Chapter 1

**Araatris:** “Oh, I know what you have, Raddok. I’m interested in how you got it.” Rhese rests his hands on his hips, smirking at the goblin smuggler.

**Rhoelyn:** The goblin grins, “Well, I can’t be telling ya mah business sources. I got a business to run. Unless… you can make it worth mah time.”

**Araatris:** The night elf grins. “Of course I can. How much?” Tsume glances up at him as he idly straightens the borrowed bow and quiver over his shoulder.

**Rhoelyn:** Raddock rubs his hands together. “A thousand gold should cover mah expenses. Though de longer we talk…” He lets the suggestion hang.

**Araatris:** Rhese raises his silver brows. “A thousand? That’s th-” “Price just went up to ten-fifty, hunter.” The goblin leers as his customer glances away.

**Rhoelyn:** “Com’on. I ain’t got all day.” Raddok turns and starts digging in a crate “Better. Come back with ya gots the money.” He smirks to himself.

**Araatris:** Nysse peeks out from the shadowed foliage of a pine, holding up a hearthstone that pulses an alarming red. Rhese frowns. “Change of plans.”

**Rhoelyn:** The goblin frowns and turns back around. “Those plans had better involve money or gettin’ outta here. I’m losing money jus’ talkin’ to ya.”

**Araatris:** “Tsume, hold,” the druid says sharply, and the wolf leaps forward, tackling the startled sneak to the ground. “Raddok, it’s your lucky day.”

**Rhoelyn:** The wolf snarls, spraying saliva on the smuggler’s face. He flings his hands up protectively. “Lucky?! How is sending yer wolf at me lucky!”

**Araatris:** Rhese grins and strides forward nonchalantly, leaning down to rifle through his pockets. “Because – hey, hold still – she’s not too hungry.”

**Rhoelyn:** Raddock shudders and turns away from Tsume. “Git yer hands out-” Tsume snaps her teeth at him. “Take whatever ya want! Don’t let’er eat me!”

**Araatris:** “Very shrewd of you. Tell me where you got the mana eaters.” He pulls out crumpled papers, glancing at them and tucking them in his own pouch.

**Rhoelyn:** The goblin rambles, “They came in the usual shipment. The info’s in my notebook up there, but ya didn’t get it from me. Now git her off me!”

**Araatris:** Rhese glances over. He pats the goblin’s shoulder before he stands and retrieves the book. After flipping through it, he clicks to Tsume.

**Rhoelyn:** The wolf jumps to Rhese’s side obediently, releasing the goblin. The druid smirks. “This will do fine. I hope we can do business again.”

**Araatris:** The curses the little goblin throws in his direction only become more foul when the druid looks up at the sky, his eyes flaring with power.

**Rhoelyn:** A moment later, a white streak impacts where the mana eaters are held. Their screeches herald their death as Rhese pushes into the forest.

**Araatris:** The druid pats the wolf trotting by his side. “Thanks, little sister,” he says. Nysse steps out of the shadows, preceded by a throbbing red glow.

**Rhoelyn:** “We need to check-in. He’s likely getting anxious, surfal.” She presses the stone in his hands as she reaches for her bow and quiver.

**Araatris:** Rhese nods and steals a kiss as she unthreads the weapon from his shoulder. “How long has it been code: red?” She answers, “A few minutes.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress settles her bow with a sigh of relief. Tsume brushes against their legs as Rhese activates the stone, a gruff male voice answering.

**Araatris:** “It’s about damn time you answered,” Morthis snaps. “Did you forget-… Look, nevermind. Get to Darnassus yesterday! Demons are invading.”

**Rhoelyn:** The druid barely glances at his mate’s wide-eyed and worried expression before nodding. “We’ll be right there. Is the blinker drop secure?”

**Araatris:** “Not likely.” His voice is grim. “Go in hot.” Rhese nods, not that the spymaster can see. “Understood.” He dims the stone, handing it to Nysse.

**Rhoelyn:** “You heard the man.” The druid shifts into a sleek, silver cat. She crouches and rests her hands on both her furry companions. The stone glows.

**Araatris:** The city that resolves itself around them as the magic fades is one in chaos, buildings built in massive trees burning with green felfire.

**Rhoelyn:** A felguard turns around with a roar that has Nysse scrambling to put away the blinker hearth and draw her bow. She snaps, “Tsume, attack!”

**Araatris:** Rhese yowls as he sprints toward another pair of felguards menacing a sentinel just a short distance away, leaping on one with claws extended.

**Rhoelyn:** His claws dig into its leg. The demon falls to one knee as the sentinel slashes across its chest. She ducks the axe of the other felguard.

**Araatris:** Rhese glances back at Nysse in the instant before he leaps on the second felguard’s back, taking a great, nasty bite of his hulking neck.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse shouts another command as the felguard catches Rhese’s paws, causing him to stumble but not fall. He rakes his claws down its back.

**Araatris:** The sentinel takes advantage of its distraction to shove her weapon through its neck. The druid leaps free as it falls and Nysse’s arrows sing.

**Rhoelyn:** Another arrow pierces Nysse’s opponent as Tsume bites his sword arm. The felguard gurgles and Nysse steps back, covering her mouth and nose.

**Araatris:** Three more felguard crowd in, and Rhese reverts for just a moment to call out, “Nysse! Find Yami and your parents. I’ll be close behind.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nodding, Nysse whistles and darts towards her parents’ apartment at the city edge. Tsume stays close as they dart between and around demons.

**Araatris:** Darnassus is a nightmare. The normally tranquil city echoes with screams and growls and shouts, brutal demons of every shape and size everywhere.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse’s stomach churns and she once again covers her face against the pungent smells with a groan. She scans the area for her family.

**Araatris:** A chittering imp scampers toward her and Tsume, calling in a high-pitched voice for its equally-repulsive buddies to join it. Three more advance.

**Rhoelyn:** Clenching her teeth, Nysse draws her bow. Tsume snarls and leaps forward following her arrows. She hears Yami’s familiar yip close by.

**Araatris:** It’s easy work to take three of the five imps out with a series of quick shots. From somewhere, she hears her father’s shout, “Nora! Left!”

**Rhoelyn:** Tsume pounces on the last imps, allowing the huntress to listen. “Clear!” Her gaze locks on a building corner and she clicks at Tsume.

**Araatris:** With quick, efficient motions, the wolf ends her prey and races to Nysse’s side, taking point. The sound of metal chiming against metal rings.

**Rhoelyn:** Skidding around a corner, Nysse assesses the chaos. Celara’s blade meets an eredar’s while Sarren and the wolves harass an eredar warlock.

**Araatris:** Her father’s whistling arrow dissolves into ash when the warlock gestures, but Yami darts under his guard, his form that of a massive, black wolf.

**Rhoelyn:** Caught off-guard, the eredar screams as Yami’s canines dig in his arm. Nysse smiles proudly as she sights her arrow and lets loose. “Clear!”

**Araatris:** The boy-wolf releases him immediately, ducking low and dodging back to his grandfather’s side even before his head swivels to find Nysse.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse’s gut tightens suddenly and she turns to the building and empties her stomach. “Ugh!” Tsume paces and whines behind her. “I’m fine.”

**Araatris:** The huntress’ arrow sticking out of his eye, the warlock collapses. Celara glances over, but only briefly as she blocks another strike.

**Rhoelyn:** Sarren fires an arrow at his mate’s opponent, shouting, “Yami! Nora! Hold!” Both wolves run and snap at the eredar’s arms. Nysse straightens.

**Araatris:** She drags her bow around, trying to ignore the stench of blood and smoke. Sarren’s arrow jerks the target forward and hers knocks it back.

**Rhoelyn:** Celara thrusts her sword through the female eredar’s chest. The demon falls with a gasp, sliding off the blade. The huntress swallows hard.

**Araatris:** In the momentary respite, Yami shifts and sprints for his mother, practically tackling her over as he wraps his arms around her waist. “Min’da!”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse stumbles, but hugs her son tightly. “Easy, sweetie.” She smiles lovingly and strokes his hair. “Thank you for helping my parents.”

**Araatris:** The boy smiles brightly, wiping blackish demon blood off his cheek. “Family protects each other!” he says. Sarren approaches them.

**Rhoelyn:** Her father clasps her shoulder. “It’s good to see you.” She hugs him. “You both as well. I’m glad we were able to find you in all of this.”

**Araatris:** Celara follows not far after, glancing around warily. “We should make our way to the Temple grounds before we relax our guards, dalah’dieb.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress hesitates. “We should wait for Rhe-” “I’m here, Nysse. Some imps held me up.” Rhese strides towards them and gives Yami a hug.

**Araatris:** “Are you hurt, alei?” The druid kneels, looking him over, but the voidling boy shakes his head. “Nuh-uh. An’da, why are they being so mean?”

**Rhoelyn:** Rhese looks grim. “Those demons are the Burning Legion.” Nysse crouches, “They only know destruction and pain. They’re very cruel, Yami.”

**Araatris:** He looks from them to the city around them, frowning. “I don’t like it. Everyone is scared or hurting or sad.” Celara rests a hand on his back.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse’s mother nods and explains gently, “You’re right. That’s why we fight to protect them. So, they won’t have to feel that way anymore.”

**Araatris:** Rhese lifts the lanky boy as he stands. “That’s right. We can talk more about it at the Temple. It’s not safe, and min’da and I need to help more.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress stands and clenches her teeth against another wave of nausea. “We do, but I’ll need to pick up some herbs. These smells are…”

**Araatris:** Her mate brushes a tender hand down her arm, frowning. “The priestesses will surely have something for you, my lovely. Let’s keep moving.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse offers him a tight smile. “You’re right. Why don’t you and Yami lead the way? I’ll cover the back with Tsume.” She readies her bow.

**Araatris:** Her parents exchange a worried look as Rhese nods and slides Yami to his feet. They both shift into their four-legged forms and dart forward.

**Rhoelyn:** They follow behind him, following their darting forms. The small group carves a path through the demons, gathering a few other families.

**Araatris:** When a tough felhound finally falls, Nysse steps over to a damaged wall as the others press forward, retching. A hand rests on her shoulder.

**Rhoelyn:** Sarren murmurs, “Let me cover our rear. You should rest for a moment.” Protesting, Nysse shakes her head, “An’da, I’m f-” “You’re too pale.”

**Araatris:** The huntress gulps, nodding. “Good, little star. Now hurry along. Your boys are impatient.” He smirks up at where Rhese and Yami range forward.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse slips forward in the group, hovering closer to the middle. Tsume hugs tightly against her side. Sarren orders, “Nora. Guard.”

**Araatris:** They make their way deeper into the city, the group around them growing. As they rest for a few minutes near the ruined inn, Rhese paces.

**Rhoelyn:** A blindfolded, tattooed night elf chats with a sentinel, pointing towards the temple. Nysse wipes her mouth and joins him. “We’ll move soon.”

**Araatris:** Her mate starts to pull her into his arms, but her face turns distinctly green to match her hair when she catches a whiff of his bloodied armor.

**Rhoelyn:** “Sorry!” Nysse yanks away, darting past him to the inn wall. She takes a shuddering breath, dry heaving. “Ergh. What a time to feel sick…”

**Araatris:** Rhese watches her with a furrowed brow. “Lovel-” He’s interrupted when the blindfolded woman taps his shoulder, a warglaive in her other hand.

**Rhoelyn:** “I’m Tris. We’re getting ready to head out.” She glances toward Nysse, frowning. “I didn’t want anyone left behind. Are you all okay to run?”

**Araatris:** “Tris,” Rhese acknowledges, watching Nysse. “I’m Rhese. My mate is ill. Ma-” The huntress interrupts, coughing, “I-I’m just fine. I can run.”

**Rhoelyn:** Tris snorts. “You might want to look more convincing for Rhese here.” Nysse grimaces as the woman continues, “Just be careful. Alright?”

**Araatris:** The huntress nods, but Rhese does indeed look extremely unconvinced. “You can ride, lovely. I c-” She interrupts him by shaking her head.

**Rhoelyn:** “I can make it, surfal. It’s not that far.” Tris grins and offers, “We could use someone to watch the kids in the cart.” Nysse scowls. “I’m-”

**Araatris:** The demon hunter laughs and pats her shoulder. “Kidding! Just kidding.” Rhese chuckles and says, “She’s always a grouch when she’s sick.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse groans, “May we just go?” Tris grins. “Of course. I’ll let them know everyone’s ready. We’ll be at the temple before you know it.”

**Araatris:** As she walks away, Rhese holds out a hand to his mate. “Grouches or not, my lovely, I would really like a hug if you can manage it.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress hesitates, but takes his hand and steps closer. “I-it’s the demon blood on you. It’s… pungent.” She grimaces as she hugs him.

**Araatris:** “I’m sorry, Nysse.” He sobers, nuzzling her. “I want you to tell me if you’re flagging. Honestly. You’ve barely kept a meal down in days.”

**Rhoelyn:** Sighing, she reluctantly agrees. “I will. I hope we can rest soon. There’s been so much to do.” She rests her head tiredly on his shoulder.

**Araatris:** “Lean on me when you need, dalah’surfal.” Rhese hugs her tight. “I’ll be happy to show you how dangerous my stag can be to demons, too.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse bites her lip. “Do you think…” She tenses as the nausea hits her again. “Do you think I could ride? I can run, but…” She trails off.

**Araatris:** The smirk he levels at her pretty clearly says that she might just be ridiculous. But he just nods. “Of course you can, lovely.” He steps back.

**Rhoelyn:** Her blush is bright on her pale cheeks. She watches her mate shift into a stag. He noses her, and she smiles before climbing on his back.

**Araatris:** When the purple-haired demon huntress swings by them, calling for the group to get moving, she slants Nysse an amused grin. Yami pads up.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse looks away. “Are you ready, sweetie?” The wolf bobs his head. “Stay near us.” She leans forward, hugging Rhese as they start to move.

**Araatris:** Their family stays close together as they move, guarding one of the flanks of the ever-growing group. Celara yanks her sword out of a succubus.

**Rhoelyn:** Sarren and the wolves range out, killing imps. Straightening on Rhese’s back, the huntress sends her arrow to silence an eredar caster.

**Araatris:** The stag watches and only bounds in to the fray when a pair of felhounds and their handler rush at them. Nysse has to lower her bow and hold on.

**Rhoelyn:** His antlers catch one felhound and tosses it to the side, then kicks out at the other demon. Rhese’s mate cringes as her stomach lurches.

**Araatris:** The second hound manages to dodge him and darts around to leap on his flank, gouging with its claws and snapping at Nysse. Rhese snorts, pained.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse rolls off his back, tumbling on the farside from the felhound. “Rhese, change!” The huntress jumps to her feet and raises her bow.

**Araatris:** The druid’s form folds immediately, and he roars as a bear, throwing his weight against a thick tree and smashing the hound, stunning it.

**Rhoelyn:** An arrow pierces its eye and it slumps, dead. The felhound handler draws his blade as they turn to him. Nysse carefully lines up another shot.

**Araatris:** Rhese shifts into his cat form, yowling as he dashes toward the handler, a creature that appears to be the same race as the hulking felguard.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress releases a shrieking arrow ahead of Rhese. “We need to keep up!” His claws quickly follow digging into the fel creature’s abdomen.

**Araatris:** When the handler shrieks in pain, there is an echoing chorus of felhound howls that has their blood running cold. Rhese cuts him off by choking him.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse grimaces and places a hand on her stomach, willing it to calm. She looks nervously as the group moves further ahead. “Rhese!”

**Araatris:** He nods slightly even as he yanks the dagger from his belt and shoves it through the creature’s eye. “Get on, lovely. We’ll catch up right n-”

**Rhoelyn:** Felfire explodes, knocking them off their feet as an infernal crashes between them and the main group. Nysse instinctively curls up, rolling.

**Araatris:** Rhese gets to his feet slowly, wincing. But he isn’t able to take a moment for anything more than a quick, light heal before dodging. “Nysse!”

**Rhoelyn:** Coughing, she uncurls and shouts, “I’m fine, Rhese!” Nysse struggles to her feet. “We need to circle around!” She gags at the burning scent.

**Araatris:** “How do I bite burning rock?!” The druid winces and dodges under a lumbering swing of its fist. “Run. I’ll bind it here and catch up to you.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress nods and starts a stumbling run. “Make sure you do!” Behind her, Rhese summons vines to try and restrain the massive rock demon.

**Araatris:** Straining, his power flares as he kneels, dragging waves of thicker and thicker vines from the fertile ground of Teldrassil. The demon struggles.

**Rhoelyn:** A shadowy figure appears above and brings a burning glaive down on the infernal’s head. As the head shatters, Tris lands in front of him.

**Araatris:** Rhese straightens, giving her a relieved grin. “Thank you, Tris. I hadn’t quite figured out how I was going to bite that one to death, yet.”

**Rhoelyn:** Tris laughs, “It probably would have chipped a tooth. We can’t have that.” She glances over her shoulder. “I’ll cover you while you go ahead.”

**Araatris:** As he concentrates on healing the gashes in his shapely flank, verdant power swirls around his hands. Rhese nods and smirks. “Try to keep up.”

**Rhoelyn:** Snorting, the demon huntress grins. “Then you better– hey!” Rhese shifts, his feline form racing towards Nysse. Tris chases after him.

**Araatris:** The huntress looks relieved as the sleek, silver cat dashes up. At her side, his form expands into the stag, and she grabs an antler to swing up.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse huddles on Rhese’s back as he leaps over debris from damaged buildings. The temple of Elune is in sight and they near the the side ramp.

**Araatris:** Refuge seekers crowd the outer grounds of the temple, surrounded by a ring of protectors as well as another ring of demonic attackers.

**Rhoelyn:** The demon huntress and sentinels push to the front, creating a gap for the refugees. Rhese’s hooves hit the stone just outside the temple.

**Araatris:** He swivels his head back, nuzzling at Nysse to nudge her down. Once the huntress climbs off, he shifts. “Get Yami in, lovely. I’ll hold on here.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Yami can go in and find Rhoelyn. I should stay and help you out here, surfal,” The huntress protests even as Tsume and Yami stare at them.

**Araatris:** “No.” Rhese is uncharacteristically stern, frowning at her and claiming a shaky hand. “Nysse, your color is really bad. I need you to find Rhoe.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse bites her lip and steps in for a hug. “Please be safe, Rhese.” She buries her face against his shoulder trying to fight an urge to cry.

**Araatris:** “I swear, surfal.” Her mate holds her tight for a moment before setting her away from him. “Go on. Keep our son safe. I’ll be in soon.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress nods. “I love you and we’ll see you soon.” Yami shifts into a boy and Nysse gathers him in her arms as they head into the temple.

**Araatris:** People mill everywhere in the verdant temple, sitting or laying as they’re able in the halls, along the verandas, and in the central grotto.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse leans weakly against a wall, setting Yami down and looking for Rhoe. He wraps his arms around her. “Min’da, there’s so many in here…”

**Araatris:** His mother looks down at his tear-filled, dark eyes. “I know, sweetie. They’re all here to be safe and be helped. It’s scary when you can’t fight.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I don’t like it.” Yami buries his face against her and she sighs. “I know. It’s hard.”  She rests one hand and waves at a passing priest.

**Araatris:** The man pauses, looking down at the child with wide eyes. “Is he hurt?” Nysse shakes her head with a little smile. “I need to find someone.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Oh? We haven’t-” “A priestess. Rhoelyn Silverwing.” Nysse offers. He looks over his shoulder. “She’s in intensive care. Can I help you?”

**Araatris:** “Min’da’s sick,” Yami volunteers, glancing up even as the huntress shakes her head. She blushes. The priest blinks and stares at his dark eyes.

**Rhoelyn:** He tears his gaze away to stare at Nysse critically. “You look pale.” “She’s been throw-” She hushes Yami. “I’m fine. I just need a few herbs.”

**Araatris:** The dark-haired man steps forward, reaching out a bold hand and setting his wrist against her forehead. Yami grins at her blush. “Hm. No fever.”

**Rhoelyn:** “N-no. No fever. Just an upset stomach. Can I get some herbs to settle it? Please?” Nysse ducks away from his touch and repeats, “Please?”

**Araatris:** He frowns at her for a moment before quirking a thumb over his shoulder. “Down that hall, third door. Get the sachet marked ‘Dith’oris’.”

**Rhoelyn:** Bowing, Nysse mumbles, “Thank you,” as she pulls Yami after her down the hall. “Min’da, he could have made you feel better like min’nu!”

**Araatris:** “He’s very busy, Yami.” His mother counts doors, tugging open the third one to find a storeroom full of herbs drying on racks and stored in sachets.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse’s eyes open wide as she covers her nose and mouth against the overwhelming scent of herbs. She groans as her stomach flips. “Oh Elune…”

**Araatris:** Yami skips forward gleefully, smiling. “I’ll help, min’da. Don’t barf!” He starts rifling through a cupboard before she can say anything.

**Rhoelyn:** “Don’t make a mess, sweetie, but… thank you. Look for Dith’oris’.” Nysse scoots back to the wall. The boy nods and pulls out one. “Got it!”

**Araatris:** He peers at Nysse for a moment before turning back to the cabinet. “They have a lot, here. I’ll get you two.” Yami snags a second sachet.

**Rhoelyn:** She frowns, but Yami shakes his head. “You need it, min’da. You’re really sick.” Nysse sighs. “Alright. Bring them here and shut the door.”

**Araatris:** He does, and she puts a little more distance between herself and the room before she settles against the wall, sitting for a minute.

**Rhoelyn:** Yami snuggles next to her, offering the sachets. “Thank you, my light.” Nysse takes them and opens one, taking a few of the herbs within.

**Araatris:** A familiar voice intrudes as Nysse tugs out her canteen. “Just the one, sister.” Rhoelyn smiles warmly, if tiredly, at them both as she approaches.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse blushes, but grins. “I’m saving the other for later, Rhoe. My stomach has been unsettled and I’d like to be able to hold down a meal.”

**Araatris:** The priestess’ brow furrows, and she looks her sister up and down, her eyes bright with magic. Her eyes widen at first, but she quickly recovers.

**Rhoelyn:** “I should be better in a few days. I should probably rest…” Nysse rubs her face, grimacing. “Rhese needs help, but he banished me in here.”

**Araatris:** Rhoelyn smiles warmly and kneels before them, plucking the rest of the herbs away from her. “Yes, you must rest. Let me get you something better.”

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse looks a little sheepish. “I’m not that bad. Those would have been fine, sister.” She covers her face as Rhoe steps to the herb room.

**Araatris:** Yami chuckles and pats her arm. Rhoelyn returns quickly and kneels, again, handing Nysse about ten sachets. “This will last a few days.”

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress stares between the packets and Rhoelyn with wide-eyes. “How long do you think I’m going to be sick, Rhoe? This is too much!”

**Araatris:** Her sister just smiles at her warmly and leans forward to kiss her cheek. “Just in case. We have enough to spare. One satchel with each meal.”

**Rhoelyn:** “Thank you. I’ll save them for later since I took the others.” Nysse smiles wanely. She pats Yami’s back. “Do we have any rations, alei?”

**Araatris:** The boy pats around in his little pouch and pulls out a half-wrapped and half-eaten bar that may have been there for a week. “Um… an’nui has them.”

**Rhoelyn:** Chuckling, Nysse smiles tenderly. “It’s alright. I’m not sure I could eat yet anyway.” She tucks away the sachets and stands, grimacing.

**Araatris:** Rhoe puts a steadying hand on her arm. “I think you’d best try, Nysse. You have already been too long without sustenance. You know how you are.”

**Rhoelyn:** Yami smiles as he grasps his mother’s hand. “She’s right, min’da.” The huntress relents. “Alright. Point me towards food and a bucket in case…”

**Araatris:** The priestess giggles and takes her hand. “Come. I’ve just the place for you.” She pats Yami’s shoulder as she drags them farther down the hall.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse laughs, “I’m coming, but Rhese will wonder where I went at this rate.” They turn a corner and Rhoelyn opens a door half way down.

**Araatris:** Luckily for Nysse’s stomach, the kitchens are mostly cold and abandoned through the emergency. The priestess indicates seats at the worktable.

**Rhoelyn:** The huntress sits, Yami taking the seat next to her. Nysse props her chin on her hands, resting her eyes, as Rhoelyn searches the cabinets.

**Araatris:** As she rummages, she mumbles, “Are you hungry, darling boy?” Yami giggles. “No, min’nu. Of course not.” She brings over a handful of dry bread.

**Rhoelyn:** Rhoelyn slides a plate over and sets the bread on it. “Sister, please try this. A soup would be better, but we don’t have time to make any.”

**Araatris:** Nysse nods and rips off a bit, hesitant. As she returns to the cupboards, the little healer says, “If that agrees with you, we have some fruit as well.”

**Rhoelyn:** The young huntress nibbles at the bread. “Maybe. At least this doesn’t have much of a smell.” She sighs and takes a drink from her canteen.

**Araatris:** Bringing over a plate of fruit and some slightly old-looking veggies for herself, her silver-haired sister nods. “Smell is what’s worst?”

**Rhoelyn:** Nodding, Nysse sighs. “Yes, it’s been worse here. All the burning and demon blood is…” She pales as her stomach flops at the thought. “Ugh.”

**Araatris:** Rhoelyn shakes her head and settles on the seat across from them. “Sister, you are supposed to keep that food down. Notice I didn’t fetch a bucket?”

**Rhoelyn:** She smiles gently. “I’m sorry, Rhoe. I’ll try.” Nysse eats another bit of bread. Yami looks at his aunt. “Can I help in the temple, min’nu?”

**Araatris:** Pressing a hand over his, the priestess smiles. “I would be grateful if you did, Yami. We will need to make sure everyone has bandages and water.”

**Rhoelyn:** He smiles broadly. “I can make myself bigger so I can carry more.” The young pre-teen boy suddenly shifts into his late teens. Nysse chokes.

**Araatris:** “Oh!” Rhoelyn starts but then grins at him as he pats his mother’s back. “Oh, goodness. That troublemaking young face takes me back a bit.”

**Rhoelyn:** “I’m not a troublemaker, min’nu! I’d… I’d just like to help like min’da and an’da are.” Yami ducks his head and grins. The huntress frowns.

**Araatris:** The little healer leans forward and brushes his silver hair away from his temple, the two of them starting to look more like mirror images.

**Rhoelyn:** Nysse shifts anxiously, “I’m not sure I’m ready for that, Yami. You’re still young.” She looks at the door. “Where is Rhese? He should be here.”

**Araatris:** “Have faith in him, Nysse.” Rhoe nudges the bread at her. “Now, may Yami help? He will stay safe within the temple. Won’t you, little light?”

**Rhoelyn:** Yami looks hopeful. “Yes, but I’d like to see what I can do to help others outside. Maybe I could travel and deliver supplies for the temple?”

**Araatris:** Watching Nysse pale, her sister is quick to redirect. “A conversation for another day, perhaps? Right now, I need you most in here, Yami.”

**Rhoelyn:** Drooping slightly, he glances at Nysse and gives her a sheepish smile. “Yes, min’nu. Don’t worry, min’da, I’ll be here and safe. I promise.”

**Araatris:** As Nysse breathes a sigh of relief, Rhoe taps her finger on the huntress’ plate. “I must return to my patients. Yami, convince her to eat more?”

**Rhoelyn:** “I will.” Yami shifts back to his pre-teen form and snuggles his mother’s side. Rhoelyn smiles and kisses their cheeks before slipping away.