Khezu Khan

“But I know that I have to face him. I can’t let anyone else get hurt because of me. I think…I think it’s time for me to go home.”
If he had not previously been convinced that there was a shift in her mentality, that statement was more than adequate to solidify the validity of his hypothesis in his mind.  He had just witnessed a transformation, in its own way, in the young girl who's past seemed to be the only taint on her otherwise pure existence.  When she embraced him, however briefly, he knew that something had been reached within her.  There was something true deep within her being that truly longed for expression, but was mired under the weight of experiences that left a less than desirable blight on her psyche.
However, the switch had been flipped, and, whether from his words or from her own series of conclusive musings, she had made the choice to stop running.
Although, this carried with it hidden baggage that nearly threatened to completely subdue the subconscious joy that built within his heart in celebration of her having decided to face her fear if not overcome it.  The reality was that returning home meant she would need to face this man; the terrible perpetrator of these detestable acts would be waiting for Katarina, and he doubted that this man would be doing so with open arms.  He wondered what Katarina was hoping to accomplish, for even in the short time he had known the young beauty, it was made perfectly apparent that she was not a fighter.  Therefore, if she did not desire to fight, then she had other intentions, the implications of which did not sit well with him at all.  While it was most certainly not his place to dictate her life choices, there was a fundamental truth that Katarina did not seem to understand about the nature of his being.
Having bore witness to such malicious acts of a genocidal level, he was completely unable not to respond.
For him, the moment the Pixie troupe was slaughtered, this situation escalated beyond simply guarding Katarina.  Her fiancee would need to answer for his crimes, and he only hoped that when that time came, that Katarina would be in a place to receive the unfortunate reality of what the nature of his being demanded of him.
Having had his thoughts turn toward the fallen tribe, he cast a glance toward Trixie who he had left to tend to her fallen comrade.  Compassion overwhelmed him in that instant and compelled him to respond.  With his decision made, he trained his violet eyes once again on Katarina offering a subtle nod as he began softly, "This may indeed be the best course of action.  However, it would seem imprudent to begin such a trek immediately.  I would suggest continuing to rest briefly before moving forward to..." his expression altered to one of scrutiny as he recalled her as yet unexplained transformation, "replenish our energies.  Would you not agree?"
He waited on her response readying himself to respond to any inquiry or suggestion she offered including the possibility of her requesting that he not accompany her on her journey home.  When completed, he would excuse himself as he moved to check on Trixie.  Arriving to her location, he would watch silently as she finished her tasks before offering his hand to carry her.
Whether she accepted or not, he would sigh weakly before offering, "I admit I find myself unable to offer the assistance I believe you desire.  Emotions and empathy... I implore you, Trixie, help me to help you.  Until you desire to depart or form the Stellar Union, I consider you one of my own.  I will support you."
He feared for the small Fae; he feared the trauma would completely consume her heart and dowse her vibrant soul into darkness, and this simple fact only served to solidify in his mind what he must do.
His thoughts echoed the pledge of his people, "Such malevolence cannot be left to wander this realm and taint pure and innocent souls.  May your evil become the harbinger of the retribution I will bring upon you..."

There was an almost cruel sense of cosmic irony at play as Rave, in less than seconds, considered the options available to him given the surrounding circumstances that vied for his attention.  On one hand, he was holding a now deceased member of the hyperactive Fae's clan, which, should protocol be followed, necessitated a proper burial to maintain some semblance of decency in the preservation of the memory of Trixie's fallen kin.  To ignore this course of action, he felt, would be an extremely untimely faux pas crossing far over the line of insensitivity.
On quite literally the other hand, lie Trixie, the Fae to whom he had grown quite attached.  The thought of leaving her in emotional turmoil as he busied about the task of burying the dead nearly made him wretch as a grimace notably overcame his normally calm, composed features.  She had just endured a genocidal level of trauma, and to exacerbate the situation, she had just held the hand of the last of her clansmen as he passed into the ethereal void of the fallen.  He could not imagine what she would be experiencing when the reality of the situation finally ran its course and set into her mind, and he wanted to be by her side to provide her the strength necessary to overcome the darkness he was sure would threaten to devour her very soul.
Then there was Katarina; the sweet, innocent being who's benevolence radiated so vibrantly he was certain that even if he was not a Star he would have been able to feel its soothing caresses gently lulling him into the most serene state of peace he had ever known.  However, that very girl, was now thrown headlong into just as much emotional agony as he feared would consume Trixie.  The dying Fae's last words haunted even him as he vividly recalled the violent spike of malevolence from the small creature just moments before he drew his last breath, and something broke.  The girl was off nearly before his keen mind had time to register her movement as she struggled to physically escape emotional demons.
His brow furrowed sternly as he made his choice.
While he did not wish to exert any additional energy (still vigilantly aware of the possibility of the perpetrator having remained in the vicinity) and thus alerting anyone nearby who would be capable of detecting such expenditure, he knew that he would feel the presence of the malevolence of the villain if he were still in the area and long before his approach was close enough to seal their fate as well.  Therefore, especially since he noted Katarina's steed's lack of movement, he would tend to Trixie first, for he knew that his light traveling ability would almost instantly cover any distance the girl could cover should she succeed in fleeing.
He asked Trixie gently, softly, if she desired for her kinsman to be buried as well as what she needed, if anything, from him.  He would grant nearly any request she made of him.
During this time, he would be dedicating enough of his attention to Katarina to be aware of her movements, and as soon as he was finished on Trixie's front, he approached the sobbing girl.
It was truly painful to see such a bright and shining star blighted by such an atrocity and his heart reached for the words to console her.  He stood near her side, minding both Desiree and her reaction as he did not wish to worsen the situation by his proximity or an unwelcome action such as touching her even if only to offer her his sympathy.
Instead, stricken with anger at the suffering of two bright souls, he struggled to speak to Katarina.  He whispered, "You are not at fault," he paused as he found his voice and pleaded, "Katarina, you are not at fault."
He would wait momentarily for a response from her or to respond to any request or reaction she had before continuing gently, "You are something beautiful.  Truly, you are as unique as any of heaven's stars.  It is for this reason you are sought by such powerful darkness.  However, for this you are not to blame.  It is not true that simply because evil behaves evilly in an effort to control you that you become responsible for that evil.  Please, allow me to remain at you side.  You need not flee; you need not hide.  I implore you, trust me, and there may yet be an outcome that breaks the cycle you so deeply fear."
Rave was beginning to understand his reason for having been sent to this realm; he only prayed she would give him the opportunity to fully realize it. 

Rave wasted not a second to flit to Trixie's side having witnessed the telling signs of her inevitable decent to the charred earth.  His body flickered, hardly perceptible, before he instantly appeared with his hands outstretched to catch the descending fae comfortably where no additional harm or injury could pierce her fatigued body.  Given the amount of raw energy she had expended and the depths too which she had to reach in order to access that power, he knew even a minor fall could breed grievous injury to the empty creature.
He did not spare a second thought before his hands began to radiate with a dim glow characteristic of his expenditure of his light energy.  While he was no healer, he could easily restore energy reserves to those beings who had them; thus keeping Trixie from falling into some sort of coma of magic deprivation or perhaps an unknown condition that would have its onset with nearly tapped reserves.
As he stood there holding her gently, he could not help but to be proud that she was able to respond with such fervor following the revelation of such a traumatic event.  However, it was that thought that brought his musings to a dark place.  The devastation wrought here was on a genocidal scale regardless of what manner of species was the recipient of the slaughter.  This Pixie had just had everyone she knew and possibly loved taken from her in an instant and forced to both realize it and put it aside to spare the surroundings further destruction in the same moment.  He could not imagine how she would feel when she was well enough to allow the reality to truly set into her mind, but he would not abandon her.
He looked down at her waiting to respond in case she was conscious and well enough to speak silently praying that he would be able to keep her from falling into the darkness invoked by this tragedy.
Momentarily, he would glance toward Aegloswen to ascertain her location and safety before drifting toward Katarina who looked to be struggling with the reality of the situation just as much as he feared Trixie would.  How was it that such an innocent being could come to have a relationship with a devil capable of these acts?  It should not have even been possible, but there it was plain as day refusing to be ignored.
Before he had a chance to begin formulating a plan of how to handle the culprit or what to say to Katarina regarding this disaster, he heard her call out at having found a survivor and hastily flitted to her side.  The pour creature in her hands was doomed without immediate attention.
“Is there…anything we can do?”
He turned his head to address her question, said: "It is not within my power to heal him; however, I can supply his being with energy that may be used to stabilize his life.  May I have him?"
He extending his unoccupied hand, and if Katarina placed the wounded fae there, he would begin the same treatment he was currently providing Trixie.  If Aegloswen had joined them at this time, he would extend to her Katarina's question, "Is it within your abilities to heal this fae?"

Trixie sat there solemn within Rave’s large hands, as if her whole world didn’t exist anymore. Even as he asked her his question, she was silent for a long moment. Her small hand touched the elder’s face, the tears streaming but not accompanied by sobs or shudders of her shoulders anymore. She seemed exhausted and aged. Her youthful brilliance was dimmed by her new reality. She stroked down his wrinkled and burned cheeks. Finally she spoke.

“Pixies return to the earth in magic that bless the land. His body…and the bodies of my people will nourish the burnt land and allow it to regrow. Set us to the ground, I will handle this. I...I have strength.”

When Rave sat her down, she took a moment to look to the fires now put out and smoldering in snakes of smoke. Her heart tightened as she saw the small skulls, survived amongst the ashes in the form of blackened sphere. Some larger. Some far too small. Yet she knew that their bodies, through turned to dust, still permeated the ground below them with life. She felt it. It saddened her and comforted her at the same time. 
However...the building anger within her once lightened heart could not be silenced or ignored by this. She needed to face the killer of her people, look him into the eyes and see the evil herself. If for anything then to prove that such evil exists. Then defeat it.  

. . .
“You’re not at fault. Katarina, you’re not at fault.”

Between the shuddering sobs pouring from Katarina’s lips, she heard his words. They seeped through her sorrow and loosened the coiling agony within her stomach enough for her to listen. She turned her head from Desiree’s mane to look at him, her violet hair stuck to her wet cheeks and hues glimmering like an ocean from the tears. 

The words that followed immediately caressed her in a way that made her cheeks flush crimson. She turned her sorrowful eyes down and away from him, the serenade of his comfort stroking the strings of her heart and making it throb. His sense of purity was on a surreal level. He was honorable and true, speaking the truth through his eyes. The tonicity and delivery of his deep voice was an echo from something greater and beyond the concepts of the mundane. It cascaded upon the ears with a grandeur of the heavens. The stars, so to speak. The words you'd hope to hear when you prayed or wished to the skies. The rush in her mind slowed into serenity from a place she could not recognize; something deeper than her own hands could ever reach.

"Please, allow me to remain at you side.  You need not flee; you need not hide.  I implore you, trust me, and there may yet be an outcome that breaks the cycle you so deeply fear."

She stared back at him, the last of her tears dripping from the edges of her astonished countenance—he made her believe him. Katarina had never seen a guardian angel, she was new the world and all its tales, but she read about them in the books of her chambers. They were not associated with form or beauty, but a feeling of security and tranquility during the times of greatest chaos; an unfathomable entity that gave one the will to keep fighting. She wanted to be close that oscillation of strength waving from his body—she wanted to feel is mitigate through her flesh and banish all the fear within her body.
Instinct suddenly drove her and she fell from the back of the horse and into his chest, fingers kneading deep into the cloth of his shirt.

She stayed there, eyes closed as she honed in on that sensation. Everything else within her mind faded away. She only existed through the serene cadence of her own heart. But it only lasted for a few beats. Her mind revived and she realized what she was doing. The blush upon her face became a burning flame throughout her entire body and she sprung back from him, curling her arms down her fingers as far away from him and as close to herself as possible. Back pressed against Desiree, who neighed lowly, she turned her head away and lowered it until her hair curtained her expression.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered so soft that it was barely heard. “T-Thank you…”

She chewed on her bottom lip for a long moment, trying to steel her nerve and continue to speak.

“B-but…but I don’t know what..I don’t know what to do.” She brought a hand to her bicep, still refusing to reveal her face. A small sob transpired. “I’m scared.”

Even as the words left her mouth, she knew running could not be the answer anymore. She felt as if the tread of her very footsteps was a beacon for death. Though she stayed safe, the lands she passed through were left scorched and stained with blood and flames. She couldn’t be selfish anymore, she couldn’t risk others getting hurt because of her own desire for freedom. She would rather marry Christopher and suffer for the rest of her life than face another society being burned alive. She didn’t have a choice…Not after tonight.  

“But I know that I have to face him. I can’t let anyone else get hurt because of me. I think…I think it’s time for me to go home.”

The rest of her plan, Katarina kept to herself. Concealing it felt like stabbing glass within her heart. But it was nothing compared to the idea of Rave going into battle for her sake. She’d couldn’t stand the idea of anyone else getting hurt because of her mishaps. Her fiance...was hurt. It was her fault that he was hurt. She ran away. She had to fix it.

There was an almost cruel sense of cosmic irony at play as Rave, in less than seconds, considered the options available to him given the surrounding circumstances that vied for his attention.  On one hand, he was holding a now deceased member of the hyperactive Fae's clan, which, should protocol be followed, necessitated a proper burial to maintain some semblance of decency in the preservation of the memory of Trixie's fallen kin.  To ignore this course of action, he felt, would be an extremely untimely faux pas crossing far over the line of insensitivity.
On quite literally the other hand, lie Trixie, the Fae to whom he had grown quite attached.  The thought of leaving her in emotional turmoil as he busied about the task of burying the dead nearly made him wretch as a grimace notably overcame his normally calm, composed features.  She had just endured a genocidal level of trauma, and to exacerbate the situation, she had just held the hand of the last of her clansmen as he passed into the ethereal void of the fallen.  He could not imagine what she would be experiencing when the reality of the situation finally ran its course and set into her mind, and he wanted to be by her side to provide her the strength necessary to overcome the darkness he was sure would threaten to devour her very soul.
Then there was Katarina; the sweet, innocent being who's benevolence radiated so vibrantly he was certain that even if he was not a Star he would have been able to feel its soothing caresses gently lulling him into the most serene state of peace he had ever known.  However, that very girl, was now thrown headlong into just as much emotional agony as he feared would consume Trixie.  The dying Fae's last words haunted even him as he vividly recalled the violent spike of malevolence from the small creature just moments before he drew his last breath, and something broke.  The girl was off nearly before his keen mind had time to register her movement as she struggled to physically escape emotional demons.
His brow furrowed sternly as he made his choice.
While he did not wish to exert any additional energy (still vigilantly aware of the possibility of the perpetrator having remained in the vicinity) and thus alerting anyone nearby who would be capable of detecting such expenditure, he knew that he would feel the presence of the malevolence of the villain if he were still in the area and long before his approach was close enough to seal their fate as well.  Therefore, especially since he noted Katarina's steed's lack of movement, he would tend to Trixie first, for he knew that his light traveling ability would almost instantly cover any distance the girl could cover should she succeed in fleeing.
He asked Trixie gently, softly, if she desired for her kinsman to be buried as well as what she needed, if anything, from him.  He would grant nearly any request she made of him.
During this time, he would be dedicating enough of his attention to Katarina to be aware of her movements, and as soon as he was finished on Trixie's front, he approached the sobbing girl.
It was truly painful to see such a bright and shining star blighted by such an atrocity and his heart reached for the words to console her.  He stood near her side, minding both Desiree and her reaction as he did not wish to worsen the situation by his proximity or an unwelcome action such as touching her even if only to offer her his sympathy.
Instead, stricken with anger at the suffering of two bright souls, he struggled to speak to Katarina.  He whispered, "You are not at fault," he paused as he found his voice and pleaded, "Katarina, you are not at fault."
He would wait momentarily for a response from her or to respond to any request or reaction she had before continuing gently, "You are something beautiful.  Truly, you are as unique as any of heaven's stars.  It is for this reason you are sought by such powerful darkness.  However, for this you are not to blame.  It is not true that simply because evil behaves evilly in an effort to control you that you become responsible for that evil.  Please, allow me to remain at you side.  You need not flee; you need not hide.  I implore you, trust me, and there may yet be an outcome that breaks the cycle you so deeply fear."
Rave was beginning to understand his reason for having been sent to this realm; he only prayed she would give him the opportunity to fully realize it. 

Gradually parting her small hands, Katarina placed the injured pixie within the palms of Rave. Her glistening cheeks danced with the fading embers of ash in the black air lifting from the scorched earth, and her lips held a deep frown. The elderly pixie reflected within her eyes and she swore she could feel his agonizing distress. Her own lungs felt inflamed with smoldering ash as his struggled to breathe. Except her burn was of guilt.
Trixie opened her eyes, the near sensation of her own kind drawing her from the threatening haze upon her mind. She reached over and grasped the elder's darkened and bruised hand, barely applying pressure but maintaining compassionate contact. The small elderly pixie opened his eyes with great fatigue, turning his head towards Trixie. The husk in his voice increased as he grasped, but relief shone within those eyes. However, the rest of his senses and memory transformed that relief into despair. He then stared through the tears of his own mental and physical pain, turned his head from her and taking in the imagery of Rave. Thoughtless, he slowly continued his vision and saw Katarina for the first time.

Something illuminated within his eyes, a recognition that daunted the demons of his suffering and instead saturated him with emotions whorled between hatred and guilt.

“Violet hair,” he whispered out, barely audible. His entire body suddenly trembled madly with resistance to his own will and tears leaked down his cheeks. In the end, only his hand lifted and pointed at the young girl, who stood there chained by it.  “He…wanted you.”

Katarina's world froze. Her heart seemed to paralyze with it. Everything within ached and clenched tightly. Her breath struggled to form words.

“Wha..” she trailed off. There was no need to confirm her suspicions. The pixie did it nonetheless; in the a way that twisted the knife already planted within her.

“He…destroyed everything…because of you.”

That was it. Her face scrunched up in misery, aquamarine hues becoming an ocean of sorrow and guilt. The pixie’s hand fell and his breath became no more. Even when Rave’s energy gave him to strength to express those last words, his will had diminished without the promise of his people. Katarina’s hands slapped to her mouth and nose. They cupped her heavy breathing and moans of apology. Violet tresses draped over her shuddering shoulders as she leaned over, the tense coils within her body melting into sheer weakness. Her knees wanting to sink into the earth and keep on sinking until she disappeared. She apologized at least seven more times through her sobbing voice before suddenly rapidly turning and running away from the scene.

“D-Desiree!” she cried out.

Wings fluttered as Desiree leaped to her side. Katarina frantically climbed onto her steed, cheeks flushed and countenance tight. She gripped the silvery strands of the horse and tugged them tightly.



“Go, go!” she exclaimed out.
Desiree did not move. The horse neighed hesitantly under her breath and turned her head towards Katarina’s face, attempting to touch her velvet nose to the girl’s cheek. Katarina pushed her away in frustration, and kicked her heels into the horse’s side.

“Go, Desiree! We can’t stay here anymore!” Her sobbing had not stopped, only heightening in her vexation and insistence. The steed however, remained stoic. “Please, go!”

Katarina urged more and more, until her emotions overwhelmed her and she leaned her head  into the mane of the horse. Her entire body trembled. Her hands released the mane and fell to a loose embrace on the horse’s thick warm neck. She cried and she cried.

“Please…go…” she whispered before giving. She just laying there, sobbing.

The crashing and sibilant sounds of charred log upon the lake struck Trixie like a hard bolt and shivered down her spine. She wasn’t startled, but her heart raced and her breath struggled to repair itself. Her back was to the lake and the mist of the collision blanketed her golden wings in droplets kisses. But she didn’t look back.  Her crimson eyes clinched shut and she shook her head once, reminding herself that there were things greater than her grief. As Rave prepared, so did she.
The Fae’s tiny body began to illuminate, a golden orb shrouding her figure in a blaze tainting the darkness like the crest of the morning sun. She felt for her people—magic from countless generations of living and loving the earth of the shoreline. Their imprints were both in the soil and water, clinging to life as theirs bodies faded away into sobbing ashes and silent screams. Her heart immediately wept, tears of misery streaming from within and gradually drowning her with struggle.  Yet her tiny fingers intertwined at her chest, praying for their strength to conquer her weakness.
She then felt their spread of hands reach out through the earth. Though the scorched wound was still bleeding death and pulsating with agony, Trixie pleaded for them to use the last of their spirits to save the forest they called their home.
Rave’s lightning struck the earth, whipping it into a sail of heavy loam—Trixie’s optics opened with glimmering power and she waved her hand across the air. The fae’s essence saturated within the soil took to her influence slapped the flames. Brown collided with the war of orange and crimson, immediately snuffing it into smoke. Already fatigued, her other hand waved at the crest of lakewater as it reached the height of its risen glory and descended it into the fiery banks to silence the remaining embers. Then she dropped. Immediately loosing the strength to fly, her wings seized with struggle before she fell towards the ground.
Only small elements of the flames remained, and thanks to Aeglowsen’s efforts, those too were put to rest. The land was left with snakes of gray slithering from the ground and filing the skies devoid of it once sunset glow. Now the night was blackened and thick, permeated with the scent of charred oak, foliage, and flesh.
Katarina sighed with lashes low on her eyes. The shimmer of her diamond adorned physique settled its sparkle as the lights faded into nothing. She was wet and the thread thin diamond strands of her hair captured the moist droplets like the dew upon cobwebs. There was a calm but not serenity surrounding her, like the still of a graveyard or the silence of distraught. For a long moment, the young woman forgot she was breathing, that her heart was beating, for the reaper’s cloak coated the scene so heavily that it felt like sin to still be alive.
A strong part of her wished it was so, because she knew her punishment of being left amongst the living. She knew that it would come soon. When it did, she found she couldn’t bare it.
Katarina fell to her knees, buried her face into her diamond hands, and sobbed miserably. This was all her fault. The blood of an entire village plus a rare and beautiful creature all leaked between her fingers. The pain she felt was tantalizing, as if the countless hands of the fae were penetrating within her chest and taking their own piece of her heart. How could she ever live with herself after this? Was this the cost of her freedom? Of friendship? Was this the world she came into?
I’ve been so selfish. She thought despondently. My freedom is not worth this.
She would have wallowed within her pity for an eternity if not for a sound within the debris near her. She lifted her crystalline eyes and glanced to her left. One of the charred mushroom rooftops of the village whispered with a shuffling noise. Katarina reached over slow and lifted the mushroom, revealing an injured pixie. 
“I-I found someone!” she called out before rushing to the lake shoreline. She dipped her diamond hands into the water, stream immediately bursting from the touch. The cool water doused the heat from her hands before she returned to the pixie and slowly cupped him within her palms.
The pixie was in bad awful shape, an elderly gent with a beard as long as his waist, but most of it was burned away. Several grossly blackened wounds covered most of his body as well—one of his sapphire wings also didn’t survive the flames. The depth and husk of his rapid breathing told Katarina his lungs might have also been burned. Katarina knew he struggled to hold onto life, she knew she could ask him what happened before he was gone. But she was scared..so scared. Instead she took her head and looked at the others.
“Is there…anything we can do?”
 
Offtopic: This is 3months old I know and sincerely apologize. It's been really, really, really intense here. If you guys still want to continue, I think I should be able to manage again!

The smell of smoke and the prickling of the ash made her feel like she was standing inside a raging bonfire, overwhelming and all-consuming flames had laid waste to the paradise that once prospered here. Nevertheless, Aegloswen kept her eyes wide open despite their watering. Feet touching solid, unmarked earth, she took in the scene in all its horror. The stink of burning flesh, the sounds of crackling of burning wood, waves of heat from the flames, the taste of smoke on her tongue the sight of the destroyed world seared to her mind. The scene triggered her gag reflex, the horrors committed made her feel ill, Aegloswen knew she would never be able to rid this from her mind. There was no reasons which would explain such actions against creatures.
However, her dwelling would have to be proposed. It seemed her companions had other plans. Moving forward with them, she took to the surrounding area once the once great beast’s body had slipped into the surface. The movements of Rave and Trixie did not go unnoticed as she moved between what remained of the thriving eco-system. Dirty from the soil splayed combined with the hissing of wood, her fingers began to push and pull at the still warm materials in an attempt to see if any had managed to with stand the inferno. Most likely, it was a reckless hope, but Aegloswen wanted to at least try before abandon all prospect…
Soon, her fingers were black from soot while minor burns dotted her skin as she touched a piece of ground still too hot, beads of perspiration dotted her skin along with smudges of midnight were she had brushed them away in annoyance. Although, she could not fail to miss the transformation which Katarina was going through, it both awed and confirmed her early suspicious. They were by no means an ‘average’ collection of individuals, Rave being what he was and now this side of Katarina was being brought to light.
The mirage of lights it created was beautiful, yet Aegloswen also found is terrifying in a way, to conduct such power within one’s own body. The rawness of diamonds, and such gems make Aegloswen eyebrows arch slightly as she continued to observe. Catching Rave’s gaze, her brows raised a little higher before her feet moved her closer to the body of water. Aegloswen had the intention of seeing what could be done for what was left of the reptile that had once roamed these waters.
Off topic: I have a similar problem of exams, my posts maybe a little short/slow... My apologies. 

That caught his attention.  A very simple statement hidden in a very simple request: the little Fae had actually used his name.  Whether it was due to her emotionally embroiled state or some manner of deliberate choice he did not know, but what he did know was that the situation had affected her enough for her to make that minute difference that spoke volumes.
Setting aside these thoughts, as well as his concern for her mental state, he responded promptly to her request, "I will do as I am able.  Prepare yourself; let us see if enough of your magic indeed remains within the soil."
However, just before he allocated the appropriate amount of energy necessary to accomplish his task, his head snapped up as he heard the telling crack of the large beam of wood echo throughout the clearing.  Within seconds of the sound catching his attention, he noticed the beam teetering as it began to lean toward the lake more and more until its descent into the liquid reservoir was a forgone conclusion.  His eyes darted toward Trixie to ensure she was not in the path of the burning plank, and if she was not in harm's way, he would dive from the path as it gained momentum to land with a loud hiss in the cooling waters of the lake.
His eyes tracked the burning object once again taking note of the remains of the large, reptilian creature Trixie referred to as Nag.  His eyes bounced toward Trixie so quickly he was almost uncertain he had actually gazed in her direction at all.  Everything in him called to go to her to ascertain how she was fairing, but realizing that the fire needed to be dealt with first as well as the fact that she seemed to possess enough mental stability to be concerned with the fire, he retrained his focus on complying with the Fae's request.  As he gathered his energy, he mentally concluded that it would be imprudent to exert the amount of force he had previously been planning to commit.  Not only would the night guarantee that any energy he lost while its veil covered the land would not be replenished, but if the culprit remained in the area whether just nearby or secretly observing their actions, he would be at a larger disadvantage should the situation grow hostile.
With this in mind, he decided to make use of the surrounding elements available to him as he targeted the embankment of the lake.  He made eye contact with Trixie to make sure she was ready to act when he did before a determined expression etched into his features as he uttered, "Ma'akunai!"
Bright bolts of white, hot lightning screamed furiously from his pointed digits and struck the ground with a concussive force that dug deep into the earth while throwing piles of dirt into the air.  He dragged his hands from that point toward the blazing pyre along the path of the fallen stake instantly embedding a trench in the soil.  The water from the lake would flow along the path he carved and aid in quenching the flames even as Trixie used her magic on the dirt to help smother the inferno promising an end to its destructive reign.
Although, upon completion of his attack, a dazzling spectacle caught his attention as he finished facing toward the base of the pyre.  Katarina, who he now realized had run straight into a blaze, was standing in the middle of said blaze shining almost as brightly as his own light when in his activated state.  The glimpses he caught of her through the now descending flames revealed her to have a new composition that he could not discern from his distance other than its highly reflective nature.  As he looked for Aegloswen and Trixie to see if they noticed it as well, he mused, "Truly, I am dealing with no ordinary group of individuals... 

That caught his attention.  A very simple statement hidden in a very simple request: the little Fae had actually used his name.  Whether it was due to her emotionally embroiled state or some manner of deliberate choice he did not know, but what he did know was that the situation had affected her enough for her to make that minute difference that spoke volumes.
Setting aside these thoughts, as well as his concern for her mental state, he responded promptly to her request, "I will do as I am able.  Prepare yourself; let us see if enough of your magic indeed remains within the soil."
However, just before he allocated the appropriate amount of energy necessary to accomplish his task, his head snapped up as he heard the telling crack of the large beam of wood echo throughout the clearing.  Within seconds of the sound catching his attention, he noticed the beam teetering as it began to lean toward the lake more and more until its descent into the liquid reservoir was a forgone conclusion.  His eyes darted toward Trixie to ensure she was not in the path of the burning plank, and if she was not in harm's way, he would dive from the path as it gained momentum to land with a loud hiss in the cooling waters of the lake.
His eyes tracked the burning object once again taking note of the remains of the large, reptilian creature Trixie referred to as Nag.  His eyes bounced toward Trixie so quickly he was almost uncertain he had actually gazed in her direction at all.  Everything in him called to go to her to ascertain how she was fairing, but realizing that the fire needed to be dealt with first as well as the fact that she seemed to possess enough mental stability to be concerned with the fire, he retrained his focus on complying with the Fae's request.  As he gathered his energy, he mentally concluded that it would be imprudent to exert the amount of force he had previously been planning to commit.  Not only would the night guarantee that any energy he lost while its veil covered the land would not be replenished, but if the culprit remained in the area whether just nearby or secretly observing their actions, he would be at a larger disadvantage should the situation grow hostile.
With this in mind, he decided to make use of the surrounding elements available to him as he targeted the embankment of the lake.  He made eye contact with Trixie to make sure she was ready to act when he did before a determined expression etched into his features as he uttered, "Ma'akunai!"
Bright bolts of white, hot lightning screamed furiously from his pointed digits and struck the ground with a concussive force that dug deep into the earth while throwing piles of dirt into the air.  He dragged his hands from that point toward the blazing pyre along the path of the fallen stake instantly embedding a trench in the soil.  The water from the lake would flow along the path he carved and aid in quenching the flames even as Trixie used her magic on the dirt to help smother the inferno promising an end to its destructive reign.
Although, upon completion of his attack, a dazzling spectacle caught his attention as he finished facing toward the base of the pyre.  Katarina, who he now realized had run straight into a blaze, was standing in the middle of said blaze shining almost as brightly as his own light when in his activated state.  The glimpses he caught of her through the now descending flames revealed her to have a new composition that he could not discern from his distance other than its highly reflective nature.  As he looked for Aegloswen and Trixie to see if they noticed it as well, he mused, "Truly, I am dealing with no ordinary group of individuals... 

The air burned an orange hue as the trio traveled through forest and sky towards the rising flames in the distance. Katarina squinted her eyes against the ash, rising her sweater over her mouth and nose before steering Desiree away from the onslaught of smoke. Her heavy heart became a stone pounding and knocking against her chest,  and her breath was permeated with anxiety. Apprehension nested within her like a virus spreading a copious progeny of fear throughout her mind. However, she compelled herself to shallow the panic and bury it under the sole chance that the fire was natural. That her presence within the forest had nothing to do with it. This didn't stop her thighs and arms from trembling against her steed. Everything within felt coiled, desperately wanting to flee.
 
The lake barely peaked through the thick charcoal breath in the air, but it reflected carmine as flames licked ravenously upon the shoreline. By the time they reached the meadow, the fire had devoured a good mass of it. With fortune it had not reached the borderline of the trees, the naturally moist moss and muddy ground retarding the spread. But there was no doubt that the village of the pixies was lost within the inferno’s belly.
 
Desiree drove down, finding grass that had not be scorched and landed into a gallop, her wings spreading to slow her speed until she came to a smooth trot and stop.  Katarina stared in horror at the fire, at first questioning how the flames grew so tall with nothing but meadow to feed on. Closer inspection gave her a terrible revelation. She slid off the horse, boots sinking into the soft ground, and she slowly walked towards the fire. Her eyes were wide, stricken with distraught, and glistened with growing tears as she gazed upon the cruelty.

 
Where the village once was, tree debris had been tossed into a great bonfire formation. At the heart of it, a tree broken from the forest impaled the earth. Speared upon it like a fish through the mouth to the rear was Nag.


The flames were eating greedily upon his flesh, bursting in fullness from the fuel provided. From there the fire spread at shorter heights into the meadow. Katarina couldn’t still if it was the work of the flames or not, but the hide upon Nag's outrageous tail was missing, the muscle bubbling and cooking under the heat. She slowly lowered her eyes, her aquamarine irises now upon a small golden speck upon the ground before the flames. It shined from the folded wings of Trixie's back, who sat still before the sight. The pixie slowly turned her head to Rave, who while would not have received an answer to his call, would have found her by this point.
 

"What...what is this?"
 
Her whisper was barely audible over the popping sounds of burning wood, tears streaming down her crimson eyes like rivers and dripping upon her folded knees. The shock was so traumatizing that she didn’t have the voice to sob, to think, and at this point even believe what was transpiring before her.  Her cheeks grew hot, the fire crawling closer, but she had half the mind to let it take her—for in a single night, everything she ever cared about, and everything that ever cared about her, was suddenly gone. Murdered. Tormented. Burnt alive. Displayed. She wanted she convince herself...how could this possibly be real? How could anything so utterly awful truly happen. To them? To her?

 
Then a flash of violet rushed by her and Rave, pursued by a familiar saccharine smell. Trixie barely had time to glance over before she saw Katarina run passed them and disappear into the flames.

 
“W-Wait!” Trixie was broken from her spell, racing after the teenager until the dangerous heat reprimanded her and she retreated back. She looked absolutely panicked. “Don't!”

 
She streaked back and forth along the boundaries of the flames, distracted from the agonizing knife of her own despair piercing and twisting within. Gold lines followed her tiny body as she sped along frantically, trying to think of a way to save the poor girl who seemed to forfeit her life. In realizing, she needed to save Katarina, it dawned that the entire forest was in peril. She rotated her tiny body around, looking to the others for help. She suddenly remembered the sandstorm Rave conjured up earlier against—her heart clenched. She couldn't even think about Nag.

 
“Biggie! I..I mean R-Rave!” she came to him. “Can you bring up earth again? If there's enough pixie magic left in the earth, I might be able to make it bigger.”

 
Of course none of them had no way of knowing Katarina had intrinsic protections against the flames.

 
Katarina clumsily tripped and stumbled over the debris until she reached the towering center and shoved her shoulder against the burning trunk with all her might. Her face scrunched in struggle and her mind filled with desperation, she tried to dislodge the tree. This is too cruel.  She thought as she forced all her weight into it, digging her feet into the scorching earth. How could anyone do this? Her feet suddenly slid back, her force to weak to influence the deeply rooted stake, and she fell to her knees. This was worse than the farm land, worse than her wedding night, Katarina couldn’t bare to let the pixie bare this sight. She knew not of the existence of the village but natural sense of empathy to others revealed to her how much it hurt. Thinking of Trixie's broken demeanor, she stood and shoved her body against the trunk again, crying out for more strength. Her body, mysteriously made of something other than flesh, was increasingly absorbing the embrace of heat. By mere contact alone, she started to shear away the trunk.

 
In the time that her companions acted against the spread of fire, they would suddenly see Nag’s pierced body began to waver, increasing before it tilted toward the lake, snapped free with a popping sound, and crashed into the surface of water. Sibilant sounds echoed through the air with steam, the heart of the flames hissing away its last breaths. Katarina stood in the middle of the surviving flames, chest heaving heavily with breath. The surrounding embers were still taller than she, but through its wavering they might have gotten a glimpse of her. If they did, they would see she was no longer flesh, but composed of sheer diamond. Rather, they would see the dancing kaleidoscopic shine of diamonds devouring and refracting the amber light.   
 
Offtopic: I apologize for how long this took. My posts are going to be a bit slow for a while. I'm experiencing near-end of the semester workload craziness.

Aegloswen rolled over, instinct pulling her from the sweet realms of sleep. Something was wrong, snapping her eyes open, she leapt into action as her ears began to pick up sounds of a communication within the house. A knock on her door signalled her worse fears, there was something very wrong indeed. Rave’s words confirming the reality. Finally finding the source of the deep red which caused the shadows of the house to loom menacingly under its light as she stepped outside her door. Aegloswen was used to the sight of fire forest fires, it was a natural occurrence that would rage for about an hour before succumbing and going out. This one on the other hand, looked like it had been created, the light had a colour that gave her feelings of uneasy and ill-giving.
Taking the steps of her many stairs two at a time in her haste, almost falling down on occasion but her pace never slackened. Moving onto the lower floor and towards the front door, her nose began to twitch and sting with the sharp smells of burning and smoke that proceeded to slowly enter the room through the open the door. She catch brief phrases of Katarina’s words as her fingers curled around the door to slam it shut as she hurtled towards her companions.
Judging from the light of flame boarding the tree tops combined with the words ‘lake’, Aegloswen could only assume something or someone had set the area ablaze. Fires within a forest were a risky thing even if they were small, this one appeared to have reached the stage of an inferno. Aegloswen didn’t even want to image the carnage it would bring to the woodland and wildlife surrounding the body of water. Gritting her teeth, she spurred forward to where Desiree and Katarina waited, the agitation clear upon her features even at a distance.
A momentary hesitation ensnared Aegloswen as she moved closer to accept Katarina’s hand to ride the horse. Personally, she had never been flying and wasn’t very good at horse riding, the idea of doing something which combined them did not bond well for her. Her stomach did a few flips as she slipped her fingers through Katarina’s, the climb up was simple. Clamping her slight build to the body of the creature as it took to motion and then flight, she supressed her anxiousness, resolving to put her faith in the skill of her companion. Aegloswen kept herself straight as the wind threatened to pull her right off, the ash stinging and blurring her gaze.
Nevertheless, she kept them wide open for the whole fight. “May Gaia have mercy upon us…” A pray wouldn’t do much, but it was good to know that she had prepared for the ultimate. Creeping one hand over her shoulder between wing beats to keep steady, her bow was released from its keeping and an arrow kept ready between her fingers against the cold smooth curve. The wood between her fingers calmed her, kept her thinking straight. Aegloswen skimmed through the possibilities of what might of caused this hell fire, unfortunately she had could not come up with something that would fit the proportion of it. Whatever had happened, Aegloswen had not doubt that it was a natural occurrence.

The serenity of his thoughts was instantly shattered like a victimized mirror that happened to reveal the truth one too many times.  His eyes shot open with the terrified howls of a multitude of voices ringing in his ears as reality came flooding back to him with nearly concussive impact.  It was a dark, haunting sound that echoed through his mind painting its way into his violet spheres with an almost tangible urgency.  "This is... the night is not as it should be."
As if to verify his musings, the warnings of the light sentries screamed at him piercing his previous line of thought to immediately assault him with gravity of the situation.  He had never seen a malevolence spike that large from a human in all the centuries of his existence.  The core of this being was so fowl and deviously corrupt he practically retched the moment he became aware of its proximity.  How could such darkness even reside within a single being let alone a human.  No, the heinous nature of this aura was far beyond what could be considered evil; it was almost... demonic.
Shaking his mind free of his assessment, while being mindful of Katarina's tale regarding the person she was fleeing, he immediately rose to his feet to check on the previous mentioned individual to confirm her safety in the room just down the hall.  If this was that person, he understood all to intimately her reason for the flight that brought her to this forest.
However, nearly the instance he exited from his door, his thoughts were knocked from him once again although this time by a physical force slamming into him.  He instinctively looked down as he caught the person only to discover it was Katarina who emphatically announced lake as the source of the distress.  He barely caught a glimpse of a now golden Trixie as she darted passed them to exit through the window before he also noticed Katarina's having sprinted down the stairs and out the door.  His eyes lingered at the sight of the inferno that seemed to be growing in size just beyond the treeline, and his heart immediately sank as he made the connection between what he had seen during his mediation and the now extinguished life forces by the lake.
"Trixie..."
He turned his head toward Aegloswen's door, and if she had not already been roused by the commotion, he knocked the door delivering a simple, "We must be swift; there is trouble at the Lake of Crystals."
In far too much of a hurry, both to locate Trixie and to ensure Katarina did not encounter the force he sense earlier, he immediately vacated the premises, but noted that while Katarina had waited for he assumed himself and Aegloswen, Trixie had not.  He cast a glance over his shoulder to ensure that Aegloswen had emerged from the building, and if she had, he immediately assumed his incorporeal state and shot toward the lake both in search of Trixie and the source of the issue.
As he moved, his form nothing more than a barely perceptible mirage streaking across the wood, he analyzed the situation to keep both rage and sorrow at bay.
This was not good; not in the least.  He knew that the source of such destructive power would not be weak and could not be underestimated.  This combined with the malevolence he detected would be a nearly overwhelming force to compel him to act should the two be one in the same as he hypothesized.  While this alone did not inspire fear in him, he took careful note of the fact that it was remained the dead of night.  Any energy he exerted would not be replenished, and should an encounter lead to an altercation, as he assumed it would, prolonged combat would spell devastating consequences for him.  If he fell, and Aegloswen could not defeat this evil force, then Katarina's fate would face a very bleak future.
He broke into the clearing with gritted teeth all but sneering as he observed the raging blaze around him.  He did not detect the malevolence in the immediate vicinity but remained vigilant as he sought Trixie.  He knew exactly what she would find, and he did not at all find favor with the emotions he knew it would provoke.  With her life force as his guide, he turned his head to locate her and rushed to her side calling a simple, "Trixie!" to attract her attention, prepared to render all the assistance she would require of him.
Somehow he momentarily forgot about the burning around him as the burning within him began to swell.  "This... is what it means to have a wounded heart.  I now know pain..."

The serenity of his thoughts was instantly shattered like a victimized mirror that happened to reveal the truth one too many times.  His eyes shot open with the terrified howls of a multitude of voices ringing in his ears as reality came flooding back to him with nearly concussive impact.  It was a dark, haunting sound that echoed through his mind painting its way into his violet spheres with an almost tangible urgency.  "This is... the night is not as it should be."
As if to verify his musings, the warnings of the light sentries screamed at him piercing his previous line of thought to immediately assault him with gravity of the situation.  He had never seen a malevolence spike that large from a human in all the centuries of his existence.  The core of this being was so fowl and deviously corrupt he practically retched the moment he became aware of its proximity.  How could such darkness even reside within a single being let alone a human.  No, the heinous nature of this aura was far beyond what could be considered evil; it was almost... demonic.
Shaking his mind free of his assessment, while being mindful of Katarina's tale regarding the person she was fleeing, he immediately rose to his feet to check on the previous mentioned individual to confirm her safety in the room just down the hall.  If this was that person, he understood all to intimately her reason for the flight that brought her to this forest.
However, nearly the instance he exited from his door, his thoughts were knocked from him once again although this time by a physical force slamming into him.  He instinctively looked down as he caught the person only to discover it was Katarina who emphatically announced lake as the source of the distress.  He barely caught a glimpse of a now golden Trixie as she darted passed them to exit through the window before he also noticed Katarina's having sprinted down the stairs and out the door.  His eyes lingered at the sight of the inferno that seemed to be growing in size just beyond the treeline, and his heart immediately sank as he made the connection between what he had seen during his mediation and the now extinguished life forces by the lake.
"Trixie..."
He turned his head toward Aegloswen's door, and if she had not already been roused by the commotion, he knocked the door delivering a simple, "We must be swift; there is trouble at the Lake of Crystals."
In far too much of a hurry, both to locate Trixie and to ensure Katarina did not encounter the force he sense earlier, he immediately vacated the premises, but noted that while Katarina had waited for he assumed himself and Aegloswen, Trixie had not.  He cast a glance over his shoulder to ensure that Aegloswen had emerged from the building, and if she had, he immediately assumed his incorporeal state and shot toward the lake both in search of Trixie and the source of the issue.
As he moved, his form nothing more than a barely perceptible mirage streaking across the wood, he analyzed the situation to keep both rage and sorrow at bay.
This was not good; not in the least.  He knew that the source of such destructive power would not be weak and could not be underestimated.  This combined with the malevolence he detected would be a nearly overwhelming force to compel him to act should the two be one in the same as he hypothesized.  While this alone did not inspire fear in him, he took careful note of the fact that it was remained the dead of night.  Any energy he exerted would not be replenished, and should an encounter lead to an altercation, as he assumed it would, prolonged combat would spell devastating consequences for him.  If he fell, and Aegloswen could not defeat this evil force, then Katarina's fate would face a very bleak future.
He broke into the clearing with gritted teeth all but sneering as he observed the raging blaze around him.  He did not detect the malevolence in the immediate vicinity but remained vigilant as he sought Trixie.  He knew exactly what she would find, and he did not at all find favor with the emotions he knew it would provoke.  With her life force as his guide, he turned his head to locate her and rushed to her side calling a simple, "Trixie!" to attract her attention, prepared to render all the assistance she would require of him.
Somehow he momentarily forgot about the burning around him as the burning within him began to swell.  "This... is what it means to have a wounded heart.  I now know pain..."

As tranquility settled within the quaint home and each person fell into their respective dreams or meditations, Trixie herself having settled within the threads of Desiree’s silvery mane, the last breaths of the sunset slipped into a quiet cascade of navy hues and night arose.  The pedals of the evening blossomed and spread across the entirety of the sky as the hours crawled passed midnight. Stars flirted and flaunted their beautiful shimmer and made the crescent moon blush a low white light upon the sheet of Aegloswen’s Lake of Crystals. The entirety of the pool reflected their celestial vignette, and it too flushed in a silvery sheen, crystals truly seeming exist as jewels swimming under the surface.  
 
Eventually this luminous veil shone across the polished surfaces of ebony dress shoes extending down from loose chestnut slacks. The pants ascended tall legs and fastened in a black leather bronzed buckle belt upon the dividing midlines of a protruding pelvis. White flaps of an unbuttoned collared shirt caught the breeze along with the slither of a loose black tie, all framing a near marble sculpture of musculature wrapped tightly in damp sandy hues of smooth skin. The man was flawless of scars and an abnormal perfection of symmetry.
 
He came floating from the sky and now stood upon the surface of the lake, barely a ripple at his soles, and stared through the rims of rectangular spectacles at the dancing golden lights upon the shoreline. His carmine irises, streaked with splashes of gray like smoke consummating with fire, swallowed in the whole of the pulchritude and greeted it with cold apathy. Then he advanced, patient and professional like a business man approaching the doors of a meeting, and the waters only whispered vibrations at the movement.
 
The pixies were celebrating their nightly display of magic, flying in synchronous patterns that imprinted the air with temporarily twists of curvaceous art. They released dust in their streaks and allowed it to burst, blossoming like the fireworks and seducing laughter and glee. There was no special occasion, only the mere enjoyment of a carefree living and a chance to flaunt their lights with merriment.  Even Nag, who was lonely without Trixie’s company, surfaced his head to the shoreline and watch the display at a distance. His impeccable and predatory stillness made his large head seem nothing more than fallen debris of tree trunk that had abandoned the forest. His emerald reptilian optics shifted mildly at the sight of the tall man advancing towards the spectacle, his imposing proximity immediately making it come to a halt.
 
The mysterious stranger left the shoreline and broke the lakeside grass under his feet, rising his gaze through his lens as the pixies took notice of him and immediately fluttered forth with deviant twinkles within their eyes. Unprovoked, he spoke with a voice deep and monotonic.
 
“I’m looking for someone. A girl.”
 
Immediately one of the pixies sprung at the opportunity; his eyes bright and position suddenly only a foot from the man’s nose as he spoke.
 
“A lady of interest!” he chimed with glee. “Love and romance! I can make you the deal of a lifetime! Potions for you soulmate and---”
 
The pixie suddenly disappeared, lost within the large grasp of the man’s hand.
 
In that instant, the demeanor of the situation immediately changed, the mere strike of the hand startling the pixies into a stunned silence—and it only worsened when the man’s hand tightened, vibrated, and an audible sickening crunch echoed horrifically through the void.
 
“I did not ask for a deal,” the man’s tone hadn’t changed. “And I don’t negotiate with pests.” He opened his hand and an unrecognized mesh of flesh descended with a crashed to the ground.
 
Left on his palm was a sparkling smear of red—pixie dust and blood. Two fingers slid within his pocket, producing a handkerchief, and he wiped himself clean as if it were the mere juice of a swatted mosquito.
 
“I’m looking for a girl,” he repeated, ignored the distinct wails of horror from the village. “Violet hair, very easy on the eyes. Stands about 5’5” She is likely accompanied by a winged horse. I have suspicion she has traveled through here and sought nourishment at the lake.” He paused analyzed his hand for a moment for sanitation before gradually turning it back to the village. “Have you seen her?”
 
The display of expressions greeting him was a mixture of appalled, frightened, but most of all angered. This human killed their friend just like that. No warning, care, or remorse. He snatched the life of someone’s son, father and best-friend. They were boiling with fury. The tiny bodies trembled with emotions, fists tightened and ready for action, but the daunting presence of his man’s cold confidence and apathy made them slaves to their own apprehension. There was silent for a minute, but the man was patient.
 
“Nag knows,” one of them finally said. The stranger’s eyes shifted to another male pixie. “He is the guardian of the lake, he is. Knows all. Ask Nag. He is there.” The pixie pointed to the shadows of the lake where broken tree debris seemed to settle.
 
The stranger rose his eyes to the direction, lingered, and then settled them back onto the pixie. A glint transpired within the apathetic stare and lashes lowered a half inch as if lazed and tired.
 
“Because you’re insignificant creatures that can’t comprehend the depths of which you’re up against, I’m going to take mercy and warn you once.” His lips thinned as he compressed a frown. “Do not fuck with me. I will butcher each and every one of you in such a way that this garbage.” He stepped on the dead pixie and twisted his shoe. “Will be the death you’ll beg to have.”
 
His words did not elevate, darken, nor echo. He spoke as if he were presenting the terms of a business deal—describing the details of the conditions they were signing, and how that signature could easily turn from ink into blood. All of their blood. A second silence, now incompletely laced with fear, pursued. The accused pixie felt trapped, as if he knew admitting the lie forfeited his life as easily as refusing it.  When the stranger kicked his foot back, sliding his mangled friend into the shoreline, a seething anger guided his choice.
 
“Nag knows.”
 
The stranger closed his eyes, exhaled soft, and then opened them with direction to the advised direction. He walked around the village to approach the darkened patch of tree debris. All the pixies watched, some hoping for justice while others prayed for anything that left them with their lives. Hearts elevated and chests tighten the closer he got to the disguised scaled beast.
 
The colors of the men darkened as he slipped into the shadows. There was something there, he noted to himself, a presence heavy in the darkness. For a brief moment, he thought the whelps were telling the truth. A sibilant deep and aggressive sound announced this mistake before one of the logs whipped and launched upon him with speed of a bear trap and enough pressure to crumble steel. Accompanied by a gigantic wave of water, Nag came down upon the man, who leaped back with an elusive dodge and settled for a slap of lake water that drenched his body. He barely had time to allow his aggression to ignite before Nag struck again, dragging his body from the lake and inspiring another leap from the man.
 
 This time when he landed, the ground was strange—it hugged his ankles and pulled him close. The pixies had pressed their hands to the earth and inspired it into possession, the once hard ground now devouring his ankles to his knees in less than a second. Nag whipped his body and with it came the onslaught of a powerful tail. The man was rammed, strange vibrations seen traveling through his body before the force ripped him from the ground and propelled into the real debris gathered at the lakeside. Nag slowly re-orientated his body, knowing as well as the pixies  that a batter from the monster’s tail was like being hit by a truck on a highway. When several seconds drifted with nothing, the pixies started to breath.
 
“How interesting,” a splintered covered hand pushed through the crumbled pile, followed by a body dirtied with mud. His spruced shirt now patched with brown, pants nearly blackened, and skin shaded with muk, his entire body seemed darkled with his rise—all except his eyes, those seemed quite, quite bright.
 
“I thought pixie magic was truly a worthless piece of existence, but I suppose even when rats join forces they can make quite the debilitating infestation.”
 
He walked from the pile, vibrations were ringing through his muscles, and the immediate barricade of bark in his way disintegrating with his steps. He was greeted by Nag’s snarling hiss as the beast blocked the way between he and the pixies. The man popped his neck once, his crimson eyes seeming almost on fire, and he grinned a very devilish grin….
 
~ ~ ~ ~
"Mmm..." Katarina moaned softly in her sleep. Something red was shining beyond her eyelids, but she didn’t want to wake up. If she woke up, it meant she had to runaway again.  She was tired of running.
 
She groaned and rolled away from the window. Her nose compressed on something small and soft, followed by a miniature yelp that jolted her from her sleep. Her eyes shot open at the sound and she sprung up, bed compressed hair flinging from its place before settling on her shoulders again. Before her, Trixie was on her knees, holding her stomach and gasping for breath.
 
“Ugh!” Trixie yelled out, the breath knocked from her tummy. “Your fat nose crushed me!” At some point throughout the night the fae had decided to join Katarina on her pillow. Throughout the preceding hours, the biggie hadn’t moved an inch and Trixie had found herself quite safe sleeping on the pillow beside her up to that point.
 
“I-I’m sorry!” Katarina exclaimed, immediately realizing she was being too loud a second later and blushed with a hand slapped to her lips. “I’m sorry…” she said quieter this time.
 
“Oh it’s okay,” Trixie said after recovering, rolling to her rear and looking up at the pretty blushing girl. “How are you feeling, eh? Got this place guarded like a castle, you do. Biggies treating you like royalty.”
 
Katarina frowned mildly, rubbing one of her arms uncomfortably. They were putting in that much effort for her?
 
“I’m fine...” as she said this, she realized how true it was. Her body felt much more rejuvenated and strong. There was no pain in her side and her head wasn’t dizzy. Everything else must have healed while she slept. She was grateful, but now knew she had to leave. Immediately. She glanced at the window and her eyes immediately become disappointed. There was a crimson glow, the sun must have been rising. She hunched her shoulders and lowered her head, she wanted to waken before light…
 
“What’s that color?” came Trixie’s voice. Katarina blinked as the fae fluttered to the window, glancing out. Wasn’t it the morning? Curious, she followed Trixie and glanced out the window too. Simultaneously, their eyes widened in terror at the sight.
 
 

 
Katarina nearly leaped from the bed, her feet sliding into her boots without thought before she rushed to the door and pulled it open. When  she ran out, blinded my emotion, she didn't see the person standing there and collided into them (Rave or Aegloswen). She stumbled back into the wall, dazed. Trixie did not wait for her, she flew out with urgency passed Katarina and down the stairs, leaving through the kitchen window with nothing but golden streaks from wings she hadn't even noticed had been restored to their original glory. The only thing she could think about was the safety of her home…  
 
Katarina slowly stood up, shaking away her vertigo before she looked up as the person she ran into.
 
“Something's wrong at the lake!” she cried out. “We have to get to the lake!” She ran passed them and down the stairs as well.  Reaching the front door, she opened it and exited out the house. The air was thicken with heat and smoke over the treeline.
 
“Desiree!”
 
The horse was immediately there, awoken by the irritants of the fire. She galloped without hesitance to the young woman’s side, kneeling down for Katarina to climb upon her before standing. Katarina turned her gaze over her shoulder towards the house, waiting for the others. When Aeglowsen and Rave came out, Katarina reached her hand out for Aegloswen’s hand, pulling her onto Desiree’s back if she accepted it (she somehow knew Rave would be fine) and yelled for Desiree to go. The mare immediately spread her beautiful wings, galloping only a few feet before slapping them to the ground and ascending off over the tree tops.  As the wind rushed by them, Katarina prayed to every Deity, Mother, and God in existence that this fire was anything other than what she feared.

Aegloswen waved away his apology, flushing lightly at the thought of having caused any distress. “Think nothing of it.” She mumbled under her breathe as the colour faded from her cheeks as she watch him muse over her questions. Had she spoke out of turn perhaps? Sensing he was about to end his musing and begin speaking once more, Aegloswen remained silent and attentive to the words that followed.
The idea of being energy did make sense, after all he was a star. However, the part of about their range of emotions made her feel rather melchonolgy, to be restricted to such a select range of emotions must not only be troubling but also restrictive. They would never been able to experience the feels in-between or never even know other emotions. Aegloswen considered this to be a great misfortunate for his species.
Shaking off such gloomy thoughts, her mind lingering on the words ‘manifestation of the life force’, in her mind that would equally to someone’s spirit or soul. Did that mean the stars that scattered the black sea of the night were the souls of Rave’s people? It was a concept both dizzying and interesting to think about. Despite this, Aegloswen was extremely grateful that he was going to the trouble of explaining this to her, she most likely seemed very… Uneducated in his eyes as she knew so little beyond that of the forest. On more than one occasion had she regretted this limitation.
In any case, not wanting to linger on such gloomy ideals Aegloswen focused once more. She was relieved to hear that Rave’s mission was possible and there were examples of others who had completed it before him. It gave her comfort. Also, she agreed with his words regarding why he had come to the aid of Katarina, the purity had appealed but for Aegloswen it was more so she didn’t wish to know someone suffer the fates of the forest on her conscious. She returned his smile as she replied. “Indeed, I knew that if I did not help then I would never be able to forgive myself afterwards. The event would haunt me till I took my last breathe.”
Picking herself up off the floor, she gave him another smile and a bow. “I can find no further questions to ask tonight, besides the hour is very late.” Turning, she made her way to the door and bid him goodnight as she passed through it. Hearing the click of the latch behind her as her footsteps were silenced on her descent down the hall way in order to not awaken any of her guests in they were sleeping.
Clambering into bed after passing into her room, she snuggled down and leaned over quickly to move her boots to the side of her bed. Aegloswen always slept fully dressed encase an event arose where she needed to leave quickly. It was good to always be prepared. Within minutes of her head touches the soft surface of the pillow, she was asleep.

He remembered the incident Aegloswen described well.  It was arguably the most common topic of conversation during that time.  He had nothing but pleasant memories regarding Deneb's descent and subsequent re-ascension into the Stellar plain and was quite surprised that he had encountered someone who had at least heard of the event.
However, just as he predicted, his tone combined with the choice of words used to deliver his final statement had appeared to have a negative effect on his new companion, and he quickly sought to remedy what he thought she perceived as a slight.  "You have my apologies. It was neither my intention nor purpose to insult you in any manner.  Please, allow me to elaborate..."
He took a slight pause as he organized the inquiries she had posed.  The information she sought was not easily conveyed, for it concerned the very essence of his being.  Scholars spent years, decades studying the various array of lifeforms present in their environment, and some species had been studied for centuries without having come to a complete and full understanding of what that particular organism truly was.  His species was no exception to this rule, and would in reality rank in the more complex forms of life even while he was certain they were not the most complex life form to exist.
Still, he believed she had demonstrated, through her summary, a basic foundation upon which he had confidence he could build a more complete body of knowledge regarding his being.  It was his hope that providing this information would not only improve their ability to interact and work with each other, but also to increase that fundamental component of any team: trust.
Having completed his musing, he began evenly, his tone baring no semblance of offense or impatience, "I believe it prudent to begin by addressing the least complicated of your questions prior to those which would require a more intricate explanation.  Therefore, first, while I do not possess direct knowledge concerning the presence in this realm of others of my kind, I can say with reasonable certainty that there likely are;  there is always malevolence to be addressed. 
He moved forward with his answers, "We are quite different from many of the species in this realm, for we are essentially sentient bodies of energy.  To this end, there are many differences between us and species to which you are accustomed, but it is also true that we share several similarities such as emotions, dreams, desires, and weaknesses.  Our emotions however, are very much limited to what one could consider extreme emotions such as love, fury, passion, joy, and sorrow.  All else is... neutral," he once again took a brief moment to ensure she had been following his explanation as well as to give her an opportunity to speak before he continued, "Concerning my name Rigel's Light... I will describe it as follows: when you see a star in the sky, the light you perceive is the manifestation of the life force or spirit of that star when it his not coalesced into a corporeal state.  This is our Celestial or Stellar state if you will.  Thus, Rigel's Light means I am the life force of the star Rigel.  I am Rigel itself.  If you were to look into the current sky, you would not see it because I am here and not in my Stellar state.  In my Stellar state, I would be referred to as Rigel by other Stars.  Rave is more indicative of what humans would call a nickname I believe, but I use it to conceal my identity from malevolent forces who cannot detect my Stellar aura."
With a final sigh, he began to address her last line of inquiries calmly, "The story you heard did indeed occur.  It was concerning Deneb, and she was sent here for very much the same reason I was sent.  In her case, she was meant to discover the true essence of love, and she did indeed discover it, thus enabling her to re-ascend.  It is similar to a Rite of Passage, and upon fulfilling it, we are able to move between realms freely.  Therefore, it is not quite impossible, it is difficult only if one does not pay attention," not certain how much more he should say regarding this peculiarity of his people, he moved forward with, "In my case, I was in the forest because that is where I landed from my descent.  Polaris, she did not send me to this realm, for it is not her office.  She is my... our relationship is... quite complex.  I was sent by Vega, my General, and I am not certain if he specifically sent me to this location or it is where I happened to land.
He offered Aegloswen the barest hint of a smile once more as he turned to face her directly stating, "I decided to help Katarina because her purity appealed to me.  I had never expected to encounter such a benevolent being here, and I gave her my word regarding my assistance.  It was the only proper course of action.  I could hardly allow a girl who emanated with such innocence to die when I had the ability to avert such a tragic fate."
He fell silent once more.  It was interesting the wave of thought that seemed to envelope him following Aegloswen's questions.  He was oddly pleased at her display of curiosity as well as the introspection it prompted within his being.  "I believe I am moving closer to my answer after all..."
If she continued to ask him, he would comply and provided further answers.  If she decided to depart his company at that time, he would bid her goodnight and turn his attention to focusing on their surroundings.

He remembered the incident Aegloswen described well.  It was arguably the most common topic of conversation during that time.  He had nothing but pleasant memories regarding Deneb's descent and subsequent re-ascension into the Stellar plain and was quite surprised that he had encountered someone who had at least heard of the event.
However, just as he predicted, his tone combined with the choice of words used to deliver his final statement had appeared to have a negative effect on his new companion, and he quickly sought to remedy what he thought she perceived as a slight.  "You have my apologies. It was neither my intention nor purpose to insult you in any manner.  Please, allow me to elaborate..."
He took a slight pause as he organized the inquiries she had posed.  The information she sought was not easily conveyed, for it concerned the very essence of his being.  Scholars spent years, decades studying the various array of lifeforms present in their environment, and some species had been studied for centuries without having come to a complete and full understanding of what that particular organism truly was.  His species was no exception to this rule, and would in reality rank in the more complex forms of life even while he was certain they were not the most complex life form to exist.
Still, he believed she had demonstrated, through her summary, a basic foundation upon which he had confidence he could build a more complete body of knowledge regarding his being.  It was his hope that providing this information would not only improve their ability to interact and work with each other, but also to increase that fundamental component of any team: trust.
Having completed his musing, he began evenly, his tone baring no semblance of offense or impatience, "I believe it prudent to begin by addressing the least complicated of your questions prior to those which would require a more intricate explanation.  Therefore, first, while I do not possess direct knowledge concerning the presence in this realm of others of my kind, I can say with reasonable certainty that there likely are;  there is always malevolence to be addressed. 
He moved forward with his answers, "We are quite different from many of the species in this realm, for we are essentially sentient bodies of energy.  To this end, there are many differences between us and species to which you are accustomed, but it is also true that we share several similarities such as emotions, dreams, desires, and weaknesses.  Our emotions however, are very much limited to what one could consider extreme emotions such as love, fury, passion, joy, and sorrow.  All else is... neutral," he once again took a brief moment to ensure she had been following his explanation as well as to give her an opportunity to speak before he continued, "Concerning my name Rigel's Light... I will describe it as follows: when you see a star in the sky, the light you perceive is the manifestation of the life force or spirit of that star when it his not coalesced into a corporeal state.  This is our Celestial or Stellar state if you will.  Thus, Rigel's Light means I am the life force of the star Rigel.  I am Rigel itself.  If you were to look into the current sky, you would not see it because I am here and not in my Stellar state.  In my Stellar state, I would be referred to as Rigel by other Stars.  Rave is more indicative of what humans would call a nickname I believe, but I use it to conceal my identity from malevolent forces who cannot detect my Stellar aura."
With a final sigh, he began to address her last line of inquiries calmly, "The story you heard did indeed occur.  It was concerning Deneb, and she was sent here for very much the same reason I was sent.  In her case, she was meant to discover the true essence of love, and she did indeed discover it, thus enabling her to re-ascend.  It is similar to a Rite of Passage, and upon fulfilling it, we are able to move between realms freely.  Therefore, it is not quite impossible, it is difficult only if one does not pay attention," not certain how much more he should say regarding this peculiarity of his people, he moved forward with, "In my case, I was in the forest because that is where I landed from my descent.  Polaris, she did not send me to this realm, for it is not her office.  She is my... our relationship is... quite complex.  I was sent by Vega, my General, and I am not certain if he specifically sent me to this location or it is where I happened to land.
He offered Aegloswen the barest hint of a smile once more as he turned to face her directly stating, "I decided to help Katarina because her purity appealed to me.  I had never expected to encounter such a benevolent being here, and I gave her my word regarding my assistance.  It was the only proper course of action.  I could hardly allow a girl who emanated with such innocence to die when I had the ability to avert such a tragic fate."
He fell silent once more.  It was interesting the wave of thought that seemed to envelope him following Aegloswen's questions.  He was oddly pleased at her display of curiosity as well as the introspection it prompted within his being.  "I believe I am moving closer to my answer after all..."
If she continued to ask him, he would comply and provided further answers.  If she decided to depart his company at that time, he would bid her goodnight and turn his attention to focusing on their surroundings.

Taking to the floor, Rave’s words hardly surprised her, more conforming her suspicions about his character. What came next however, left her stunned and silent, only able to listen so that her brain could attempt to process what she was hearing. It sounds completely ridiculous, impossible, but she couldn’t help but believe every word of it. Even if she didn’t understand it. Stars were living people?
She had once heard a story about people falling from the sky, in the story a young women had fallen from the heavens and landed as a star. People sought after her as she held the power for immorality within her heart, fortunately a young men had helped and saved her, even returning to the heavens. When he did so, the loss was so difficult to bear that he soon passed away as well and was then blessed to be with the one he had loved so dearly forever in the night sky.
Aegloswen felt her mind start to ache under all this new information. This was going to give her a headache, she just need it. Hearing his next words, her face etched into a look of confusion. Was he going condensing? "Concerning the reason for my presence here," Confusion filled her all the more." That is the reason for my presence here." Her eyebrow arched, for being a star, the choice of words wasn’t fantastic. A curl twirled around her finger as she formed a reply in her mind, it took a few minutes, and there was a lot for her to process.
“So, I am going to condense this into my understanding. Also, I have a few questions. If I have this incorrect then please voice it, you’re a star, a divine guardian of the heavens who lives off energy…” At least, that was how Aegloswen perceived him. Whether she was afraid or not, she didn’t quite know. There wasn’t a definite emotion to describe at present. “Nevertheless, your whole being here is related to finding out the answer to a question that you don’t even know? Doesn’t that seem impossible?” Her fingers tangled through her hair as she tried to put her thoughts into words. “My questions, well actually I’ll share something I already know.”
She would related the story she knew of the man who loved a fallen star. Afterwards Aegloswen started to ask some of the questions that came to mind. “How much does your species differ from the ones you see here? Is there more of you here? What does Rigel's Light mean?” Most likely she was rambling now, taking a breath she focused upon deeper questions. “This must seem like a lot of questions…Can you feel emotions like people can? If so, then why did you appear in the woods and why did you help?” Aegloswen was curious as to his reasoning. Was there a deeper motive or was this all part of this stranger ‘Polaris’, the idea of being a pawn or a piece in a game did not amuse her. However, she could not rule it out as a likehood. Such she posed this question to Rave. “I assume ‘Polaris’ is the one who sent you to earth, do you suppose it was intention you should come to this location?”

“I will rest afterwards, but first I would like an explanation if you find that acceptable. Why are you here Rave? I find it hard to believe you’re a simpler traveller, or a regular human for that matter…”
 
Aegloswen could not possibly have know how accurate her assessment was.  While the full extent of what she had witnessed over the course of her life remained uncertain to him, he was sure she had seen enough of his actions to determine he was very foreign to this realm and not simply different to her.  He could understand her desire for an explanation; after all, he had had the same pressing need to understand the two of them as well; however, whether she was aware or not, her line of questions would see her in for a rather lengthy explanation.
Regarding her idly, he allowed his eyes to close with a sigh of resignation as he gestured for her to take a position of comfort.  Pensive lines etched their way onto his features as he slowly began, "You are indeed correct in assuming I am not a regular human.  It is in fact true that I am not human at all..."
He took a steadying sigh as he moved to sit on the edge of the bed located within the room weighing how much about his being he believed was prudent to reveal.  He glanced in her direction noticing her attentive gaze waiting for his next statement and recalled that he believed her to be trust worthy and reliable.  To this end, he relied his sentiments, "You have proven yourself worthy of my trust, and it is for this reason why I will disclose the information you seek," he paused as his eyes momentarily bounced away from her before returning to stare into her own curious orbs, continuing, "As I mentioned, the nature of my being is quite complicated to accurate articulate.  I, and those who share my species, am a Star.  My full name is designated Rave, Rigel's Light.  In essence, I am the star called Rigel by the humans; however, that is not entirely a complete explanation.  All that is a star is, so too am I.  You see, I am the embodiment of Rigel's will and the extension of Rigel's light.  My existence is that of a guardian; however, it would be more appropriate to consider my role as a soldier.  My race exists to counter and combat gross levels of malevolence that... represents a threat both unique and pervasive.
He shifted to explain his previous statements, "While it remains true that I have a corporeal body in this realm, I do not require sleep or nutrition to sustain me.  Instead, mere exposure to light regenerates me and replenishes my reservoir of energy.  Therefore, it is quite unlikely that I should deplete my reserves while daylight remains.  The night is... another matter.  I must be far more cautious."
He elected to withhold the full, and much more involved, explanation of his relationship to light unless she questioned it specifically further.  He was not sure just how much he should explain, nor was he certain what she would understand.  He had all but told her that she had a living, breathing star sitting right next to her, and the full extent of the implications of what that meant might have proven to be a little heavy for the night's conversation. 
But the truly heavy topic had not even begun to be opened for discussion.
He regarded her again, bracing himself more from the sobering reminder of his presence in this realm than from the weight of the question.  "Concerning the reason for my presence here," he began, "That is the reason for my presence here."
He considered the possibility of ended the point on that note, but immediately recanted the idea realizing the cryptic nature of his choice of words and how it left in such a manner could be considered rather rude or condescending in nature.  With this in mind, he continued, "I was cast from my realm to this realm for the purpose of discovering the reason why I was sent.  Whether this is a trial or an odyssey, Polaris did not inform me.  Therefore, the answer to the question of why I am here... I also wish to know."
Once more, he went silent in order to give the hospitable fox-girl an opportunity to respond however she would.  He found it curious that for the first time he wondered what another person would think about him.  What would she say?  Had she heard of his species previously?  Would she now fear him as many who learned of his nature did?  It made him wonder if these new concepts were in fact part of his journey.  After all, he had already discovered a potential partner in the happy-go-lucky fae Trixie with whom to form a Stellar Link, which was something he noted all of the Elites including Polaris possessed.  Perhaps, Aegloswen's inquiries were the very gateway to the answers they both now sought.

“I will rest afterwards, but first I would like an explanation if you find that acceptable. Why are you here Rave? I find it hard to believe you’re a simpler traveller, or a regular human for that matter…”
 
Aegloswen could not possibly have know how accurate her assessment was.  While the full extent of what she had witnessed over the course of her life remained uncertain to him, he was sure she had seen enough of his actions to determine he was very foreign to this realm and not simply different to her.  He could understand her desire for an explanation; after all, he had had the same pressing need to understand the two of them as well; however, whether she was aware or not, her line of questions would see her in for a rather lengthy explanation.
Regarding her idly, he allowed his eyes to close with a sigh of resignation as he gestured for her to take a position of comfort.  Pensive lines etched their way onto his features as he slowly began, "You are indeed correct in assuming I am not a regular human.  It is in fact true that I am not human at all..."
He took a steadying sigh as he moved to sit on the edge of the bed located within the room weighing how much about his being he believed was prudent to reveal.  He glanced in her direction noticing her attentive gaze waiting for his next statement and recalled that he believed her to be trust worthy and reliable.  To this end, he relied his sentiments, "You have proven yourself worthy of my trust, and it is for this reason why I will disclose the information you seek," he paused as his eyes momentarily bounced away from her before returning to stare into her own curious orbs, continuing, "As I mentioned, the nature of my being is quite complicated to accurate articulate.  I, and those who share my species, am a Star.  My full name is designated Rave, Rigel's Light.  In essence, I am the star called Rigel by the humans; however, that is not entirely a complete explanation.  All that is a star is, so too am I.  You see, I am the embodiment of Rigel's will and the extension of Rigel's light.  My existence is that of a guardian; however, it would be more appropriate to consider my role as a soldier.  My race exists to counter and combat gross levels of malevolence that... represents a threat both unique and pervasive.
He shifted to explain his previous statements, "While it remains true that I have a corporeal body in this realm, I do not require sleep or nutrition to sustain me.  Instead, mere exposure to light regenerates me and replenishes my reservoir of energy.  Therefore, it is quite unlikely that I should deplete my reserves while daylight remains.  The night is... another matter.  I must be far more cautious."
He elected to withhold the full, and much more involved, explanation of his relationship to light unless she questioned it specifically further.  He was not sure just how much he should explain, nor was he certain what she would understand.  He had all but told her that she had a living, breathing star sitting right next to her, and the full extent of the implications of what that meant might have proven to be a little heavy for the night's conversation. 
But the truly heavy topic had not even begun to be opened for discussion.
He regarded her again, bracing himself more from the sobering reminder of his presence in this realm than from the weight of the question.  "Concerning the reason for my presence here," he began, "That is the reason for my presence here."
He considered the possibility of ended the point on that note, but immediately recanted the idea realizing the cryptic nature of his choice of words and how it left in such a manner could be considered rather rude or condescending in nature.  With this in mind, he continued, "I was cast from my realm to this realm for the purpose of discovering the reason why I was sent.  Whether this is a trial or an odyssey, Polaris did not inform me.  Therefore, the answer to the question of why I am here... I also wish to know."
Once more, he went silent in order to give the hospitable fox-girl an opportunity to respond however she would.  He found it curious that for the first time he wondered what another person would think about him.  What would she say?  Had she heard of his species previously?  Would she now fear him as many who learned of his nature did?  It made him wonder if these new concepts were in fact part of his journey.  After all, he had already discovered a potential partner in the happy-go-lucky fae Trixie with whom to form a Stellar Link, which was something he noted all of the Elites including Polaris possessed.  Perhaps, Aegloswen's inquiries were the very gateway to the answers they both now sought.

Was he… smiling? The resemblance of the beginnings of a smile chased across his features. Almost as faint as the movement of a candle in a soft breeze. Was it something she had said? Aegloswen felt bemused by this action, this hint at emotions was something she had not seen before. Perhaps their friends had progressed forward, however she should not let assumptions carry too much weight. That would be foolish. Smirking lightly, she nodded at his word and inclined her head as well in a sign of respect. “Of course, no thanks are needed however. Forgive my curiousness but have I said something that amuses you?” Mere curiosity and a teaspoon of impulsiveness caused these words to fall from her lips. In a way, Aegloswen supposed she was trying to decipher him a little to form an impression of his character. After all, with strange guests comes the feeling of mystery’s that need to be explored.
Unfortunately, his next line of speech wrapped her impression of him in the shrouds of mystery once more. He didn’t sleep? Aegloswen pondered over this idea. Then what did he do? The word he had used “complicated” was fitting description. She was at a complete loss on that matter, nevertheless she nodded once more and considered his reply in earnest. Sleeping didn’t sound like a terrible situation, her eyes would unreasonably heavy. Even if the image of a soft mattress and duvet called to her, she felt, no she knew, she would not be able to sleep without some explanation of Rave’s presence in the woods. “Then I shall leave you to your own deceives on that matter. Though sleeping is an ideal prospect, I know my slumber will not be peaceful unless I find some answer to why you were in the forest upon this morning…”
The words trailed off into silence as she watched the orbs come to life, they were so beautiful in her eyes. Like massive white fire flies, silent and so lovely. She yearned to reach out and touch one, would they feel like air or be hot like a flame? So distracted by the lights, she almost missed what Rave said. “Hmmmm… Oh! Yes, of course, that sounds very effective.” Re-focusing, she turned back to gaze upon him.
“I will rest afterwards, but first I would like an explanation if you find that acceptable. Why are you here Rave? I find it hard to believe you’re a simpler traveller, or a regular human for that matter…” Such suspicions were nagging her, she had heard about great magicians and wizards being able to do amazing things, turn mountain to sand, bring back the dead or even bind greater demons to their wills. However, there was something different about Rave, she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Instinet’s were powerful motivators and right now, they sensed there were hidden depths to Rave. Asking personal questions, Aegloswen couldn’t remember spending some much time talking with others about themselves until today, perhaps many years ago when she was a child. Such memories had been lost or buried deep within her consciousness.  
If Rave consented to speak, then she would take a seated position on the floor with her legs tucked underneath her. If not, then she would bid him goodnight and make her way to her own bed to sleep.

“I would like my mind to be at ease, are you sure the use of this power will not be too significant upon you?  To have you collapse or something worse to befall you will not be a desired result.”
 
He cast her sidelong glance so brief he was almost not even certain he had committed the action.  The thought that she expressed legitimate concern for his well being surprised him although his features did not shift to reflect this.  The truth was, she had happened upon something that actually caught his attention because it was, in fact, dangerous for him to exert any large amount of his energy in darkness.  While this decent into night was not the total blackness of absolute darkness, it remained that he could regain only a minuscule amount of any power he discharged due to the lack of any significant light source.  Such a simple manifestation would not drain him enough to be considered hazardous; he would simply need to remain vigilant and reserve the bulk of his power for drastic actions should the need arise.
However, it was Aegloswen's next statement that had him slightly taken aback, and he was almost certain that she would have noticed the reaction flit across his face providing a momentary glimpse into his inner man.  Magic?  He had forgotten that the fox-girl had used the term earlier to describe his actions at the lake.  He mentally added an additional tally mark to the characteristics that alienated him from those with whom he now traveled.  While he was certain it was indeed similar in nature and possibly even in manifestation to his own abilities, he was well aware that there were differences that would take far more explanation than he was currently willing to offer.  Instead, the barest hint of a pleasant smile tugged at the corners of his closed lips as he shook his head to decline her offer, "Be at ease, I can assure you that will not be necessary.  However, your offer remains a noble gesture.  You have my thanks."
They had reached a room before he realized they had even moved away from the room in which Katarina lie, and Aegloswen ushered him inside the room once again displaying a kindness he had not been so certain he would receive upon his arrival to this realm.  Inside, he noted the many proud indications of Aegloswen's woodsy nature, and he mused briefly how quaintly befitting her the room actually was.
Perhaps he had lingered in his own mind for a length of time far longer than he perceived as he was moments from responding to her offer for him to sleep before he heard her follow up:
“But I will find a chair and stay outside Katarina’s room as the first watch, do you find this acceptable or would you prefer some company?”
 
It was an interesting question to be certain, for the answer to her actual question he was not sure he knew at the moment.  Did he prefer company?  It was truly ironic to him that such an innocent question had prompted some haphazard attempt at soul searching; consequently, it made the inquiry far more existential that he believed Aegloswen had intended.  However, that aside, he entertained the idea that it may in fact be more prudent of him to invite a discussion in which the two could possibly shed some light on each other's being.
He addressed her directly, "I do not require sleep in the sense to which you are accustom.  The nature of my being is... complicated.  Perhaps it would indeed be wise for us to have a discussion in relation to these things; however, it is not my intention to deprive you of rest.  I would not desire any manner of contribution to a situation in which you are without what you require to be at your peak."
He paused briefly to spare a glance in the direction of Katarina's room before he closed his eyes in concentration.  A faint glow emanated from his being as he whispered, "Lomanai Azshim."
Presently, many white spheres began to take shape about his person before rapidly departing their company to be distributed around the house and hidden within Katarina's room.  Upon opening his eyes he caught Aegloswen's glance, said:  "The orbs will immediately alert me if Katarina attempts to depart our humble company.  They will also alert me if any form of malevolence approaches our location; therefore, should you desire rest, be aware that she is still under our supervision.  The choice is yours."
He would wait to react appropriately to whether or not she decided to speak with him further.  He trusted her to know her limits far better than his guesses could predict, which was an interesting revelation to him in its own right.

“I would like my mind to be at ease, are you sure the use of this power will not be too significant upon you?  To have you collapse or something worse to befall you will not be a desired result.”
 
He cast her sidelong glance so brief he was almost not even certain he had committed the action.  The thought that she expressed legitimate concern for his well being surprised him although his features did not shift to reflect this.  The truth was, she had happened upon something that actually caught his attention because it was, in fact, dangerous for him to exert any large amount of his energy in darkness.  While this decent into night was not the total blackness of absolute darkness, it remained that he could regain only a minuscule amount of any power he discharged due to the lack of any significant light source.  Such a simple manifestation would not drain him enough to be considered hazardous; he would simply need to remain vigilant and reserve the bulk of his power for drastic actions should the need arise.
However, it was Aegloswen's next statement that had him slightly taken aback, and he was almost certain that she would have noticed the reaction flit across his face providing a momentary glimpse into his inner man.  Magic?  He had forgotten that the fox-girl had used the term earlier to describe his actions at the lake.  He mentally added an additional tally mark to the characteristics that alienated him from those with whom he now traveled.  While he was certain it was indeed similar in nature and possibly even in manifestation to his own abilities, he was well aware that there were differences that would take far more explanation than he was currently willing to offer.  Instead, the barest hint of a pleasant smile tugged at the corners of his closed lips as he shook his head to decline her offer, "Be at ease, I can assure you that will not be necessary.  However, your offer remains a noble gesture.  You have my thanks."
They had reached a room before he realized they had even moved away from the room in which Katarina lie, and Aegloswen ushered him inside the room once again displaying a kindness he had not been so certain he would receive upon his arrival to this realm.  Inside, he noted the many proud indications of Aegloswen's woodsy nature, and he mused briefly how quaintly befitting her the room actually was.
Perhaps he had lingered in his own mind for a length of time far longer than he perceived as he was moments from responding to her offer for him to sleep before he heard her follow up:
“But I will find a chair and stay outside Katarina’s room as the first watch, do you find this acceptable or would you prefer some company?”
 
It was an interesting question to be certain, for the answer to her actual question he was not sure he knew at the moment.  Did he prefer company?  It was truly ironic to him that such an innocent question had prompted some haphazard attempt at soul searching; consequently, it made the inquiry far more existential that he believed Aegloswen had intended.  However, that aside, he entertained the idea that it may in fact be more prudent of him to invite a discussion in which the two could possibly shed some light on each other's being.
He addressed her directly, "I do not require sleep in the sense to which you are accustom.  The nature of my being is... complicated.  Perhaps it would indeed be wise for us to have a discussion in relation to these things; however, it is not my intention to deprive you of rest.  I would not desire any manner of contribution to a situation in which you are without what you require to be at your peak."
He paused briefly to spare a glance in the direction of Katarina's room before he closed his eyes in concentration.  A faint glow emanated from his being as he whispered, "Lomanai Azshim."
Presently, many white spheres began to take shape about his person before rapidly departing their company to be distributed around the house and hidden within Katarina's room.  Upon opening his eyes he caught Aegloswen's glance, said:  "The orbs will immediately alert me if Katarina attempts to depart our humble company.  They will also alert me if any form of malevolence approaches our location; therefore, should you desire rest, be aware that she is still under our supervision.  The choice is yours."
He would wait to react appropriately to whether or not she decided to speak with him further.  He trusted her to know her limits far better than his guesses could predict, which was an interesting revelation to him in its own right.

Taking the hint, she followed Rave outside, her ears picking up even the slightest of sounds from beyond the door. Aegloswen agreed with all the of the points he made, the offering of his guards, she assumed they were similar to the thing he spoke of, troubled her however. “A watch would be an excellent plan, however I could lock the door so she is unable to leave.” That may be a little extreme though, in her eyes it would be give the impression that she was not a guest but a prisoner. “Although, I am very reluctant to do so.” This reflected her true feelings, as a host, it would be an insult to make her guests feel uncomfortable in manner that would be so significant.
The suggestions of the ‘light sentries’ was an excellent one in her eyes, it would reduce the time they would need to spend keeping an eye on her and mean they would be able to purse conversation in a reasonably normal manner. “I would like my mind to be at ease, are you sure the use of this power will not be too significant upon you?
To have you collapse or something worse to befall you will not be a desired result.” Caring for two people would take time, plus she doubt she could move Rave if he happened to become unconscious. Despite this, she was surprised at herself that she was taking such consideration over his welfare. It wasn’t that she was uncaring, but it was uncommon for her to put so much thought into this.“If you need to at any point, please feel free to draw upon my reserves of magic to strength yours.”
Her gaze searched his face, looking for emotions that would hint his judgement. Rave was quite the juxtaposition of Katarina, her emotions were easy to see and rose to the surface of her face like dandelion seeds rising of the wind currents as they flower. On the other hand, Rave’s emotions seemed to be hidden, like ant hill. Almost all was hidden under the hill and the small trickle of ants that left were what was shown on the surface. Such a strange bunch they were.
Moving across the hall way, her fingers pressed against a door two steps from the right of Katarina’s. Inside was a guest bedroom, plain and homely as the décor proceeded. A single bed lay in her instead of the master, it was almost slightly smaller but have roughly painted tree in the corner of the room, the results of a day of boredom for Aegloswen. The leaves were in the season of autumn, blowing across the walls to cover the bare space, it had always been Aegloswen favourite time. Everything was so colourful and the mad dash before winter made her feel so alive, just like the wood that surrounded her existence.
“Please, sleep in here if you need rest, I’m sure you are just as tired as me. I will be staying in the room two doors down.” She indicated it, the door in the middle was locked as there had been a time when her father had studied and been inside it. Aegloswen still didn’t have the strength to look within. “But I will find a chair and stay outside Katarina’s room as the first watch, do you find this acceptable or would you prefer some company?” Solitude has always been with her, the idea of conversing with someone late at night was an alien concept to her.