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The realm of the spirits could be a strange and unnerving place at best for those not familiar with the way things worked there. Even if one was, there were always surprises waiting around every corner. One could not let their guard down here. Vanya had learned that on her very first trip. Fortunately, she learned quickly, and she had some help. That help was currently perched on her shoulder, crimson eyes scanning the area warily as he always did.

"So you've been lying to me?"

The falcon huffed, shifting his grip on her shoulder. "Name one lie that I told you."

"Fine," Vanya said shortly, irritation showing through. "You were hiding the truth from me."

"I was trying to protect you, foolish girl."

"And what if there's something important that I need to know?" she shot back. Concern was one thing, but she felt as if she were being coddled, treated like a child. He always seemed to talk down to her. At first, she'd acknowledged that she knew little about the spirit world and that she needed all the help that she could get. But now, he was keeping her from her own memories? Well, past life's memories? Why? Did he think that she couldn't handle what she saw? She'd seen so many things by this point, what was one more death, even if it was her own? Well...the Seer of the past.

This still felt confusing at times.

"How much have you kept from me? I thought it seemed pretty clear what happened. If that wasn't a lie, only an omission, then what I saw of the battle seemed pretty final in how it all ended. Even if you kept me from the exact moment of death, what more could there have been?"

The spirit falcon shifted uncomfortably, though at her tone or because of the answer he had to give, it wasn't clear. "What I did was not only to protect you, but others..."

"Tell me."

A weary sigh was the response she received. "Fine." He turned his eyes on her sternly. "...it didn't end there on the battlefield. There was more."

"Let me see it."

"You know what you're asking for, don't you?"

"I do."

"And you're asking anyway? You know what will happen."

"I've taken precautions," she shot back. Granted, she probably could have taken more precautions...like discussing her decision to do this with her mate. And Earthmother. It would have been smarter to have warned them ahead of time. However, she couldn't risk them trying to stop her...and they would, likely with more success than Veryan had had, at least. She needed to do this. She'd just have to ask their forgiveness later.

Silence reigned between the pair for several minutes before the falcon sighed again in resignation. "Foolish girl. Fine, have your memory, uncensored this time. I hope that the information you gain from this is worth the cost." He sounded doubtful.

Vanya only nodded, adding quietly, "Thank you...for everything." Just in case things went badly, she didn't want to part on harsh terms. She really did appreciate her spirit guide's concern...but she couldn't just leave this issue alone. If he knew her as well as she suspected he did, Vanya felt it safe to assume that was why he'd finally caved to her demands. Hopefully, she wouldn't regret this as much as he was implying. Surely he was just overly concerned.

Surely.

The present seemed to slowly dim and fade away. In the distance, growing steadily louder, the sounds of battle reached her ears...

The acrid scent of smoke from burning campfires may have been what woke him. Or maybe it was the lingering pain from his shoulder. Or his leg. Or his ribs.

The most surprising thing was that he hadn't expected to wake again at all. Wasn't he supposed to be dead? He hurt too much to be dead. He was pretty sure being dead wasn't supposed to hurt...or really 'feel' like anything. A groan of protest escaped from his lips as he attempted to move. Not only did most of his body ache at the motion, but he hadn't really succeeded in moving either. Wait...was he upright? His mind was slowly trying to rejoin him in consciousness. He was seated, somewhat uncomfortably, on his knees, a rigid pole at his back holding him upright even when unconscious, as his hands were bound behind it.

No...!

He fought the initial urge to panic and likely hurt himself worse in struggling, focusing instead on getting his Sight to tell him more about where he was. His other senses were still working...he could smell campfire smoke...hear low voices at some distance away, as well as the metallic clank of armor...not Faun armor. The coppery scent and taste of blood hung in the air...of course, that could be his own for all he knew. Someone had gone to the trouble of removing the weapon from his back and tending the worst of his injuries, it seemed...but then left him bound here. Why? For what purpose?

He didn't like any of the options he was coming up with.

His mouth was parched. It was more of an anxious reaction than a conscious one when his tongue flicked over his dried lips. His lower lip was cracked and the taste of blood blossomed once more in his mouth, stronger than before. That was not helping the growing sense of anxiety about his whereabouts. He was weak, in pain, but he tried once more to get his Sight to focus. Not sure that helped either, when what came into view was the cloudy aura he'd last seen on the battlefield, sweeping down from the sky and raining death upon his people.

Only...it was all around him now.

If not for his enhanced hearing, he probably wouldn't have heard a sharp, commanding voice; muffled by distance or objects between, he wasn't sure.

"I want any stragglers found and rounded up, do you understand me?"

"Aye, sir. Also...he's awake."

There was little time to let this thought settle in, moments later, the sound of rustling...like canvas or leather...a tent flap?...preceeded the entrance of another Pae. His Sight told him only What he'd already assumed. Blood Pae. The Faun remained hunched over as much as he could without straining his arms, pretending to be less alert than he was. Not much of a stretch. A hand took his chin, lifting his head, turning it this way and that as if looking him over, none too gently. Groaning softly for effect, he allowed his eyelids to flutter, knowing his pale eyes would naturally appear unfocused. Released, his head fell forward again. More sounds of movement, then another hand on his chin, lifting him up and pressing something to his lips. A cup. He thought to refuse it...but the instant the cool water washed over his cracked lips, he tossed aside any thoughts that it might be poisoned or a trick...who cared? He greedily drank, having to pause once when he started to cough, then strained forward for the rest until the cup was emptied and taken away.

"I suppose you are awake after all." A pause. "Better?"

It was hard to read much from the voice in the brief exchange. Playing it safe, the Seer merely nodded his head weakly.

"Good." The voice seemed to carry a smile with it, but not a reassuring one. "Can't have a guest being treated badly, of course. Just won't do. Your wounds have been tended, you've had water...perhaps some food after a while. But first, your host had hoped you might be able to answer a few simple questions."

Here it comes.

"I suppose you know what we want. Let's start with something simple. Like...where is the Book?"

What remained of feigned civility was gone with that one sentence. The voice of the other had shifted from faux courtesy to something much, much darker. Without hesitation, the Faun turned his face upwards in a mask of confusion. "Book? What are you talking about? I don't have any book--" The blow came without warning, landing solidly and splitting his cheek open while snapping his head to the side. He saw stars for a moment and was unable to think, let alone respond, while his head spun.

"Such insolence. Is this how you primitives repay kindness and hospitality? You dare feign ignorance with me?"

"Please...I'm just a poor blind man! What would I do with any books?" Startled by the sudden presence in front of his face, he tried to pull back, but the Blood Pae had grabbed ahold of one of his antlers, tugging sharply downward and twisting, forcing the Seer's head to follow awkwardly with a wince.

"I know well what you are, blind one," came the hissed reply. "Play your game while you can. I will get the answers I seek. It's just a matter of time."

The Seer grunted as his antler was released with a rough flick of the other's wrist. For the first time since the other had entered, he dropped the pretense of confusion and haze from his expression, glaring furiously in reply. "Go ahead, kill me for all I care. I'm not telling you anything. I should be dead anyway."

He was answered with...laughter. "Perhaps...but, since I saved you, it seems like that decision is all mine now, isn't it? You may beg for death, but only receive it if I decide to grant you such a blessing." With another rustle of canvas, the Seer was left in silence. Only when he was sure he was alone, he allowed his head to drop forward tiredly. As the blood dripped from his cheek, he began sending prayers to the Earth for the strength to endure.

Takis didn't notice the soft ball of light as it neared him. It had become a familiar presence, so his mind had gradually tuned it out, as it spoke to his mate, not him. It's only when it started jingling frantically near his ear that he focused on it and was able to hear words.

"--and I told her not to do it! I told her it was a terrible idea, I did! But you know how stubborn she can be and--"

"Woah, slow down," said Takis, putting one hand up. His heart began to beat faster. "What's wrong, now?"

"It's Vanya! She looked into places she shouldn't have and now she's, er, unwell. You need to go to her now! I've got to get to Earthmother right away! Go! Go go!"

He wouldn't have to tell Takis twice. Immediately Takis sprung to his feet from the bench where he was sitting. It's a long, winding trip up the Tree from his workshop to the nook he shared with Vanya, but Takis didn't intend to take the walkway.

As Veryan flitted off, Takis ran straight toward a vertical wall and...began to climb its smooth surface. Slow, methodical Takis scrambled up the side of the room to the walkway, then climbed over the railing and pushed a few faun out of his way before continuing up the side of the Great Tree again. It would seem a very odd sight to anyone below--the patient Treeshaper frantically running up the very walls of the Tree itself.

Running vertically, jumping off knots in the walls, and using any available hand- or hoof-hold to speed his progress, Takis ascended toward their chamber. His heart was in his throat and he blinked back tears as he climbed, unable to think of anything except reaching her. He'd always known this sort of danger was part of her new job description. Ever since she first took her vows as Seer, he'd known that the Spirits could be traumatizing to their servant. He'd cradled her in his arms then, just as he'd cradled her in his arms when a vision overtook her while she slept. He'd stroked her hair and helped her return to this world. He'd always thought of himself as a firm boulder she could anchor herself to, in visions and out. He'd never thought the Spirits would cause one seeking their wisdom to perish, as Vanya had told him the Naiad Queen and Captain almost had.

It's this thought that propelled him forward even as his thighs burned with exertion and the rest of his body shook with fear. The Spirits would not take her from him this day.

After what seemed like an eternity, Takis arrived at their nook. He practically broke the door down as he crashed into the room. His heart, which had been firmly lodged in his throat, plummeted into his stomach as he looked upon the face of his beloved, devoid of color, ashen, and her bosom unmoving, not even in tiny breaths. His heart broke into a million tiny pieces.

"No, no NO!" he exclaimed, practically leaping to her side and cradling her in his arms. The tears that had sat at the edge of his vision flowed freely now, hot against his cheeks as he squeezed her close to him and rocked back and forth. "I'm here, Vanya," he sobbed, burying his face into her hair. "Come back to me, beloved, I'm here!" His voice cracked and his throat burned, the muscles clenched tight he could barely breathe. "I'm here, come back," he whispered over and over, grief clouding his mind like a fog.

Warmth and light, all around, beckoning, promising safety...security and healing...refuge from hardship and pain...so tempting...

But there was hesitation. Voices kept breaking through, creating confusion...

"...Vanya. Come back...I'm here..."

...what? What was...?

Another voice soon followed, female this time, but clearer.

"Thalas Tenderhoof."

If spirits could be indignant, a wave some sort of similar irritation seemed to interrupt the draw towards the light and warmth. As if from a distance, two more voices...familiar and yet not...drifted forwards...

"Would you stop calling me that?"

"No."

"Just because I had that stone stuck when I cracked my hoof..."

"You whined like a baby."

"...did not."

The light was so tempting, but something kept tugging back. But...back there was pain. Fear. And ahead, the light was so welcoming, promising peace and protection.

Not yet, young one. There is still work for you to do...

What? Rejection? By the light? No...why?

Hesitating once more, the temptation of the light warred with the pull back towards the gathered figures, the voices, calling out, drawing back to pain and hardship...but also love, companionship...the good along with the bad...

Emalyn focused all of her energy; all that her soul could muster to find her former soulmate among the scattered emotions and fog of the spirit world. She never was any good at this, and she wasn't born with the ability, either. It was something Laisidhiel bestowed upon her when she awoke to revive the faun after the period of peaceful rest following the Great War.

The familiar indignation with laced with love caught her attention. She knew that light. That energy. She'd know it anywhere. "Tenderhoof," she projected her thoughts so they'd be heard across the expanse of the faun's spiritual resting place. That term of affection was only shared between the two as young fauns. It'd stuck. Thalas acted like didn't like it. Emalyn loved teasing him, and she was sure he did too. It was one of those little details she missed most about her mate. The little things like playful affection, little memories that mean everything, or the shared joy with their family. It was those little things that she always kept in the back of her mind, reminding herself that all of the sacrifices of those brave Faun were not in vain. There was the chance for peace in this life; a chance to have the life they were meant to have. Provided Em was successful in fulfilling her own destiny.

Vanya was pivotal in that plan, and she couldn't let this young faun go before fulfilling the measure of her creation. "Thalas, you need to come back. There's a young soul out there that needs you. Our people need you. You have a destiny to fulfill and this is your chance to complete it!"

She waited for a response. Spirits couldn't talk, well if they did, she couldn't hear them. She was not attuned with the spirit world enough. But she could feel the vibrations and energies and feel the emotions and pains of the spirits. She waited to see if she reached Thalas with her emotional plea. She hoped he hadn't already decided to move on.

"Laisidhiel, help me."

While Earthmother was in a trance trying to reach out to Vanya's spirit, tears started to dampen the fine fur around her eyes. She felt like losing him all over again, but this time was different. She was trying to save him, she could save him, but had to have the will to return. She knew him. Knew he would face destruction if it meant saving the Faun. She clung to that hope so tight, she started squeezing Taki's hands below hers.

She could feel the warm love radiating from Vanya's mate. The emotion was so overwhelming it was hard to discern it from anything else. "Thalas... Vanya."

A jolt hit Em in the chest and a sudden clarity entered her mind. "Vanya."

The vibrations shifted all around her. She could feel Thalas' presence. Imagined his wry humor and indignant responses to her teases. She remembered a time when he couldn't get enough of that teasing, when they were young. The thought elicited a smile and small sigh. The energy engulfed her, filling her with a sense of relief, love and pure joy. She embraced it, until it shifted and faded away from her. She knew.

The presence in the spirit world was gone. Vanya's unique energy was no longer detectable.

Em opened her eyes and blinked a few times to adjust to the light. She could feel Takis' trembling hands beneath hers. "Takis." She lifted his hands from Vanya's chest to prevent injury, but taking care to keep them in hers. "I think she heard you."

The final emotion that Em felt before letting go, she'd hold in her heart for the rest of her days. She knew Thalas loved her. She knew he loved their sons, even the one he never got a chance to formally meet. That final feeling; the final farewell, was something she never thought she'd experience. It was a renewed sense of hope and absolution. It was sense of final closure.That spirit belongs to Vanya. Thalas is merely a distant memory that lives forever in her heart, and Vanya is here now, an echo of the hero Thalas, but her own Faun and her own hero. She will be remembered in the history books, and one day tales will be told to the children of the brave Lady Vanya.

Just when everything seemed lost, Takis felt a glimmer of life pass through his beloved. He couldn't say what it was that told him she had come back, perhaps it was a muscle twitching, or the slightest of breaths, or perhaps he could just feel the rose beneath her chest bloom once again. Either way, Takis bit his bottom lip and held his breath, chancing a glance at Earthmother to see if she could feel it also.

When Vanya had...exploded back to life, practically catapulting herself from his arms, it startled Takis so much that he yelped and let go of her, pulling his arms back to himself as if she might bite him. When the realization hit that she is alive and speaking and breathing again, he couldn't stop grinning. She'd come back to him! For real! Nothing would separate them again. He never wanted to let Vanya out of his sight again.

She clung to him and wept, repeating how sorry she was. The apology practically didn't even register for Takis. The only feeling he could feel was relief, in this moment. He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her thighs with his. He felt himself weeping again, this time with tears of joy and the most profound sense of relief he'd ever felt. He felt as if it were he who had died and come to life again instead of Vanya. He kissed her head again and again, holding her tight, and murmuring "I love you Vanya," over and over, his voice choked with emotion.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy when Vanya turned her attention to Earthmother. What was she talking about? Perhaps it had something to do with her vision, but couldn't that wait? For now she needed to rest, recuperate, rejuvenate. She needed to heal. They needed to heal. He was somewhat curious about the words she'd screamed when she'd come back to life, but there is a large part of him that didn't want to know. All that mattered is that this was over. She was his again, and he was whole again.

Instinct had told her that she would find safety and comfort in her mate's embrace...but that wasn't exactly what happened. She was supposed to feel better. She didn't. Of course, Takis had tried to comfort her, and his words at least had helped continue to ground her in this life. She sensed he was gaining much more comfort from their contact though than she. At first, she'd assumed it'd been the lingering trauma from the vision she'd just escaped, but when it didn't fade, she was having a harder and harder time reminding herself that this wasn't something she needed to escape from. Only minutes ago, at least in her mind, physical contact had equaled pain, prolonged time with someone in her personal space, agony.

She endured the embrace as long as she was able, before the churning nausea and anxiety in her stomach forced her to extract herself as gingerly as possible from her mate's grasp. She knew he meant well, and she didn't want to hurt his feelings, but she wasn't sure she could endure such smothering and fear-inducing contact for much longer without a more obvious, inadvertent rejection. Vanya did her best to keep the action neutral and not make much of a scene. She pulled away just enough to get some space between them, while remaining close. She took his hand in hers to try to lessen the blow; it was as much as she could handle right now.

Distress plain on her features, Vanya nearly jumped at the additional contact, but reached up to lay her other hand over the Earthmother's before she could misunderstand and pull away. She was distracted by her anxiety, else she may have thought more carefully about her words. "I...I'm sorry. I...already knew about you two," she admitted, wondering what the Earthmother would think that she hadn't said something before now. Then again, maybe she'd understand the awkwardness of the situation and how Vanya hadn't yet figured out how to broach the subject. Of course, that mattered little now, she thought, continuing. "But, had I known what had happened, I...perhaps I wouldn't have gone looking for the truth," she muttered, head hanging.

It had never occurred to her that anything she would have seen would have been new knowledge. It always seemed as if she were the child, constantly reaching for new discoveries, only to find Earthmother already there, smiling, waiting to teach her more. As if she were only waiting for the younger to discover the path before leading her along it.

In the silence that followed though, something aside from the fear and pain seeped through from her vision...

Thalas' relief that Emalyn hadn't known what he had endured, nor the manner of his end.

Oh Spirits...

The horror of the realization flickered over her face. No...could she...not know? Even now? She....she couldn't take that away...it felt like betraying Thalas' last wish! Vanya felt as if the haze was slowly clearing, the distraction of her own discomfort giving way to this new turmoil. She couldn't be the one...if Earthmother didn't know, she didn't want to be the one to tell her. How could she? If only she'd been thinking clearly, she may have reasoned better than to say anything...

She thought she'd cried enough already to have her tears run dry. Raw emotions, her own and those not her own lingered, however, and it wasn't for herself this time as the telltale burning pricked her eyes. "Spirits, I...I'm sorry, Emalyn..." her voice faltered and she hadn't even realized that she'd addressed the Earthmother by name, simply feeling lost for what to say. For the first time since beginning her journey as the Seer, she felt reluctant to share what she'd seen with the Earthmother, even if it was in some way important to the larger picture. Anyone else, perhaps, but knowing what she knew now, how could she? She cared too much for the elder faunness to hurt her in such a way.

Could knowledge of such atrocities really do anything except cause pain?