Chapter 19: Sight Unseen

**Araatris:** Faye is only the second person to wake deep into the day when Rhoelyn surges up from sleep with a strangled gasp, Light washing across her skin.

**Rhoelyn:** The sentinel rolls to her feet and hurries to the priestess’ side. She rests a hand on her shoulder. “Rhoelyn!” Leothir begins to stir next to her.

**Araatris:** The healer’s back arches when power, unchecked and raw, flares through her in a visible surge, her wide eyes glowing golden. “See it all…”

**Rhoelyn:** “See what, Rhoelyn?” She glances at the groggy blood elf and nudges him with a foot. “Leothir, wake up!” The others begin to wake around them.

**Araatris:** Rhoe shows no sign of hearing her, whispering words that tumble over each other. “The broken ruin in the sand and its twin in the trees, linked.”

**Rhoelyn:** The mage sits up and supports his love. Faye frowns, “Broken ruin? What are you seeing, Rhoelyn?” An uneasy feeling settles over her.

**Araatris:** “The shadows in daylight, hope twisted and torn.” The little healer shudders, tense. “Cruel wishes. Crueler barbs. This path is bloodied with hate!”

**Rhoelyn:** “A… a cruel woman.” Faye shakes her head. “Why does this all seem so familiar?” Relare frowns and untangles himself from his blanket to join them.

**Araatris:** “Faye?” he asks. Leo exchanges a worried look with his brother as Rhoelyn lifts her hands to grip his arm, muttering faster. “The heart in his ear…”

**Rhoelyn:** The paladin’s features crease as he stares at Rhoelyn thoughtfully. Fayrial scowls suddenly. “You… you were burning with power then as well.”

**Araatris:** Rambling on, the woman she addresses doesn’t hear her, but Rel does. “You remember seeing her like this, before?” The sentinel nods, brow furrowed.

**Rhoelyn:** “She was… she was lying in a bed. I’d brought her fo–broth. Yes, broth, but… I didn’t. There was a bronze dragon.” Faye’s gaze unfocuses.

**Araatris:** “Twisting up the path,” Rhoe whispers beside her as Tsume crowds into her lap. “Step sideways.” “You… remember the other timeline?” Rel asks Faye.

**Rhoelyn:** The sentinel looks at him, confused. “Other timeline? That would make sense. Wait… you. You healed her. I overheard about a spell half cast…”

**Araatris:** Rhese steps up with Nysse moving gingerly while the blood elf nods and glances between them and Leothir. Faye grimaces. “It feels like a dream.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Brother, is it the same? Can you heal this the same way?” Leothir asks as he rubs Rhoelyn’s back. “The power isn’t worth this much pain.”

**Araatris:** As if to underscore his point, the healer sobs, curling forward. “The smallest thorn is deadly! Someone always falls.” Rel winces. “I tried before.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse interjects softly. “It won’t work. She wants these visions.” She sinks to the ground and strokes Rhoelyn’s hair. “Sister, please let go.”

**Araatris:** Her sister trembles, muttering, “An-another p-path…” Nysse lifts her chin gently, putting her face in front of Rhoe’s. “Rhoe, please! Let go.”

**Rhoelyn:** The priestess shakes her head. “More… the path… the p-path is…” The huntress leans her forehead against Rhoelyn’s, tears pricking her eyes.

**Araatris:** Rhese adds his hand over Nysse’s and Leothir holds the priestess tighter as the young mother whispers, “No more, Rhoe. Come back to us. To now.”

**Rhoelyn:** As the golden glow around her sister increases, Rhoelyn cries out and reaches down to bury her fingers into Tsume’s soft fur. “Ahhhhh!”

**Araatris:** The others shy back, shielding their eyes as the rampant power flares and then bursts free, flowing outward in a wave of healing and vitality.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blinks blearily, her body tingling with magic. “Sister?” She pulls herself back to her knees, only to end up face first in snowy fur.

**Araatris:** The huntress shifts back to blink with the others at Tsume. The canine’s fur crackles with fading golden sparks as Rhoe rests against her side.

**Rhoelyn:** The wolf’s tongue hangs out in a wolfish grin as her tail wags enthusiastically. Scars have been replaced by a delicate pale coat. “Tsume?”

**Araatris:** Leothir scoops a reeling Rhoelyn into his arms, settling her against his chest and brushing her hair back. Tsume wuffs and lunges at Nysse, licking.

**Rhoelyn:** The young woman falls back under the assault. “Tsu-tsume! Ahh! Sit! Stay!” She flails, gently shoving at the wolf’s muzzle as Tsume grooms her.

**Araatris:** Rhese sets a stern hand on the pup’s shoulder, growling, “Tsume. What’s gotten into you?” She settles at least a bit as Relare kneels by Leo.

**Rhoelyn:** The paladin raises a glowing hand to Rhoelyn’s shoulder. “Rhoelyn? How do you feel?” Behind him Nysse finally brings her wolf under control.

**Araatris:** His brother supports the night elf as she lolls heavily against him, her eyes dark once more and half-lidded. “She’s burning up, Rel,” he hisses.

**Rhoelyn:** “I can tell. I’ll do what I can. It’d be easier if she’d cooperate.” Relare moves his hand to her forehead. “Rhoelyn, you need to let it all go.”

**Araatris:** She squirms listlessly, trying to pull away from him as tears threaten. “No. N-no, I couldn’t see. Someone always falls!” Leo shushes her.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare frowns. “Do you mean someone falls to the Eyes? Light, Rhoelyn! You’re going to fall if you keep this up.” His magic keeps trying to work.

**Araatris:** Her twin steps up to them, grasping her wrist. “Sis, you need to listen, now. I know you’re scared, but we’re all here. We won’t let it happen.”

**Rhoelyn:** The priestess sobs, shaking her head. “I was s-so close!” Rhese growls, “Rhoelyn! Stop being stubborn! You have a son back home to return to!”

**Araatris:** Rhoe freezes as if struck, her wide eyes fixing on her brother. His arms around her, Leothir looks almost as stunned, his cheeks pinkening.

**Rhoelyn:** Leo stammers softly, “A-alensyr?” Nysse confirms with a nod. “Alen is waiting for you to return home as much as the twins and Yami are for us.”

**Araatris:** The priestess sniffles and her love holds her close as her brother releases her. “If you burn yourself up doing this, he’ll lose his mother again.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Brother…” The priestess hides her face in her hands with a quiet sob. Rhese’s mate glances at him worriedly, mouthing, “Did we say too much?”

**Araatris:** The druid winces, but though their sister cries, turning eventually to bury her sobs against Leothir’s shoulder, Relare breathes a sigh of relief.

**Rhoelyn:** The paladin stands and comes to them, Faye following. “She’s finally releasing some of it. A good day’s rest might see her past the fever.”

**Araatris:** Rhese grumbles and beckons the group a little farther away, his gaze lingering on his sister. “It’ll always come back as long as these fits ail her.”

**Rhoelyn:** Running a hand through his auburn hair, Relare sighs. “I can’t tell what’s causing them. I can’t imagine that she’s doing this to herself though.”

**Araatris:** Nysse shakes her head, stretching her arms up with a yawn. Fayrial looks from them to Rhoelyn, uncharacteristically hesitant. “Could it be…”

**Rhoelyn:** “… a sign from your goddess?” Relare guesses. “I suppose it’s possible. It seems like she’s willing to take an active role in this war.”

**Araatris:** Rhese frowns. “Even if it is Elune’s gift, it’s too much for her.” Faye nods. “It was the same then, too, but that was not Elune. It was C… Ca…?”

**Rhoelyn:** “Coridormu,” Relare supplies. The sentinel gives him an exasperated look which he returns with a smile. “Yes, Coridormu, the bronze dragon.”

**Araatris:** Nysse looks between them. “Cori? If… if he had something to do with fits like this in the other time, would he know how to help her, now?”

**Rhoelyn:** Faye tugs at the leather straps on her armor, adjusting it. “I really don’t know of any way to summon a dragon, do you? I wish I had an idea.”

**Araatris:** Relare and Rhese share a look and a little nod. “First thing first,” the druid says. “We need to stay focused on the people coming to kill us.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Then we should do something to secure our camp, more than just a guard.” Nysse pulls part of her hair back and starts to do a loose braid.

**Araatris:** Her mate rests a gentle hand on her shoulder. “We can work on that while you rest, lovely. It’s the middle of the day, and you were injured.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress tilts her head up slightly to look at Rhese. “I feel fine, beloved, better than since we began this mission. I’m really not tired.”

**Araatris:** Faye scratches her head. “Nor am I, if I must admit.” Nysse grins. “Then let’s g-” “This is not the place, my sister.” Rhoelyn’s thick voice cuts in.

**Rhoelyn:** The priestess’ sister turns to her and tilts her head. “It’s… not? So, are you telling me that I should just go back to sleep until evening?”

**Araatris:** Rhoe wipes at her teary cheeks. “We can go to the ruin now. You will have your chance t-” Leo cuts her off, scowling. “To rest? Excellent idea.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Leothir, there will be time to rest after we’ve dealt with-” Rhoelyn attempts. The mage shakes his head. “We can travel, but you will rest.”

**Araatris:** Rhese looks around at the others despite his sister’s petulant expression. He addresses Rhoe. “You can ride and then sleep once we’re there.”

**Rhoelyn:** His sister nods reluctantly. Nysse claps her hands. “Alright, let’s knock this camp down and get moving.” Tsume squirms over to Rhoelyn.

**Araatris:** The silver priestess sighs softly and cuddles her fur for a moment before she mutters, “I suppose you will want to tell me what to do, too.”

**Rhoelyn:** The wolf wags her tail and noses Rhoelyn’s cheek, licking. Nysse sighs, “Tsume, sit. She’s trying to thank you, sister. For the healing.”

**Araatris:** Rhoe looks from the wolf to her and back before scritching Tsume’s ear. “I am not the one to thank, darling girl, but I am pleased you feel well.”

**Rhoelyn:** Wuffing, her companion leans into the touch. “Maybe, but it did come from you. Even the signs of injuries from her original training are gone…”

**Araatris:** “Elune’s miracle,” the priestess says with a worn smile, leaning forward to plant a kiss on the wolf’s muzzle. Tsume gives her one last lick.

**Rhoelyn:** “Yes. I’ll be glad to have her by my side for many more years.” Nysse gives Tsume a tender smile. “May I leave her with you while I help?”

**Araatris:** Rhoe nods and shifts around as Leo plants a kiss on her cheek and gets to his feet. He doesn’t step away until Tsume has snuggled in to his place.

**Rhoelyn:** They work around the priestess and wolf, packing bags and covering the firepit. Rhoelyn dozes against the wolf when Leo crouches down next to her.

**Araatris:** “Princess,” he says softly, rubbing her shoulder. “It’s time to go.” Rhese watches with a thoughtful look as the mage nudges her into motion.

**Rhoelyn:** The priestess is unsteady on her feet and her love glances at Rhese. “She should probably ride. Should we try Korran or do you want to carry her?”

**Araatris:** The druid immediately opens his mouth for his typical decisive answer, but he pauses and flicks a glance at Nysse. “I’ll defer to her guardian.”

**Rhoelyn:** Rhoelyn smiles gratefully. The huntress gestures to Rhese. “Would you please carry her? Korran is better, but I need to save my energy.”

**Araatris:** Rhese blinks at her, wrinkling his nose. “Better?” He scowls. “I will carry her, of course, even though I am the inferior beast.”

**Araatris:** The night elf huffs and crosses his arms and looks over at an amused Leothir. “So much for being the best beast she’s ever tamed.” His lips quirk up.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse shakes her head, laughing, “No, I meant that I’d rather have you free to fight if we run across any enemies on the way, dalah’surfal.”

**Araatris:** Rhoe can’t help but tease, grinning, “Alas. Korran is softer.” Rhese gasps at her. “How dare you! I could just toss you over my shoulder, sis.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I suppose you’ll have to prove her wrong.” His mate rests a hand in his arm and steals a quick kiss. Leothir chuckles and escorts Rhoe to them.

**Araatris:** The druid smirks. “Just for you, Rhoe, I’ll be at my softest.” She giggles and pats him. “You are too good to me, brother. I enjoy being spoiled.”

**Rhoelyn:** He kisses her forehead. “Good.” He steps back and shifts into a stag, crouching to allow Leo to more easily help Rhoelyn onto his back.

**Araatris:** The others gather up, Verune sauntering into the center of the group. “Spread out, but stay within earshot. Rhoelyn will be guiding us.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Pair up as well.” Nysse pats Rhese’s furry shoulder as he stands. The others nod, splitting into smaller groups. Rhoelyn’s soft voice leads them.

**Araatris:** Even chatty Kaerryn is quiet and wary as they travel, anxiety thick around them. Near evening, their guide drowses against her brother’s long neck.

**Rhoelyn:** Leo asks in a hushed voice, “Princess, are we close?” He rests his hand on her arm. Rhoelyn raises up and looks around with a little nod.

**Araatris:** She covers a yawn before she points. “You will see it once we clear that little ravine.” Rhoe rests her head on her arms. “You will know…”

**Rhoelyn:** The mage sighs, “I hope so.” They cross over as the priestess predicts. Ahead, Nyssera whistles and hurries back with Tsume from her scouting.

**Araatris:** “There are structures ahead,” she reports, slightly out of breath. “They’re half consumed by the forest, but they should give us good cover.”

**Rhoelyn:** Rhoelyn smiles placidly from atop Rhese’s back. “Then we shall rest there.” The huntress nods, gesturing for Landrie and Kaerryn to follow her.

**Araatris:** “I’ll gather the others,” the mage volunteers, patting his love’s hand before he walks off. In the ensuing silence, she speaks softly to her brother.

**Rhoelyn:** “Rhese, you must stay with Nysse. I could not see around her, but… if you are there, then perhaps…” The priestess frowns, grimacing.

**Araatris:** The transformed snag snorts and cranes his neck around to nose at her leg. “I know, brother. I will ask my mate to protect me, as you must yours.”

**Rhoelyn:** The stag makes something that sounds suspiciously like choking. His muscles tense as if he wants to shift, but instead he stumbles forward.

**Araatris:** Rhoe giggles and clings through his theatrics, laying her cheek against his neck. “Focus, you ridiculous beast. Yes, we are mated, Leothir and I.”

**Rhoelyn:** The stag huffs and noses her leg again before striding forward after the others. The smile lingers on the priestess’ face as they enter.

**Araatris:** Through the cover of a thick undergrowth, they find themselves suddenly standing amidst ancient, crumbled stone and ivy-strewn pieces of wall.

**Rhoelyn:** His sister slides down off his back. “It is… more beautiful in person.” The druid shifts back to a night elf, supporting her. Nysse joins them.

**Araatris:** “It really is, sister,” the huntress says, taking Rhoe’s other elbow in her hand. “There’s a stone brazier for the campfire, and a place to rest.”

**Rhoelyn:** They guide Rhoelyn over to where Landrie is lighting the fire. Nysse smiles fondly, “Tsume has offered to keep you company and warm your back.”

**Araatris:** “Of course she has,” the priestess says with a grin, watching the wolf carefully pick a spot to settle. She giggles. “Oh, are you quite certain, dear girl?”

**Rhoelyn:** Tsume wuffs and wags her tail. “I don’t think that you need me to translate. I think she just wants cuddles.” Rhese helps her settle Rhoe down.

**Araatris:** It’s a sign of the healer’s exhaustion that she doesn’t even protest all the fawning. She just snuggles in and lets Nysse tuck a blanket over her.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse murmurs to Rhese once they’re done, “I really hope she gets a chance to rest before it all starts.” A wisp darts down through the canopy.

**Araatris:** He watches the spirit bob around Rhoe’s shoulders with a little frown. “Yeah. We get energized by this… whatever-it-is, but she only gets exhausted.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress grimaces. “Now that there’s one, more will follow. Let’s let her rest as much as we can.” She tugs him over to help her with food.

**Araatris:** While the others bustle around her, the little priestess holds communion with the wisp… and then the five others that wander to her gilded form.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare crouches by his bondsister. “Rhoelyn, perhaps I can help you. You need to rest.” Leo hovers in the background, the obvious instigator.

**Araatris:** The silver-haired elf looks up at him, the glow of magic on her skin fading. “I… admit that I am quite tired. But you must prepare for the day.”

**Rhoelyn:** “So do you and you can do that by resting. I’ve finished what I need for now. Rest and we’ll see if they will be content with me.” He smiles.

**Araatris:** She hesitates but nods and looks up at the others, more flitting down from the trees by the moment. “At least there is no need for the song, here.”

**Rhoelyn:** “How does the song work?” The paladin asks. Behind him, his brother makes a sour expression. “You got your permission, Rel. Let our lady rest.”

**Araatris:** His brother looks at him with a pleased grin, bowing slightly. “Of course, milord. I wouldn’t dream of defying the protective husband.” He winks.

**Rhoelyn:** The mage’s cheeks flush as his gaze settles on Rhoelyn. “E-exactly.” He nudges the paladin to take his place. Rel chuckles and moves aside to work.

**Araatris:** His mate’s dark eyes watch Relare for a time while Leothir settles with a scritch of greeting for Tsume. He brushes Rhoe’s hair back from her cheek.

**Rhoelyn:** “Rest, princess. My brother has it under control. Don’t make me sing a lullaby.” He draws her against him, tucking her head against his shoulder.

**Araatris:** “Elune forbid,” she teases with a grin before she lifts her face for a kiss. The healer settles and is soon fast asleep in her doubled cuddle.

**Rhoelyn:** A couple of hours later, Nysse circles the area surveying their work. “It’s like being on that island surrounded by naga all over again, Rhese.”

**Araatris:** The druid makes a sour face at her, striding by her side. “I sure hope not. Even after all the preparations we did, those naga waltzed all over us.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I know. That’s what worries me. I hope that we’ve done enough.” She frowns and glances toward Rhoelyn and Leothir worriedly. “If not…”

**Araatris:** Rhese wraps his hand around hers, threading their fingers and following her gaze. “We’re as ready as we can be. They won’t take either of you.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress turns and steps close, looking up into his eyes with dark starlit orbs. “No, they won’t. We have to return to… with our family.”

**Araatris:** Her mate nods and leans down for a kiss. “Without fail, my lovely.” He nuzzles her cheek before he straightens. “How is the bow, now? Will it serve?”

**Rhoelyn:** “Stronger than ever. Hopefully, I won’t land on it again.” Nysse slides her arms around the druid. “Thank you, beloved. I hated being without it.”

**Araatris:** “And I don’t want you without it, especially now. I’m glad it seems like it mended well,” Rhese says, resting his hands on her shoulders.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress bites her lip and ducks her head. She speaks softly to make it harder to overhear, “Rhese, I’m sorry that I’ve been so diffi-”

**Araatris:** The druid cuts her off by clamping a hand over her mouth with a smirk. He leans by her ear, “We’ll save our apologies for after. When we’re alone.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blushes darkly, but nods. When he lowers his hand, she raises up and steals a longer kiss. A voice comments behind them, “Get a room.”

**Araatris:** Rhese raises a brow at Landrie as she and Kaerryn stride by. “I see our resident charity case has been hanging around the tin can too much.”

**Rhoelyn:** Galandrie snorts. “No, I can only handle so much… that.” She gestures to them and to Leo and Rhoelyn. “This much open affection is… unsettling.”

**Araatris:** The warrior by her laughs, plopping her hands on her hips. “Oh, please. They’re on their best behavior, this trip.”

**Rhoelyn:** The sin’dorei turns to her, startled, with wide green eyes. Her cheeks are slightly pinker than normal. “This… This is their best behavior?”

**Araatris:** With Nysse only blushing darker beside him, the druid chuckles and wraps his arm around her waist. Karryn says, “You shoulda seen them as wolves.”

**Rhoelyn:** The blood elven warrior looks at Nysse and Rhese and back to Kaerryn. “This sounds both like a story I wish to hear and one that is… embarrassing.”

**Araatris:** The huntress groans and buries her face against Rhese’s chest. Her voice is muffled. “Embarrassing. Definitely! I’ll… go check the defenses.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I’ll go with you. I have no need to hear the story at your expense.” Landrie smiles reassuringly. “Come. Let’s think of other things.”

**Araatris:** Rhese smirks and pats Nysse’s back before encouraging her to step away. “We can save it for over drinks after we’ve taken care of today’s problems.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse makes a sour face. “You and Kaerryn can keep your drinks. I’ll be happy enough to see our children.” She steps away with Landrie.

**Araatris:** Kaerryn calls after her, “Rot, Nysse! We have got to work on your priorities.” She snickers when the elf turns back to give her an incredulous look.

**Rhoelyn:** “You tried once and failed, Kaer. I’m not falling for it again.” She gives Landrie a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry we’ve made you so uncomfortable.”

**Araatris:** The former soldier’s answer is a shrug as they wander out of the crumbled ruin. “I’m just not used to it, I guess.” Her fel-tainted gaze roams.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress nods and asks softly, “Do you have any family? I know you’re not returning home, but surely you have someone that you’ll miss…”

**Araatris:** Galandrie answers with a casual mein that’s too smooth to believe. “My father and brother. They… it’s probably best that I won’t see them again.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Why do you say that? Did something happen with them?” Nysse kneels to check on one of the alert wires they’d prepared, tugging it gently.

**Araatris:** The telltale ting in the bush has her nodding in satisfaction. “They won’t understand my desertion,” her companion says, wandering over to another.

**Rhoelyn:** Nyssera nods as she straightens and heads over to the next checkpoint. “Possibly. It may be worth sending them a message anyway. They are family.”

**Araatris:** The look she gets from the blood elf is complicated. Galandrie mutters, “I don’t expect you to understand. Things are different for you.”

**Rhoelyn:** “That’s fair. Talk to Relare. He should be able to. I just don’t want you to regret not reaching out.” The kaldorei rests her hand on Landrie’s arm.

**Araatris:** Galandrie stiffens. When she pulls away, it’s something shy of rude. More… wary. “Look, Nysse. I really don’t get it. Why did you ever help me?”

**Rhoelyn:** The young mother sighs and looks away. “You seemed sincere, Landrie. They always tease me about ‘taking in strays’, but… it just felt right.”

**Araatris:** Her companion frowns, her reddish brows drawing down. “I’m not one of your strays, okay? Or a charity case like your husband says.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse flinches, “That came out terribly. You’re not a charity case. I just feel an affinity for you. I like having you around, like Leo and Rel…”

**Araatris:** The soldier gives her a flat stare, but her cheeks darken with a blush as she turns away. “Don’t mistake not murdering you for being friends.”

**Rhoelyn:** “O-oh. I’m sor-” “And stop apologizing for everything. Focus on staying alive and save the inane chit-chat for later.” Landrie rubs her face.

**Araatris:** While Nysse winces and turns her attention back to the defenses, the blood elf brushes her hands through her copper curls and grits her teeth.

**Rhoelyn:** “Don’t look like that. I said later not never. Just don’t make assumptions. You don’t know me yet. That’s all,” the sin’dorei grumbles.

**Araatris:** The huntress pauses and nods, glancing back to watch the other woman check one of their traps and biting her lip. “Later, then. Y-you’re not alone.”

**Rhoelyn:** The sin’dorei’s cheeks are still pink when she nods. “Duly noted, but you really do trust people much too easily. What if I was one of the Eyes?”

**Araatris:** Nysse sighs. “I don’t know. Maybe I’d have to kill you to protect my family, like Nataro.” Her shoulders round. “I wouldn’t like to, but I would.”

**Rhoelyn:** “You didn’t want to kill this Nataro, did you?” Landrie asks softly. The huntress nods. “I kept hoping that we could come to an understanding.”

**Araatris:** The blood elf lets silence fall for a bit as they move along the perimeter, checking preparations. “… Kaerryn told me you worked with him, once.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress nods again. “For a short while when Leo and Rhoe were both sick. Honestly, he seemed like the most reasonable of the three at first.”

**Rhoelyn:** “But as things went more and more off their plan, I think he held it against us until finally… it turned to hatred.” She sighs. “It consumed him.”

**Araatris:** Galandrie pauses after checking the last tripwire and folds her arms. “I’ve seen it happen, before. My commander was a good person, at first, too.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse smiles ruefully. “We all have had challenges in this war. I hope that some day we can find peace again.” She leads them back into camp.

**Araatris:** Just before they go their separate ways, the soldier glances over at her and quietly mutters, “I guess that doesn’t sound so bad to me…”