go speak with him..."

Elle's eyes lowered at his refusal, but it wasn't sadness. There was something she wished to express, but simply couldn't find a way. Freedom wasn't a big part of who she was...she was defined by the support she gave! Someone like Asra was meant to be free...Elle simply wouldn't know what to do with herself.

She lifted her eyes once again as Asrafel moved in close...looking deep into his flawless blue gaze. That small smile, such a light touch. Elle was in tune enough with herself to know what she desired, but she also understood a bit more about the lad before her. Just as it was in her nature to be strong, it was in his to be passionate...who was she to take advantage of his nature?

The very tip of her tongue peeked out to wet her lips, but she didn't push for the kiss she desired. Instead, she dimpled with a smile, and sighed softly...leaning a bit to press her face against his hand. "It's only a burden if you let it be. You said you would have done it gladly, had you been asked. Well, I'm asking you now, Asra. Will you do this? For us, for all of us? It might not be easy, but..."

Lips parted in something like a smile, she held his gaze...her warmth filling the space between them. "...We would be honored to have you as our Guide." One of her hands had found its way to the back of Asra's neck, where her slender fingers combed and tangled in his soft hair with a gentle touch.

Perhaps such a simple thing would help lift some of this weight from him, but Elle knew it wouldn't heal all. There was little either of them could do aside from accept it, but she hadn't given up yet. Though it never showed in her eyes, Elle had made her choice. Asra was bound, but she was not.

She would go to Halexei herself, and ask what needed to be asked.

Elle's hairs stood on end at that look, a warm feeling like the afterglow of a stretch washing over her. She chuckled softly at his words, murmuring as he leaned forward.

"If that is where I walk, then I ask it. I, in turn, will always be beside you. We-"

Her sentiment fell quiet, smothered in a single sweet breath. Her own eyes fluttered closed, a tiny sound in her throat urging him to stay close. Slipping her other arm around him as well, Elle pushed gently against him...fingers tightening gently in his hair.

The same warning rang within her. This was his nature, despite his sweet words...was this unfair, to either of them? It didn't feel unfair, and her lips graced the shell of his ear as she tilted her head. Her sigh was a warm curl, the smell of lavender and home baked bread rising around her.

She would always be there for him, and it was more than her nature. It was her choice. Perhaps this was his. Elle had forgotten what she was about to say, instead, new words rose to take their place.

"Thank you, Asrafel." His name was barely whispered, as she pressed forward again.

"Oh, I think you're wrong...there is a need." Voice still quiet, allowed her lips to part as Asra brushed them gently...catching his thumb for a moment featherlight between her teeth. The ribbons stroked along her flesh with such a smooth sensation, she watched him as her eyes tried to sink closed.

"There is always a place for gratitude..." Her hand moved from the back of his neck, traveling across the rich skin of his shoulders and sliding down his chest. Only her first finger touched him, leaving a trail of sensation that ended just above his stomach.

Her smile had returned, eyes opening once more. Her amber gaze seemed to glow, bright as she leaned slowly forward. "Especially when it's shared." She settled her cheek right against Asra's, and pulled him in tighter...pressing her stomach to his. A simple hug, but not the type for a simple friend.

"There's something else I wanted to share, if you remember. I think we might miss it entirely if we get any more comfortable here." Raising the same finger to his face, Elle pushed the end of his nose gently. She was aching with the need to feel his lips against hers, but refused to rush...after all, anything worth pursuing was worth taking the time to pursue.

Still flat on her back, cheeks bright with a healthy glow, Elle caught her breath and smiled up at Asra. Lifting her hand for the yellow ribbon, she stroked the end of it gently the next time it flitted close.

"I don't know, actually...you've talked me into staying, now!" Her hair was mussed as she pushed herself up...settling comfortably on her knees though Asra was still standing. Smiling up at the view, Elle dallied a moment longer.

"Though I suppose we could pick up where we left off once we reach our destination." Finally, she raised a hand...accepting whatever help Asra offered to get to her feet. She left the oyster mushrooms right where they were...they'd take a while to dry completely.

It was easier going back than up, and Elle scooted down the rope ladder...glad for the air that cleared her head. Taking a deep breath, she only took a few step away from the treehouse before waiting for Asra to follow. Turning her back to him, she peered over one shoulder...motioning him closer as she offered her elbow.

"Walk with me? It's a little far, but we have time!" The sun was an hour or so from setting, perhaps a little more...enough to get them where she had in mind, at any rate! Her hair swished slowly to the side as she beckoned, moved by the same invisible wind that tugged at his ribbons.

Walking slowly along the edge of the gravel road, Elle was silent for a few long moments...simply enjoying the feel of having Asra close by her side. She wasn't a particularly possessive person, but she certainly enjoyed his company. Today had been especially enjoyable.

At the thought of the day, her memories ticked back...to the one blot on an otherwise wonderful afternoon. The darkness still seemed to carry with her, dancing at the edges of her vision. It wasn't actually there, she knew...just her imagination, but it turned her thoughts nonetheless.

"Asrafel?" Reaching absently to the side, she slipped her arm around him as well...still content with the feel of his hand on her back, and the ribbon snug around her waist. "This isn't what I wanted to share, but perhaps it's not a bad time. Something I haven't told anyone...because I'm not sure what to say!"

Only Aki had any hint, and even she didn't know what was troubling Elle. Aki had woken her in the middle of one of the nightmares, worried as Elle thrashed and sighed.

"Some of the things I can recall, they aren't from here. They aren't from this place. And some of them..." Faces flashed in the dark, in the single moment she blinked. "They're hard things to see."

Elle trailed off, one hand lowering to the canary ribbon twined about her middle for comfort. She wasn't looking for answers..simply sharing was enough.

"Not too happy." Elle murmured quietly, repeating Asra's astute words. Quietly, they continued down the gravel road...Elle kept silent as she tried to accept the information Asra had given her.

Finally, with a soft sigh, she let the worry go and smiled across at him. "Thank you, for telling me what you have. Sometimes, it's so easy to feel alone." That feeling had vanished as Asrafel pressed his lips to her hand.

Entwining her fingers with his, Elle was content to simply walk hand in hand for a while...smile growing into something more genuine as she left her dark memories behind. They would return, as they did each and every night...but that was not now.

Glancing up to see how far the sun was from setting, Elle blinked at the pink horizon. "Where did the time go?! Oh, we have to hurry!"

Still holding Asra's hand, Elle darted forward...confident he could keep up. The stones crunched under her leaping steps as she ran barefoot in the gravel, hair whipping behind her. Turning for a quick sidelong glance to her companion, cheeks pink and eyes bright, Elle's laugh was tugged back to him by the wind.

"We're close! Just over these cliffs!" The road turned sharply, heading back towards the city. A hundred yards before them stood a crumbling rock slope, the edge of the cliffs that dropped into the sea on the other side. "Stay close, and we'll go together!"