Chapter 9: Still Burning

**Rhoelyn:** Leothir anxiously paces back and forth. “Rel, what if it happens again? I’m not sure I’m ready for that.” He gestures wildly behind him.

**Araatris:** The paladin pauses him by clamping a hand on his shoulder. “Take a breath, Leo. I don’t think she’d invite us to dinner just to tell us to sod off.”

**Rhoelyn:** The mage rubs his face. “You’re right. I’m only nervous about seeing my… Rhoelyn again.” He summons a smile. “Shall we go enjoy a hot meal?”

**Araatris:** Relare grins back at him and steers him around to face the cave. “Anything beats more rations.” The pair of them tread up to the opening and peek in.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse sits with one knee pulled to her chest. The other has been stolen by a pale, furry head. Her head raises from the food to look at them.

**Araatris:** The brothers both pull off their masks as they step in. Leothir looks around with a frown, but he’s polite enough to first say, “Good night, Nysse.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Good evening, Leo. Rel. Sorry, but Rhoelyn’s taking a walk with Korran, but she said I could invite you.” Nysse looks down sheepishly.

**Araatris:** The mage steps forward and crouches at her side. He rests a couple of fingers lightly on her arm, hesitant. “It’s still an improvement. Thank you.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress nods. “I’m glad I could-” The loud rumbling of her stomach interrupts her and she blushes a deep purple. “Sorry. Please eat.”

**Araatris:** Relare chuckles and makes his way to the pot. “Allow me to serve you both. Nysse, you look like you’re about ten seconds from starvation.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I haven’t eaten all day and then things got away from me and…” She sighs. “Thank you. I was waiting for either you all or Rhoe before eating.”

**Araatris:** The paladin dishes up a full bowl of stew for Nysse and hands it over. When he looks at Leo, his brother shakes his head. “I’d like to go get her.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse nods her thanks to Relare before offering to Leo, “I told her that she may run across you. She… didn’t seem opposed to the idea.”

**Araatris:** With a little, uncertain smile, the blood elf says, “Well. That…” Leo sighs softly and shakes his head. “I’ll go get her. Eat without us, for now.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Good luck, Leo.” Nysse smiles encouragingly. They watch as Leothir slips back out of the cave. She quietly and ravenously digs into her food.

**Araatris:** A good way down the beach, Rhoelyn walks with Korran at her bare heels, her head swimming with worries as well as the ill-defined wants around her.

**Rhoelyn:** The mage triggers his sorcery to skip forward and try to catch up. He switches to merely walking once he’s in hearing range. “R-rhoelyn.”

**Araatris:** The priestess’ silver hair is the most visible part of her in the misty night as she pauses, lifting her hands to clutch them over her heart.

**Rhoelyn:** He takes another couple of steps closer under Korran’s watchful eyes. “Rhoelyn, may we speak for a moment? Please?” Leo begs softly.

**Araatris:** She trembles. “P-please no. I-I must s-seek answers. I can l-look for the right thing to do, but not if-” She cuts off when he touches her arm.

**Rhoelyn:** Leo’s voice is soft, even as his hand trembles. “Then ask what you need, Rhoelyn. Let us work this out together. Please don’t shut me out.”

**Araatris:** She freezes, closing her eyes against the longing that fills her at his presence. He rests his other hand on her other arm and steps up behind her.

**Rhoelyn:** “Rhoelyn…?” The mage slides his hands up her arms and wraps them around her shoulders, holding her against his chest. “I won’t leave you.”

**Araatris:** He breathes a sigh of relief when she leans into him instead of pulling away. “My dawn, I am afraid for you. For us all. There are so many bad paths.”

**Rhoelyn:** The blood elf rests his cheek against her hair. “There will always be challenges to our love. It is how we face them that’s important.”

**Araatris:** Drawing a slow, shaky breath, Rhoe turns in his arms to face him. Her dark eyes are ringed golden with magic as she reaches out to cup his cheek.

**Rhoelyn:** Leothir holds his breath until her fingers brush his cheek. His eyes close even as they start to burn with tears, one escaping downward. “Rhoelyn…”

**Araatris:** The healer whispers tearfully, “I am so sorry, Leothir. I was a coward to send you away, but… it was… it is so hard to have the strength to fight.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Then let me give you strength. I’m not ready to give up.” His arms tighten around her, and he finally opens shining, green eyes. “I’m not ready.”

**Araatris:** “I… I thought that I was.” Rhoelyn lowers her gilded eyes. “But it was… I missed you dearly, my dawn. Every moment. Th-there is much to tell you.”

**Rhoelyn:** Leo brushes her hair back, his touch lingering by her ear. “Then tell me, my princess. We can go back to the cave, have dinner and talk.”

**Araatris:** The magic in her eyes flares as she looks up, and the healer cringes, pained. “N-no. No, we… will not get the chance.” She reaches for her pouch.

**Rhoelyn:** Frowning, he watches her reach down and asks, “What are you talking about? Why wouldn’t we have a chance? We’re not that far from the-”

**Araatris:** “Ngh!” Her mate pulls her against him as her knees give out, and her dark eyes burst back into a golden glow. She abandons the pouch, clinging.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse gasps as the wave of light washes over the trio in the cave, her back arching at the sudden relief of days of aches and pains.

**Araatris:** Beside her, Relare surges to his feet, the magic clinging around him for a breath before it fades. “What the…?” He looks down at Nysse and Tsume.

**Rhoelyn:** Tsume bounces to her feet, wuffling urgently. “I don’t k-know.” She stares blankly for a moment as Korran’s vision overlaps with her own.

**Araatris:** Nysse can feel the wolf’s growl like a rumble in her own throat as he watches three armored Forsaken struggle back to their feet, angry and pained.

**Rhoelyn:** Snarling, the huntress leaps to her feet, grabbing her bow. “Relare! We need to go now!” She bolts out of the cave, Tsume hot on her heels.

**Araatris:** The blood elf doesn’t question her, flipping down his mask as he follows and drawing his sword. Down the beach, Leo clutches Rhoelyn to him.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress fires over them at the Forsaken, the two wolves surging forward. They leap, knocking one to the ground, but the second sidesteps.

**Araatris:** Relare runs at the third, catching the warrior’s sword on his own even as Nysse’s arrow pierces his shoulder to little effect. The second snarls.

**Rhoelyn:** Circling around Leo and Rhoe, Nysse snaps, “Get her to safety. We’ll take care of this. Go!” She drops her bow and draws her short sword.

**Araatris:** The mage nods and slides his arm under Rhoe’s knees, lifting her. She clings to him, shuddering, as another, smaller wave of light flows out of her.

**Rhoelyn:** Feeling energized, Nysse growls as she swings. She catches a forsaken in the arm as he pulls his arm up to block a blow meant for his neck.

**Araatris:** He falls back with a gravely cry, the limb partially severed through the leather of his armor. Korran snaps at his opponent, twice his usual size.

**Rhoelyn:** His jaws clamp down on the shoulder, and he yanks the undead woman from her feet. He shakes her like a ragdoll until something snaps audibly.

**Araatris:** Her pained scream is brief and suddenly silenced. Not far away, a third cry cuts off, and Relare steps back as a head rolls by his feet.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse slashes the male on the ground several times before Relare catches her arm. “He’s gone, Nysse. It’s alright. She’s not in danger now.”

**Araatris:** The huntress finally stops, breathing heavily, her arm shaking from fatigue. “Wh-where is she? Rhoe?!” Tsume noses against her leg.

**Rhoelyn:** “They headed back toward the cave. Let’s go meet them.” Rel explains. Nysse picks up her bow and rubs Tsume’s ears. “Let’s ride. It’s faster.”

**Araatris:** Korran easily carries the both of them, fleet-pawed and powerful as he races back down the misty beach. But he veers away before he reaches the cave.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare can feel the huntress tense as he holds on around her waist. He leans forward to whisper in her ear, “Did something happen to them?”

**Araatris:** Her answer is matter-of-fact, but her expression is troubled. “Tracks intercept theirs. A troll and booted feet and hooves. There were more.”

**Rhoelyn:** Shadows move in the mist ahead and the hairs on the back of their necks raise. Without warning, Korran dives to the side, making them cling.

**Araatris:** Lightning crackles through the air where they were, sizzling away the mist in a straight line back to a familiar troll shaman with a teal top knot.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare swings off the wolf. “I’ll take care of him. Keep going!” Nysse snaps and grabs her bow, “Don’t be ridiculous.” She looses a quick arrow.

**Araatris:** Their opponent glares, whipping a three-fingered hand up. Winds grab her barb and send it flying wide. “So da loa seen fit ta give ma’revenge.”

**Rhoelyn:** “If you want to talk vengeance, then let’s have a conversation. You destroyed my home. You threaten my family.” She readies another arrow.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress snarls, “And I won’t allow it!” Korran and Tsume howl, echoing through the woods eerily. Then… an answer. She releases her bow string.

**Araatris:** The barb sinks into his gut, and Relare swings at the troll. But an orc leaps from the fog, catching his sword and bowling him over in one hard motion.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare falls, grimacing as the orc’s elbow hits his gut and dents his armor. He rolls with the motion, swinging the pommel at the orc’s head.

**Araatris:** She ducks, catching his wrist with alarming ease, and chuckles at him, muttering in Orcish, “I’m not surprised Leo’s brother is this soft.”

**Rhoelyn:** The paladin smirks and replies in orcish. “Then it’s good that my faith is strong.” A golden power spreads from him into the ground below them.

**Araatris:** She gives a pained grunt and leaps back from him as the sand beneath her feet erupts with golden heat. “Kai!” she snaps, glancing over at the shaman.

**Rhoelyn:** The troll looks over from his opponent, ducking. He starts to turn when a wolf yanks him toward Nysse. She grins toothily, “No distractions.”

**Araatris:** He throws a totem at his own feet in the moment before the huntress stabs her sword at his chest. The blade skips off his suddenly-hard skin.

**Rhoelyn:** Ki’ilikai crouches and shoves his hands suddenly outward, pushing wind away from himself. His kilt tears as Tsume tumbles backwards.

**Araatris:** Nysse leaps back, using his wind to give herself distance as she smoothly swaps her sword for her bow. As soon as the gust ends, she fires.

**Rhoelyn:** The arrow catches him in the shoulder causing him to cry out. To Nysse’s right, Relare presses his attack against the orc, swinging downwards.

**Araatris:** She dodges to the side, letting the flat of the blade skim her chestplate. “So, ‘Taro had it right all along, huh? I din’t believe ‘im, ya know.”

**Araatris:** The red-haired orc swings her blade at him even as she grunts, “I kinda always liked Leo, foppish as he pretended ta be.” She tsks behind her tusks.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare sidesteps her blade. “We’re just protecting our family as any of you would. I respected The Eyes and their role, but… this is too far.”

**Araatris:** “Dakna,” scolds a voice from the mist behind Rel, “Less jawin’, more avengin’. Rottin’ Nataro still owed me a hunnert gold when the grape offed’im!”

**Rhoelyn:** The paladin snorts. “If you wanted gold, then you should have just asked.” He stabs at Dakna from the side. “I’m not an unreasonable man.”

**Araatris:** “Nah, prince pink-ears,” comes the response as Dakna catches his sword on her own. “I got plans t’take my money from the grape’s ugly corpse.”

**Rhoelyn:** Frowning, Relare shakes his head. “I think not. It’s in your best interest to forget what’s owed and leave.” The figure behind him steps closer.

**Araatris:** The paladin whirls as a dagger winks, the thrown blade pinging harmlessly off his armor. He gapes at the goblin behind it. “You! You slimy lit-”

**Rhoelyn:** It’s enough of an opening that Dakna slams into his back, sending him skidding onto his stomach at the small green humanoid. “Show some respect!”

**Araatris:** The scarred little rogue smirks and puts a foot on the back of the blood elf’s shoulder, his black-metal dagger pressing Rel’s cheek.

**Araatris:** “Aw, now. His Lordship’s just sour ‘bout how hard he fell for my actin’. Aintcha, prettyboy? How was yer head?” His yellow teeth show with his grin.

**Rhoelyn:** Relare scowls. “Much better since I can heal, but you can’t, can you?” He glares at the goblin. “But I had to follow if I wanted to get to Leo.”

**Araatris:** The goblin snorts as the orc steps forward, and Relare feels the point of her sword at his armor’s seam. “So he could drag you into his treason?”

**Rhoelyn:** “That wasn’t needed. The second you put our family in danger, you did that for yourself.” He smiles at the sound of growling all around them.

**Araatris:** Korran snaps at the shaman once more as the agile troll dances back. He pulls Nysse’s latest barb free, a totem behind him healing the wound.

**Rhoelyn:** Tsume grabs at the totem, ripping it from the ground. Nysse smirks. “My friends have arrived. I grew up in these woods, hunting as a pack.”

**Araatris:** A shot rings out from over his shoulder, the aim wild through the fog as a bigger shadow steps forward. “She is in earnest, Kai. We must go.”

**Rhoelyn:** The knife drags across Relare’s cheek as the goblin steps back. “Doncha worry, pretty boy. This ain’t over. The grape’s jus’ bought ya time. Lets’s go!”

**Araatris:** Kai grunts and nods before he looks back at Nysse. “Dowan be tinkin’ dis ends, cuz. Dere’s blood t’pay between us.” She bares her teeth ferally.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse raises her bow again. “You’ll want to start running. They’re getting closer.” Another shot rings out, closer this time, before Kai retreats.

**Araatris:** Left alone, Relare shoves to his feet with a curse and wipes the blood from his cheek even as the wound glows softly. “We need to go, too.”

**Rhoelyn:** “We need to find Rhoe and Leo.” Nysse corrects as their helpers arrive just as the Horde disappear into the mists. She turns, smiling.

**Araatris:** The paladin steps closer to her side as a pack of wild wolves swarms around them, nosing and jostling Nysse, Tsume and Korran like dearest friends.

**Rhoelyn:** Nyssera lets them greet her. Then, after just a moment, she growls softly calling the wolves fall to in line behind them. “Ready, Rel?”

**Araatris:** He nods, though he stares a bit wide-eyed at their feral entourage. “O-Of course.” He stays close as they head off, following Korran and Tsume.

**Rhoelyn:** Quietly, she murmurs, “Sorry… you’ve never seen the pack. Not many have. Because of Korran, I tend to make friends with the wolves in an area…”

**Araatris:** Relare grins. “You never cease to surprise.” But he shies away as one of the wolves sniffs at his elbow. “What signs do you see of Leo and Rhoe?”

**Rhoelyn:** “Kicked rocks and broken twigs. He couldn’t be very careful carrying her. His steps are heavy.” She frowns and looks toward a cliff in the distance.

**Araatris:** “Knowing him, with his offense hindered, he’d look for the opportunity to ‘port or at least blink,” he comments, sword ready. “But the Eyes know that.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress nods. “He blinked at least. The trail stops here.” She gestures ahead at Korran, and he leads the wild wolves on a search.

**Araatris:** The night elf and her blood elven brother wait nervously for the long minutes it takes before a peppered wolf howls and dashes off toward the cliff.

**Rhoelyn:** They share a look before running after the wolf. They clamber around the rocky terrain until they see a small cave at the base of the rock face.

**Araatris:** It takes a few more minutes to get down, and along the way they watch wisps begin to gather around its mouth, bobbing in agitation around the rock.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse calls softly as they near the cave opening, “Rhoe? Leo?” She carefully leans to look in, brushing the wisps to the side. “Are you here?”

**Araatris:** “Nysse!” The cave is lit by the quiet blue glow of a few more wisps within it. At the very back, Leo huddles with Rhoe in his arms. “Where’s Rel?!”

**Rhoelyn:** “He’s with me. Are you hurt?” She steps to the side, allowing Rel to be visible. It was a tight little cave, too small for all of them to fit.

**Araatris:** “It’s not bad,” the mage says, alarm evident in his voice. “But she’s … I don’t know. Rhoelyn is sick. She’s burning up, and she was delirious.”

**Rhoelyn:** The night elven woman grimaces. “We need to head back to the other cave. Our supplies are there. It’s possible that they don’t know it’s there.”

**Araatris:** Relare crowds past her, shoving himself into the small space. “Agreed. I’ll see if she’s safe to move.” His magic glows amidst the wisps.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse turns around to keep watch as he checks on Rhoelyn. Still, there’s a nervous tick to her hand as she taps her thigh impatiently.

**Araatris:** After only a moment, the paladin nods to himself and takes the unconscious priestess from Leo. His brother follows him out of the cave, wincing.

**Rhoelyn:** “Is she good to move?” She waves to Korran and the wolf increases in size. “If so, you and Leo can ride with her. I’ll run next to you.”

**Araatris:** Relare nods. “We’ll move faster that way, Nysse. Thank you.” Leo clambors on to the spirit beast’s back, and his brother hands her to him.

**Rhoelyn:** Once Rhoelyn is settled, Relare swings up behind him. Korran wastes no time starting his run back, Nysse and the rest of the wolves trailing.

**Araatris:** The sky is starting to brighten with morning when the wolf pulls up short in front of their shelter cave. The pack hangs back, checking for tracks.

**Rhoelyn:** The blood elves move Rhoelyn into the cave as Nysse helps the wolves. Korran slips dutifully into the cave as they lay Rhoelyn on a bedroll.

**Araatris:** She mutters under her breath as Leo brushes her hair back from her sweat-slick forehead. Wisps gather, flitting above them all in the cave.

**Rhoelyn:** Leo looks anxiously at his brother. “What’s wrong with her? Why are all these wisps here?” Behind them Nysse enters their camp with Tsume.

**Araatris:** The paladin shakes his head. “Give me a chance to examine her, brother.” He glances around. “We need water and a cloth. This fever is too high.”

**Rhoelyn:** His night elven sister silently gathers cloth from a bag and hands it to him with her water bottle. He takes them with a quick nod. “Thank you.”

**Araatris:** Relare wets the cloth and wrings it out, setting it against the priestess’ hot forehead. “Leo, you need to tell us what happened out there.”

**Rhoelyn:** “We… we were getting ready to return when she said that we wouldn’t make it back for dinner. Then… magic exploded from her and she collapsed.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Next thing I know, is that we’re set upon by the Eyes and drug us off. I escaped with her the second there was an opening.” Leo explains.

**Araatris:** Relare blinks at the little night elf as she stops mumbling. “That huge burst of Light was her? You said she was delirious?” His brother nods.

**Rhoelyn:** “Magic burn. I can ease it, but the fever will take longer. I’m… familiar with it.” He hesitates, unsure if he should mention the other timeline.

**Araatris:** Leo’s brows furrow as he watches his brother. “I know that look, Rel. What aren’t you saying?” Relare sighs. “I’ve seen her like this. Before.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse states the obvious, sitting and leaning back against the large spirit wolf. “Your original timeline. What causes it to happen?”

**Araatris:** He frowns, shaking his head. “I never knew what happened to cause it.” Leo’s eyes widen, and he inexplicably blushes. “Oh. Ah… I remember that.”

**Rhoelyn:** “You remember what, Leo?” The huntress looks confused at his blush. “Did you do something to cause it? You don’t need to be embarrassed.”

**Araatris:** The mage only winces as his brother shakes his head, saying, “She wasn’t this sick, then. Her mana was at a simmer compared to this boil.”

**Rhoelyn:** Leo tosses his brother a grateful look. The huntress turns to Relare, hiding a yawn behind her hand. “I’ll stay with her if you both need sle-”

**Araatris:** Her sister’s cry interrupts her, and Rhoe arches her back, golden eyes popping open as Relare’s hands glow against her. He grimaces and pulls away.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse leans forward, frowning. “I don’t know much, but could she be having problems because she’s responding to the presence of the wisps?”

**Araatris:** The brothers both look up at all the spirits bobbing around them. “I hadn’t thought about that,” Rel says. “There’s a little spell she’s holding.”

**Rhoelyn:** “She may be trying to complete the ritual to guide them.” She crawls over. Korran wuffs, spirits settling into his fur as he follows Nysse.

**Araatris:** Leo makes room as the night elf settles beside her sister, and her spirit wolf leans down, nosing at Rhoelyn’s cheek as she stares sightlessly.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress grasps Rhoelyn’s hand. “We will help you, sister. Let us help you.” She glances at Korran. “I can sing if that will help…”

**Araatris:** Her wolf gives her a very distinct nod before he turns back to what simply appears to be attempting to comfort the little priestess.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress ducks her head and closes her eyes, trying to ignore the brothers as she recalls Rhoelyn’s song. Taking a deep breath, she begins.

**Araatris:** As her voice fills the cave, the agitated wisps calm with her sister. Leothir freshens the cool compress on her forehead, smoothing her hair back.

**Rhoelyn:** Korran gently nudges a wisp to float over and rest on Rhoelyn’s chest. Nysse opens her eyes, watching as a golden glow begins to surround the spirit.

**Araatris:** The healer’s eyes slide closed, again, as that glow spreads from one spirit to the next. Soon the cave is filled with ghostly night elven forms.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse’s voice is hoarse by the time the last wisp takes shape. “Brothers, sisters, you must go to Elune’s embrace. It is time for you to rest.”

**Araatris:** With her sister’s magic running rampant in the space, the huntress can feel their wants, their reasons to cling. Relare winces as well with it.

**Rhoelyn:** Overwhelmed with the desire to help, tears pour down Nysse’s cheeks. “I’m not my sister to ease your spirits so easily, but I’ll do what I can.”

**Araatris:** The paladin across from her rests a golden hand on Rhoelyn’s arm. “Can you and Korran lead them out of here while you do? She’s weakening.”

**Rhoelyn:** The young woman nods and pushes to her feet, leading the spirits from the cave with Korran. Leothir looks on anxiously, taking Rhoelyn’s hand.

**Araatris:** “This is quite enough for my nerves, brother,” the mage says softly. “Can you… I can’t recall clearly what you did, but can do you do it again?”

**Rhoelyn:** Relare runs a hand through his hair. “I should be able to lessen it, but it will still take time for her to recover.” His hands hover above her.

**Araatris:** The younger blood elf droops with relief at what he feels. “Taking the wisps away worked. She’s not resisting me, any more.” He whispers a dispell.

**Rhoelyn:** The priestess visibly relaxes with a sigh, the heavy flush of fever dimming from her cheeks. Leo smiles at the change. “Rel! It’s working!”

**Araatris:** His brother nods as he straightens. “At least she’s not still burning herself.” The mage leans over to feel her forehead and brush her cheek.

**Rhoelyn:** Her skin is still warm, but no longer uncomfortably hot. He presses a kisses on his love’s brow. “I hope a good night’s rest will fix the rest.”

**Araatris:** “She definitely needs to sleep. A lot.” The paladin shakes his head. “Those surges of Light… I have no idea how she harnessed so much power.”

**Rhoelyn:** Leothir smiles proudly. “My princess has always been extraordinary.” His brother rolls his eyes. “Perhaps I should check on Nyssera.”

**Araatris:** The mage nods and brushes his fingers through Rhoelyn’s hair. “Yes, please. Go make sure she and Korran don’t need any help with the dead.”

**Rhoelyn:** The paladin snorts softly at his brother’s ready agreement. He raises, stretching stiff knees, and heads to the cave entrance. “Nyssera?”

**Araatris:** In the brightening dawn, the huntress sits on a driftwood log not far from the cave, holding her hands up. “Wait, wait, please. O-one at a time!”

**Rhoelyn:** They crowd in front of her and finally she points to one. “Y-you first. Someone has to be first…” A ghostly man in robes steps forward.

**Araatris:** Korran sits by her feet as the spirit speaks without sound. “My studies were nearly complete. I cannot leave the knowledge lost, sister!”

**Rhoelyn:** “Do you have a colleague? I can let them know where to retrieve your notes. Would that be sufficient?” Nysse clasps her hands in her lap.

**Araatris:** His grief is a cold stone in the pit of her stomach. “They were lost in the Tree. Now only Daedrin remains, and he is lost… forest…” His voice fades.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse’s eyes widen. “I-i’m so sorry. I wish there was some way to recover what was lost, but… I’m sure others will take up your work.”

**Araatris:** His form fades, leaving the bobbing blue wisp in his place. Around her, the others start to fade one by one, as do their voices. Relare steps close.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress buries her face in her hands and takes a deep breath. The paladin rests a hand on her shoulder and she looks up with dark eyes.

**Araatris:** “I don’t know if I can do as well as Rhoelyn, but I’ll help you if you’d like.” He pats her. “I can feel how much they need release, too.”

**Rhoelyn:** She nods. “P-please. It is hard for me to find the words to help them find peace.” Nysse addresses the wisps. “This is my brother Relare.”

**Araatris:** Though there is an initial agitation that stirs through the spirits gathered around them, they calm quickly and seem to accept the blood elf.

**Rhoelyn:** “Please. Will another approach us? We’ll do what we can to ease your concerns.” The night elf watches a wisp flitter closer, taking spirit form.

**Araatris:** The paladin sits down beside her, giving Korran a little pat as he settles in. Together, they spend a long morning ministering in Rhoelyn’s place.