Wild Life

[Tseranc]

He wasn't sure, but he had an idea about what she saw, and really, truly, did not want to tell her his theory. She did not need to know about war, and the pain that came with it. No one did, but her least of all.

He sighed, and stared into her scared eyes. How could he tell her what he thought?! “I don't know, certainly I can't know....but I have an idea. What it might be. It's not a happy idea either.” He tried to brace her as best he could, but really, how did you explain war to an innocent?

“If I guess how old you are, and from when your memory is from, and the cloths you describe your father and brother wearing...then it is the right setting for a war that happened.” He saw immediately that she did not comprehend as he had hoped. “A war is a terrible thing, maybe the most terrible thing ever. It's when armies of men have to fight each other. The war I mention was a fight over land." his eyes grew distant as he told of how the kingdom to the north attacked, and burnt farms and killed those who did not flee. They killed workers in mines before they could run. The Kingdom from where he was from put together an army to repel the invaders, and eventually did, but at a huge cost in the sons and fathers of the land.

He got up, and dug into the back of a closet, emerging several minutes later holding clothing such as she had described. “If this is what they wore, then they fought for the good of their family. Ferox, what I am trying to say is....I think your father died in a war to protect you and your family. I think that's why he wasn't in the second part, when your brother returned. Too many sad tales came out of that war for me to have much hope.” He stared down at his old uniform and wondered why he never burned it. All the men he'd watched die, friends and foes alike came back to him. Maybe he too could have painful memories resurface.

When he returned from the war, he just wanted to settle down with his betrothed, and forget about the war, only to find she'd been unfaithful. Between broken trust and broken faith in men, he decided to come out here, and forget mankind as best he could.

“I'm sorry. It's just my guess. Anything is possible.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

As he explained his idea and theory she listened on eith eager ears. But the eagerness to learn something new soon died as he continued. This was one of the times he'd teach her and she'd wish he'd never taught her. Her heart broke as he kept talking and her eyes watered slightly. As soon as he mentioned death tears streemed down her cheek. She knew it was her father but thats all she knew and cried momentarily over someone she didnt remember.

But as Latro pulled out the uniform she stood walking over and touched it and looked up into his eyes.
"This was it...what they wore."
She put the pieces together and then realized Latro had gone to war but came back alright, or so she thought but saw the hurt in his eyes. She gently placed her hands behind his neck and pressed her forehead to his closing her eyes and gently pressing her lips against his.
"But things are okay now right? Because we have each other..right?"

She tryed to comfort him now even thought she too needed some but it was her time to make sure he was going to be okay. He always looked after her and made sure everything was perfect as it could be for her and he seemed like this untouchable force and now seeing this part of him changed him and her thought of him. She loved him and wanted him to know that, and know she was never leaving him.

 

[Tseranc]

He held her as she tried to sooth him, and he looked at her, lost in those emerald eyes. “Yes. We're okay here. I left war behind...it's why I chose to live out here, without other people. We have each other, and it's all I'll ever need.”

They kissed some more, and he held her close. When the tears slowed, he let her up, kissing her forehead as he rose. “I promised you lunch,” he smiled weakly, trying to move to more practical things. Less painful things. He was over the girl who had first broken his heart, but never over the sights he'd seen on battlefields.

Before he began cooking, he buried the uniform back in the furthest reached of his storage room. He then grilled up some venison steaks and a few vegetables to go with them; a hearty meal to get them through the day.

He was not looking forward to dealing with the bear, as it would be bloody, and after this last conversation, it might bring more back. Still, he explained to her, as he served her food, and laid a bit out for the wolves, that he needed to do it. She was more then welcome to join him, and watch, or lend a hand. “Unfortunately we have several weeks ahead of this type of hard work, though none should be so bad as the bear.”

He got up once he was done, and cleaned up. “Your father must have loved you. I'm sure your family misses you. If you ever want, maybe one day we can try to find them. You deserve to know them, and maybe they can help you. No matter what you want to do, I will be there by your side, to help you through it.”

He waited for her to decide how she wished to spend the day, before going to see to the unavoidable bear.

 

[PaintaPicture]

As he broke off from her and said he was to make lunch she understood. They could stand there all day and be sad or get on with their day and get things done. She sat down and talked and listened while he cooked lunch and they ate. She didnt say much since she didnt know what to say. She was at a loss for words and all she wanted to do was make him smile.

When they talked about the hard work she didnt mind at all letting him know this, and that she wanted to help him with the bear. She wasnt sure what he wanted her to do to help but she was sure he'd find her a job. Or send her off to do something else. But she wanted him to be happy and it was making her more sad that he was sad, but she didnt want to let him know that.

His next words were surprising and comforting. Her father loving her and her family loving her was comforting to know. But him saying that one day they might be able to go find them was just something else. Latro hated other people, does that mean he didnt like her family? It didnt make sense and figured they were good people like her and he liked them.

She stood up as he cleaned things stopped him once he was done.
"Are you okay?"
And she placed her hands on his shoudlers and kissed his cheek looking at him concerned.

 

[Tseranc]

He smiled at her, “Yes, I'm fine. It's just sometimes....well in some things I envy your memory loss. There are a few things I've seen I would like to forget forever.” His smile was weak, but genuine. “Come, lets go tackle that bear,” he invited.

Through the day he showed her how to clean the animal, a much harder task with the larger bear, but he was able to teach the basics. He had her help with the meat, as he handed it to her she brought it over to be hung and aged a bit, then they would preserve it. As they grew a bit sore and tired from the work, he joked that if she learned how to 'magic' this done, she'd be a life saver.

Eventually the work of skinning the beast was shown, and he was proud of his work, not causing an more damage to the hide as it was cut from the animal. But that was all he had in him that day, and led her back down to the creak to wash up, as they were both in need of it.

The moon was just coming out over the trees above them, and the sun's light retreating quickly. “Thank you for the help, I'd have never gotten as much done without you.” Reasonably clean, and still wading int eh water, he finished his thanks with a kiss.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She didnt quite understand what he meant when he said he envied her memory loss. She thought having memories were good, but then some were bad and she just got herself confused until he snapped her out of her head and took her to take care of the bear. They worked, talked, and gt lots of things done. He made a joke about her and her magic doing all the work but she didnt know how she could even manage that.

As they finnished and went down to the river to clean up she sighed happily getting herself nice and clean. She looked up at the moon and then back down at Latro smiling.
"I'm glad i could help."
And she stretched out her back and wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him tightly and playfully. Now that work was done with, she felt a bit silly, but she was still tired from working.

She then pulled away and giggled. It was hard for her to remain serious and focused on something for so long. She had been good and worked hard but she thought it was only fair she had her time to play. She then looked at Latro seeing what he wanted to do.
"Do we have to go home now?"
She asked like a little kid might when they are out playing with friends and not wanting to go in.

 

[Tseranc]

He admired her almost childish playful side, and laughed, “No dear, we can stay out here as long as you like.” He smiled and splashed her with water playfully. They had had a long day, even if they got up late; full of tiring work. But as much as he ached, he was proud of all they had done, and the time in which they got it done. Perhaps he overestimated how long things would take with her around, or had he underestimated her? No, he had never done that. Who could underestimate someone that survived without memories, and had run away magic?

They had certainly earned some play time, and play was definitely easier in the water, which helped hold up their tired bodies. He swam around and tickled his lover, darting away, and back for another attack. Her innocent giggle and laugh made it worth every sore movement.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She giggled and squirmed as he splashed her and tickled her. She loved it and kept trying to tickle him back as well as splash. Until she tryed splashing him harder and ended up sending a much larger wave of water than a normal splash could send; her magic was the reason. She stood there in the water like a frightened child and she looked down at her hands.

"I'm so sorry...i..i...i didnt mean to. I dont know how..."

She looked at him unsure of herself studdering as she spoke. It scared her and had just taken all the fun out of her night. She swam over to Latro and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"I dont like it, magic, i cant...cccontrol it."

 

[Tseranc]

As the huge wave hit, he understood what happened, only confirmed by her horrified look. He laughed. He couldn't help it, but he laughed, his long hair now soaking wet, and water still dripping down his face. He didn't stop until he heard and saw how not funny she thought the event was.

He waded over to her, and wrapped her up in his arm, “It's ok, really, everything is fine. No one is hurt, and I think we're learning more about it. You can light fires, but only when frustrated. You splash water when having fun; Ferox, I think your magic is tied to your feelings. The more intense the emotion, the more likely something will happen.”

Latro looked down at the woman in his arms, and tried to reassure her. “Everything is alright, maybe now we know more, and you can learn from there?” he hoped that might be comforting. He knew the unpredictability frightened her, but if they had to live with it, it was best she learn more about her...gifts. Still he couldn't help but wonder how it was a girl with the 'gift' had come to be lost in a forest. Those showing the least bit of talent in the realm of magic were supposedly taken away to mage schools, not to return until their studies in the arcane were complete. Years of study and magic seemed to change people, as he'd always heard that the sons and daughters never came home the same. They were cold and distant.

He tried to imagine Ferox cold and distant, and was pleased when he couldn't.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Although she was rather scared his words were very comforting. As he held her, her body relaxed and she calmed down. It really did frighten the hell out of her and she wished she didnt have it. She was no worried that anytime she had a strong emotion it would happen and she really didnt want to hurt Latro if it happened. Even though he laughed after it happened it could have been worse and she still worried slightly.

"I think i'm ready to go in...are you?"
She didnt feel like playing any more. She looked down at her hands and then back up at Latro pressing her lips against his and trying to muscle a smile. She then pulled away from his arms and crawled out of the water. Her body got goosebumps as the cool air hit her wet skin.

She pulled her clothes on and looked back at him and sat on the ground waiting for him to join her. She was ready to go back and see the pups and get something to eat. She just wanted to relax now and forget about magic and all that stuff and just be with her lover.

 

[Tseranc]

He followed her out of the water, and grabbed his clothes, letting the cool night dry his skin. “It's getting chilly anyway,” he said, and offered his hand to help her stand up. Together they walked, hand in hand, back to the cabin, and were greeted by their furry friends.

He dressed in light cloth pants inside, and began to make everyone a meal. Bear stew, as would be a staple around the cabin fro awhile, was served in wooden bowls. She didn't want to talk about her problems with magic, but he was excited at having learned something new about them. Still, he remained quiet on the subject until she was ready.

So, with a warm fire, a hot meal, and the only company he ever wanted, he remained silent, and enjoyed his home, grinning at Ferox over his bowl as he ate.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She walked back home with him and greeted the pups as they get back in. He made dinner and as they sat and ate she was quiet. She was still kinda nervous about the whole magic thing. But she ate a little and smiled when she saw his smile. She didnt finnish hers and gave the rest to Latro and then just sat there for a minute and sighed. It wasnt a happy sight but it wasnt a sad one. It was inbetween.

She ran her fingers through her hair and looked up at him and smiled a bit more. He could lift her spirits just be smiling at her. Maybe it was her knowing that he cared about her and was there for her when she needed it. He made her feel safe and put things in terms she could understand and make sure she didnt get scared.

"Latro...thank you for taking care of me."
She meant it and wanted to thank him for everything he had ever done for her. She looked down at her bad ankle and saw that it had basically healed all the way and all that was left was the teeth marks. It had healed because of him and she could walk normally. Her new clothes and shoes were because of him. He had killed a bear so that he could keep her warm for the winter. It made her feel special like nothing bad could happen if he were around. Which made her think twice about the whole magic thing. If he were around could she work on it and learn more.
"Do you think...you could help me learn more about my magic...and how i use it?"

She hoped he could but if not she understood. If he could help her control it, maybe she could use it for good things. and not just let it scare her.

 

[Tseranc]

He took in her question, and after a moment, stopped eating. Setting the bowl down he looked at her thoughtfully. “I don't know,” he said finally.. It was an honest answer, and he wanted to start off honest. “But I'd like to try, if that is what you want to do. I'll help in any way I can. Maybe we can spend part of our nights, mornings doing that, and then even more time come winter. You can concentrate on an emotion, and I'll help you focus on that, as best I can. We can try that and see what we learn, and take it from there.”

He still wasn't sure if more magic was best, but figures that controlled magic was better then random 'miracles'. In fact it scared the hell out of him, but knew that to know her, and have her feel safe and comfortable, this was needed.

Finally he got up and kissed her forehead, as was now his habit. “But don't worry about it tonight. It's been a rough few days. I think tonight we should just relax, and enjoy the evening. Perhaps in the morning we'll try something?”

 

[PaintaPicture]

She smiled and was glad that he'd help her with learning more about her magic and how to better control it. That was her biggest fear; that she couldnt control it and something bad would happen. It was always unexpected and made her feel awkward. It was a gift, one she wished she could return. It wasnt something that she wanted but it was part of her and she realized this and knew she'd have to learn more to better understand herself and maybe parts of her past.

As he kissed her forehead and said they should relax she agreed and stretched her arms almost like she was ready for bed.
"yes, i want to try in the morning."
She then walked over to him and bent over wrapping her arms around his waist and giggleing. She looked up at him and kept giggeling.
"hi!"
She sucked on her bottom lip playfully and then let go of his waist and stood up kissing him and nuzzeling her head onto his shoulder.

She got her little giddyness back. She was tired but still playfull. Although she didnt feel like playing she was just being silly and wanting to be close to Latro. She loved being in physical contact with him, it made her feel like everything was gonna be okay.

 

[Tseranc]

He held her close that night, knowing that's all she really needed; and that he too needed her in his arms.

They woke that morning and began what he had promised. He'd try to make her focus on a particular emotion, at first playfulness in the water, and see what came of it. He got splashed a lot, and then more frequently drenched in an unnatural wave.

They worked on fire, remembering that it was the sense of need, initially brought by frustration, that let her light a fire for them, that night on their trek from her cave to his cabin. So he built up fire pits, and tried encouraging her until a spark came. If it did, he put the fire out, and they started over.

Each morning they tried something, at first just for a few hours, then until she used magic. Each morning became a little shorter as she remembered more of her craft. Each day after the practice they worked on hunting, or leather working, and at night cooking lessons, or just relaxing.

Within a month they had all the leather they needed, and were working that into various garments for her; some of which were already becoming needed as the nights grew colder. Bear fur cloak, and boots were the first to be completed, followed by deer hide pants that fit her well. He was proud of those, as it had been the first time he had ever tired to tailor something to a woman before. The result fit tightly to her, and looked attractive, as well as kept her much warmer.

He was still working the new jackets and shirts for her out of what little wool he had, but they were making progress, both on her skills, and preparing for winter.

One night, after a meal of stew, Latro looked up to his lover, and smiled. His fear of her leaving him, after suddenly remembering her past was fading. She remembered a few more details, random events in her life, but never a big burst, not even after she learned more control over her magic. He was proud of her, having come from the girl in the cave to a woman with skills both of the earth and the arcane and never let it change was was truly her; the woman he loved.

With nothing but pride in his eyes, “You're an amazing woman Ferox. I'm a lucky man to see such a strong woman as you, let along fortunate enough to be her mate.”

 

[PaintaPicture]

Everymorning was like school for her. They would wake up and it was practice and learning to control her emotions and channel them into her magic. She picked it up quickly but it could all get rather frustrating which helped with the fire but it was still hard to control. But she soon got better with sparks and fireballs. And with water she got better at moving it and controlling it being able to summon it to her hands, but only in small ammounts.

But those werent the only things she was learning. Latro was a good teacher keeping her well rounded in making things and cooking. Although she got antsy and sometimes prefered to play she enjoyed what he taught her. The new clothes that he made her she enjoyed greatly but mostly stuck to the skirt, vest, and sandals since she could run around in them better but that would change soon as the temperature dropped.

On one night while they were enjoying their lovely stew that Latro had made she looked up and smiled at his comment. It was slightly out of the blue but she didnt mind since it was a rather nice compliment. She swallowed the stew in her mouth and grinned. He was always saying nice things and it always made her happy.
"You're amazing too. I'm fortunate to have you as well."

Ferox then stood up leaning over and kissed him deeply. She then smiled again and kept eating. She continued eating and finnished her stew and sighed happily.
"What should we do tonight? Learn more? Or can we do something else?"
She wasnt really sure what she wanted to do but she wasnt much in the mood to learn. Tonight she was feeling frisky and playfull.

 

[Tseranc]

“Anything you like. I”m sure you need a break, and I think I do too. Its getting increasingly difficult to find new ways to arouse your emotions.” He grinned, enjoying her smile, “Except for one; I think I'll never tire of seeking to arouse you for loving.” He leaned over, and gave her another kiss, laced with his obvious desire.

Not breaking their lips' embrace, he slid closer to his friend and lover, pulling her to him. The world seemed several fold better when he held her in his arms, her body pressed to his. That never changed, and thought of it almost as an addiction. His hand slid up her back until his fingers could trail down her neck in a sensual gesture that had come to feel natural with her.

But Latro was the constant gentleman, even in the wild woods he'd chosen to live in. His mate was to be revered, practically worshiped; never forced. As their kiss finally reached its conclusion, with both needing breath, he whispered in her ear, “I have a few ideas for tonight, if my lovely Ferox is so inclined.” His hint was punctuated with kisses that moved down her jaw and side of her neck, until he nibble at her shoulder.

He looked up with a grin, and almost an apology in his eyes. “Not only can I not help but love you, I can't help but crave your touch.” As he had become used to sharing his home with her, each day it feeling more and more natural; he found his long buried lust came out in force. He wanted her every night, even if he tried not to show it some evenings. Same with the mornings, though he tried even harder to let her focus on her magic during the first part of the day.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She smiled again after his kiss. She could never get tired of his kisses or his trying to get her sexually aroused. They kissed more and his hands and arms embraced her sensually and her arms wrapped around his neck as they continued. And when he pulled back slightly her eyes locked onto his and her cute little smile came back as well.

He had a little idea for that night and she was deffinately curious, wanting to find out what it was. And the little bites and nibbles along her skin sent little chills down her body and she closed her eyes for a moment. His head then came back up with that gorgeous grin of his she kissed his cheek and then proceeded to kiss and nibble at his neck just like he had with hers.

She knew he liked it and wasnt going to fight her doing so and then after a moment she looked back up at him with a grin on her face. It was then followed by a cute giggle and she wrapped her arms around his neck tighter.
"So what are you ideas for tonight my love?"
She then moved her head to nibble on his ear lobe and she let her hot breath move over his skin as she awaited his answer.

 

[Tseranc]

He practically purred as she hugged and nibbled on him, loving her every touch. Between his own kisses on her skin, he looked up and smiled. “Oh just a few notions about you, and me, and maybe that bed over there.” He nodded to the place they slept.

“Or maybe here on the run in front of the fire. Maybe both. Yeah, Both definitely sounds better.” His grin widened and then he rolled away from where they were, and pulled her down to the ground on top of him, never once breaking a deep kiss he started just as he moved.

With her draped over him, her chest pressed to his and hidden only by the thin leather top, he thought, and not for the first time, that he was as lucky as could be. His hands drifted lower, and found a home on her ass, each gripping a cheek firmly. His every mannerism spoke of his love, but a playful, nearly forceful way. He wanted her, that was clear; but he wanted all of her, especially the feisty, playful moods she showed so frequently.

The wolves watched for a moment, and then realizing what was going on, again, they got up, and walked outside, Hymi seemingly amused. That left just the two of the humans on the floor in front of a warm blaze.

 

[PaintaPicture]

She grinned with him as he talked about what his idea were and she deffinately liked them. He then kissed her and pulled her down on top of him right next to the warm fire. Their strong kiss continued his hands making their way to her ass and she kissed him deeper. Her body on his in a comfortable embrace. She love his lips and the way his hands held her body tightly against him.

She then pulled back from their loving kiss.
"I love you."
She sat up all the way and pulled his shirt off and threw it over towards the table and she did the same with the vest/top she had on and sat there topless looking at him with a cute little grin and a tiny giggle came out of her mouth.

She leaned forward slightly and let her hands slide up and down his chest and she shook out her tangled hair and then leaned back down onto him and pressed her lips against his. Her tongue wiggled out to his and snaked it's away around in his mouth. One of her hands stayed on his chest, the other ran through his hair as she continued to very passionately kiss the man that she loved so strongly.

 

[Tseranc]

She was a playful girl and a strong woman all at the same time. A fact he loved as her bare chest met his, and their mouths met in their now familiar, yet no less passionate embrace. Despite his blatant, and somewhat urgent sounding hints at beginning intercourse, he felt he could lay there beneath her forever, so long as they could kiss, and hug like this.

But eventually that kiss, hot and smoldering, ignited the real fire in his veins, and his hands sought the ties that kept her pants, and his, around their respective waists. Once undone, he pushed at hers until they slipped down over her ass, and slid down her legs. He arched his back, and lifted his hips off the ground, pushing his own pants down with minimal help needed from his beautiful Ferox.

Soon he had them both just as he wished, naked. She still lay over him, her weight a comfort, and pressed her smooth skin against his rougher flesh. His cock, already hard, and yearning, jut from between his legs, to between hers, not yet touching her sex, but close, and ready.

His fingers ran through her hair, pulling some from her face so he could gaze into her eyes. “I love you too,” and he smiled back warmly.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Their kiss continued but his hands soon found their way to both of their pants and they were being pulled down and off of their bodies. She layed there on him with a smile on her face. She loved being close to him, skin on skin in a loving embrace. But she did have to admit that actual love making felt better. His fingers in her hair and his eyes glued on her with his confessions of love made her heart flutter. She sat up more and adjusted herself slightly.

She moved her body back and let his cock rub against her soft heated folds. Moaning she rubbed herself against him and then took his cock and slowly moved him inside her. She lowered herself onto him accepting his entire size. She let out tiny moans as she started rocking her hips back and forth her hands on his chest to help balance her slightly. Her eyes never left his as she continued to ride him.

Her breathing became deeper and moans slightly louder as she moved quicker, raising and lowering herself on his cock. She tossed her head back and then immediately brought her eyes back on his letting that look in her eyes confess her undieing love to him. This was the man she never wanted to leave and the man she wanted to love forever.

 

[Tseranc]

He almost complained as she slid down, and further from his lips; that is until he realized why. Any thought of argument vanished as she pressed herself onto his shaft, an eventually sat up so she could raise and lower herself on him at will. He looked up, caught int eh gaze of the younger woman, as she continued to rock back and forth, thrilling them both. Her talent for love making had not needed much improving, but she seemed to get even more irresistible as time went on, letting her instinct take over.

So far, it was slow, and sensual; leaving both plenty of energy to focus on the other. His hips rose up from the ground to meet with hers, in their slow, rhythmic motions. His hands, free of having to hold anyone up, roamed over her body, teasing, squeezing, and gently pulling on her breasts; or running down her sides to gripe her hips and thighs. Every inch of her was beautiful to him, and he wanted to touch and please it all.

His attention was taken from her eyes for a few seconds, as the pendant around her neck swayed from their actions. Its deep green, matching her eyes, seemed to shimmer in the firelight. He shook it off as his seeing things, and smiled again at his lover.

 

[PaintaPicture]

Their love making continued and she moaned as her hips rocked back and forth and she slid up and down his shaft. His hands groping her skin and she tossed her head back as she moved herself faster and harder. She leaned forward to brace herself as she continued moaning and groaning and fucking the man she loved so strongly. She felt a strange dizzy feeling in her head but she ignored it and kept going as she leaned down kissing her lover as they both came together and she nearly collapsed onto his chest breathing hard.

She looked back up at him and smiled with his shaft still burried inside of her. Kissing slid herself off of him and layed down on the floor next to his body. She nuzzeled her face into his neck as she kissed his warm skin and then whispered in his ear.
"I love you."
She sighed happily and let her fingers dance up and down his chest as she stayed close to him. Then the dizzy feeling came back to her head and she blinked hard and it didnt go away this time. Then an intese pain shot into her head and she groaned and rolled away from his body holding her head. Her eyes glowed softly as well as the emerald in her necklace.

The pain continued and grew worse, then started traveling through other parts of her body. As the pain continued the glow grew more. She writhed and groaned on the floor looking over at Latro as she clutched at her body. With the pain came her memories...all of them. Flooding her mind non stop and the pain intensified and she arched her back letting out a terrifying scream. Her body then went limp as she passed out almost appearing dead. The emerald returning to it's normal state along with her eyes.

 

[Tseranc]

Loving her was perfect, as it always seemed to be; at least until she rolled away in pain. He sat up to ask what was wrong, and say the glowing necklace, and then how her eyes matched it. “What's wrong love?” he tried asking. But the only response was more groans as she wiggled about in obvious pain, followed by a scream that seemed to tear through her body.

He wanted to hold her, to comfort her, but she tossed and kicked, and he didn't even know if restraining her would hurt her further. Latro was at a loss, but managed to get her on her back, and searched for signs of the cause. But nothing was evident except her pain, and the glowing pendant around her neck. As he searched, it all stopped as fast as it had appeared, as she went limp in his arms.

Frantic, he checked for her breath and pulse, and found both to be weak. He lifted her up into his arms and carried her to the bed, and covered her up with blankets and furs. He fetched a cloth and soaked it in nearly hot water, to place over her forehead – anything he could think of to help her blood flow, and cold was the opposite.

He looked to Hymi and Isan, who had come over with concern written on their canine faces. “I don't know. I wish I did....” He drifted off, returning his entire focus to his lover.