Hades

Ziltai sat in his normal seat outside of the Bazaar Inn. He removed his cowl, his now white hair falling over his shoulders as he rubbed his eyes. How could this all be happening? He would always ask that same question, every day since the end of the war and the destruction that came with it. Now, he was alone, lost in his own thoughts and forgetting the business of the day.

A Blood Knight came passing by, grumbling about something under his breath as he stared over at Ziltai, knowing full well who he was. The Dark Angel marking on his back barely able to be seen under his armor but visible. He nodded politely to Zil, then went on his way respectfully.

Zil didn't even have to look up at the Blood Knight to know who he was, but said in a quiet voice, "It's been a long time, Menomaru."

The paladin stopped, turning around to stare at him. "You know who I am?"

Ziltai nodded. "I'd recognize your aura anywhere. Then again, how can I forget my own brother-in-law anyway?"

Meno glared at him. "Why would it matter?" He turned and tried to continue on his way.

"Other than the fact that you're the only familiar face I've seen in the last few years? The only person that I haven't had to go to a graveyard to see?"

"Forget who I am. I am not who I once was. I am not the brother-in-law I used to be." He growled.

"I could easily say the same thing for myself. Besides, why forget the only real relief I've had in the longest time?" Zil scowled in return.

"I lost my lover, I lost my children, and you have the nerve to talk to me now after all these years…"

He growled in return. "You best watch your tongue, Ziltai."

Another voice comes from upstairs, the tone familiar. "Can't an old man get some rest once in awhile?" The familiar old demon came walking down the stairs, stumbling slightly from his old age.

Ziltai turned his head to look at the old demon. "My apologies for the noise, Asche," he said coldly before looking back at Meno. "Sadly to say, Menomaru here was just leaving."

"Gladly." Meno stormed out of the inn and down to the Blood Knight quarters.

Asche looked over at Zil, starting to cough uncontrollably, holding a cloth to his mouth, slowly sitting down in a near by chair. "What got into Meno? I raised him better than that." His voice horse and sickly in tone.

Ziltai merely shook his head with gloom. "Death," was his only word to answer.

Out in Murder Row, a woman sat in a corner of the streets, her hat's brim pulled low over her face and a cup clutched tightly in one hand. Her bloodshot eyes shot back and forth across the streets, suddenly jumping to life when someone went walking by to beg them for a coin. Whenever they disappeared out of her view, she simply crawled back into her space and shivered with paranoia.

"Go easy on him, Ziltai," said Asche. "He's probably trying to cope with the loss of everyone like we did..." Asche went into a few fitful coughing spells, his cloth soaked in blood. "I still need you to carry on in your father's place..."

Meno went strolling by her on his charger, growling at the thought of Ziltai's reaction to him.

"I've done my best to, Asche," said Zil as he pulled his cowl back over his head, "but I simply can't be nearly as good at the job as my father or my sister."

When the woman saw Menomaru, she leapt far back into her corner, now hissing with paranoia. The Blood Knights had given her particular trouble, a broken woman who refused any aid or shelter save for what she had already made for herself. She simply didn't trust them.

Meno took off his helm, letting his hair loose as he stopped in Murder Row. He wiped the tears he silently shed, sniffling. He whispered under his breath, looking down at his charger. "Finniah...I don't believe you're dead."

Asche looked over to Zil, slowly wiping what blood he had from his lips. "Give him time, Zil. I believe that your father is out there, somewhere...As for me...my life is short."

"Asche, you saw my father die…" Zil sighed. "Then again, I suppose doubting your judgment after all this time would be foolhardy…Try to rest, old friend. You could use it."

The woman peeked her head out from her corner, glaring at Meno from under her brim. She started jabbering to herself, her voice raspy and shaking with the rest of her body. "Now they shed tears, do they? Never. Never do they shed tears before. No need to shed tears anymore. What need for tears anyway? No need. No need. Never a need for them. Tears block vision, make it difficult to see… Mischief, always need to be on guard. Mischief…"

Meno drew his sword, glaring toward her corner. "Who's there? Come out of there!" He commanded.

Asche looked up at Ziltai, going into another fit of coughs. "Yes...Yes, I need to go back to my room and take the medications. Please, Ziltai, will you help me to my room?" Asche stood up weakly, shaking and sickly.

Ziltai nodded as he stood up, helping Asche back to his feet and slowly helping him back up the stairs and to his bed. He provided Asche with his medication and water to wash it down with, sitting in a seat close by.

The woman drew back a moment, then poked her head out again. "At it again, I see. Always at it with me, the lot of you. Never did no harm to anybody and yet, always after me. Bashing my head, beating my hands, draining my life. Never had this before. Never had a chance. Always strong enough before. Too weak and tired now. Mischief… nothing more than mischief…"

He stared at her, then blinked a few times knowing who she was. "F-Finniah?"

Asche smiled weakly up at Ziltai. "Thank you, my friend." He swallowed the pills as they quickly too effect, causing him to become lost in slumber.

The woman simple cringed back behind her corner, curling up into a ball. "Not anymore… no such name in years… never deserving of that name… no need for it anymore…"

"Finniah...don't you remember me? It's me...Menomaru..." He softly knelt down beside her, pulling her into a soft hug.

She trembled violently in his arms, her eyes wide beneath her hat. "Long ago… too long ago… can't be true… dead long ago… blood and death everywhere… can't go back… won't go back… never again… too much pain… so much rage… never… never want to see terror again…"

Embracing her tightly, he softly lifted her chin to look at him, his lips softly brushing against hers in a soft loving kiss, hoping to get her to know he was truly alive. "Please Finn...you have to believe me...it really is me, Meno."

Her hat went toppling off when he lifted her chin. Her eyes locked on him when he broke away, locks of messy white hair falling to the ground. She remembered him very well now, but something was happening to her. Frozen tears started dripping down her face, her eyes and body starting to glow with blue fire.

"Finniah?" He held her lovingly in his arms.

Asche sat up straight in his bed, clearly wakened by something. He sat there silently.

Zil looked upright when Asche awakened, surprised. "Asche? What's going on?"

Asche softly grabbed at his head. "I...felt something..."

Meno still kept her in a warm embrace. "C'mon Finniah...please tell me you remember me..."

Ziltai leaned in closer to Asche. "What was it, Asche? What did you feel?"

Finn continued to burn in blue flames, her body growing consumed by it. She pushed Meno away to keep him out of their range, the power surging through her veins and all around her. The rags she wore began to meld into high-level armor, the paranoid beggar becoming a calm woman of higher class. She slowly looked up as the fires disappeared, her elegant features drowned in tears.

"I… I do remember…" she said softly. "All this time… I thought…"

Meno looked at her." You thought that I was dead?"

Asche gripped at his head, still weakened in his old age. "Finniah...I...I swear I ...felt her aura....maybe...just maybe, I am going crazy." He started to cough, uncontrollably as he laid back, staring at Zil.

Zil was stunned. Finniah? His sister was still alive? He shook his head. "I know better than to doubt your feelings by now, old friend. Where did you sense her aura?"

Finn nodded, starting to sob. "You…and the children. I saw your bodies laying there, all still and covered in blood. I didn't know what to think…"

"No...I-I'm alive, Finn. I'm a Blood Knight now...after everyone died...and I thought everyone...did...I-I gave up the Farstrider's...for this..." Meno stepped back, looking ready to run.

"Ziltai...run to Murder Row in Silvermoon city....I last felt it come from there..." Asche said in a hoarse voice.

"Stay here, old friend," said Ziltai. "I won't be long."

"And yet, you're running away," said Finn through her tears, looking away from him. "I can see that you're going to, but what surprise is that? I'm nothing like I used to be, just a hallow shell of the old Finniah. Now, I'm just some poor, insane old beggar."

Asche nodded, resting in the bed.

"Why would you want me, Finniah? I am a blood knight now? What point is there even though I still love you, you should just kill me now and get it over with." He turned his head away, waiting on her reaction.

Finn frowned, letting herself fall back into the disguise of a beggar. "What's the point when you've managed to move on and make a living for yourself. If anything, I'm the one who should be dead right now. Just sitting out in the streets, miserable and barely able to keep sane. I'm surprised those other knights haven't done that job already."

She crawled back into the furthest part of her corner, curling up tightly and facing away from him, her entire being starting to go back to the state he first found her in.

Meno kneeled down beside her. "No, Finn...I chose what I am now...when I thought I lost you all, I gave up everything, even my own chance at love. Now that you are here...I want you in my arms, damn it, Finn....I still love you even after all this damned time!"

Finn drew quiet, still, unable to do anything more than curl up tighter and sob.

Meno reached around to lift her chin softly as he kissed her lips. "Tell me you still love me?"

Finn looked up at him, her eyes a deep red from her tears. "Always. Even when I was sure I'd lost you, I could never imagine life without you. I could never bring myself to let you go."

Meno nodded. "I lost total control of myself, and ...I became this...a Knight of Silvermoon City...the only knight…"

"It's at least better than a beggar's fate, love."

Meno turned around suddenly. "No…no, it isn't."

"How so? You at least have somewhere to go and you aren't entirely alone."

"My pets are dead, my family is dead but...I feel relieved to have you again...that is if you still wish to have me."

"What would make you think I wouldn't even after all this time?"

"Because I am a horrible Blood Knight now..." His voice trailed off.

Finn turned her head away, softly saying, "You've yet to show any reason for doubt around me."

Meno stood there quietly, not budging.

"Any other reason you'd think otherwise besides that?"

He kept his back toward her, standing up onto his feet. His head lowered. "I wouldn't know..."

"Then I don't have anything to hold against you or to change my mind."

"If you say so." He had his face turned away from her, obviously in tears.

Finn finally got up from where she sat, walking over to Meno and turning his head to face her. She stroked his cheeks, wiping the tears away before kissing his lips lovingly. "No more tears. I'm here for you now, love."

He looked at her, his eyes still showing loneliness. "I doubt I am the same man you fell in love with."

"I'm not the same woman you fell in love with," replied Finn. "So we're even."

"Yet I still love you and always have, Finniah." He tried to turn away from her.

She held his skull firmly in her grasp, kissing him once again. "And I you, Menomaru."

Meno blinked and blushed as she kissed him. "You...do?"

"Yes, my love," answered Finn. "I always have and always will. No questions asked."

Meno dropped to his knees, trembling. "A-am I still...the dark angel alpha male?"

"Yes," answered Finn, kneeling down beside him. "You were born with that power. It's in your blood. No one can take that away from you."

He shook his head. "Really...I feel like such a failure."

"I do too, love," Finn embraced him, trying to comfort him. "Still, we can work things out from here, start over where we left off…"

Shaking his head. "I don't know...can we?"

"Well…we can definitely try," answered Finn softly.

"How?" Meno asked.

"I…I don't know…but…we'll find a way."

Meno just sat there on his knees, trembling. "I-I don't think I can ...be the same...not without the children."

Finn lowered her head, frowning. "I know, but… we have to be strong… for their sake."

Meno nodded, suddenly hearing something, his ears perking up as he looked up to see a strange elf walking toward them. Meno gripped his sword tightly, glaring at him. "Who are you?"

Finn ducked behind Meno for protection, gripping gently to his cloak.

Zil came walking into the alley, seeing the group and watching in case they would need any help.

Meno looked out of the corner of his eyes at Ziltai, then to the other man. "I asked you who you are and what business you have here, Traitor." Meno growled at him.

Finn looked up in confusion. Ziltai stayed where he was, but kept on guard in case he needed to.

The man revealed his face. He looked exactly like Asche. Meno growled, looking at him. "You don't belong here in Silvermoon City, traitor..."

"Oserian?…" Finn softly questioned.

Ziltai finally stepped forward, also seeming hostile toward the warlock.

Meno motioned for Ziltai to step in behind him next to Finn. Oserian didn't do anything other than stare at Meno. "You have some nerve coming here...I'll give you one chance to leave or die." Growled Meno. "Traitors like you should die.."

Zil did step in, taking his sister and walking back over to his original position. "What's going on?" asked Finn, almost forgetting how long it had been since she last spoke to her brother.

"Now's probably not the best time to explain," said Zil.

Oserian's eyes started to glow a dark crimson, then dark violet as he stared at Meno. "So it is the failure himself, still trying to protect Silvermoon City on his own, is it?"

Meno growled over at Oserian. "You best be getting out of this city, traitor, or I will KILL you!"

"I worry about what will happen if this gets out of hand," whispered Zil fearfully.

Oserian bared his fangs at Meno, grinning slyly as he readied himself for combat. Meno stood up, drawing his shield and sword, growling at him once again. "Let's dance, Oserian…"

"This is gonna get out of hand…" Ziltai grieved.

Unbeknownst to him, Finn started to shift again, her armor appearing and her aura piercing through the city in a huge wave of energy.

Oserian started to cast a spell, throwing at Meno as he blocked it with his shield. "Try again, traitor."

Before either of them could make another move, a thick wall of ice blocked them off from each other. Finn's eyes glowed blue and made the ice wall grow stronger to ensure that they would be sealed off from each other.

Oserian crashed into the wall, as Meno was knocked backward. "Why did you do that, Finn?" Meno asked.

"Don't either of you realize that all this fighting is exactly how we wound up in this devastating situation in the first place?" Finn said as her eyes stopped glowing. "I've had enough of it and all the death. Just stop it!"

Meno sat on his behind, staring at Finn as Oserian ran off. "Finn, he's a traitor...he's not even worth being alive..."

"Well, I don't know about you, but in times like these, it's just not worth any more bloodshed." With that, she got up and left, going far out into Eversong Woods and not stopping until she was out of breath.

"Was it something I said or did?"

"Keep in mind," said Ziltai, "she did lose everything due to this damned war. Hell, she practically turned into a prisoner in her own body, went insane for years. I mean, I've never felt her aura or seen her powers that strong before. I'm guessing they're very unstable after all this time and dangerously powerful."

Meno nodded. "How is Asche?"

Ziltai shook his head grimly. "Very ill. I fear he doesn't have much longer."

"Zil is right, Meno...go after her, find her...she has to know you still truly care for her." Came Asche's voice as he leaned on the wall, to the building as he slightly trembled, almost falling weakly to the ground.

Zil spun around and caught Asche, keeping him steady. "Asche, what are you doing here? I told you to rest and I'd come back."

Meno also jumped up to help support Asche. "Asche? Please...go rest..."

Asche shook his head, taking a seat on the bench near them with their support. "I'm alright...don't worry about me so much, hmm?" He looked up at Ziltai, then Meno. "I lived a long life, and I will soon be gone from here. I've never been happier." He smiled up at the two, knowing something.

Zil was able to see the look in his old friend's eyes. "What's on your mind, Asche?"

"It's not important. Although, I must say, it was wonderful seeing the two of you again, so grown up and mature now."

"I suppose so," said Zil blandly.

Asche had the look of death in his eyes, looking up at Zil and Meno. "I lived for a long wonderful life. Your father, Zil, was the only reason I still lived. Take care of everyone for me when I am gone. Will you do that for me, Ziltai?"

Meno couldn't bear it to listen to Asche as he took off on his own, bolting down the streets until he couldn't run anymore, stopping near the Stillwhisper Pond in Eversong Woods. There he dropped to his knees, letting out a cry of anguish.

Someone had heard his cries. Closer, two bodies crept to the pond, keeping their distance and being extremely quiet. Two pairs of green eyes flashed in the bushes, watching Meno intently.

Meno left his long now red hair hang down over his shoulders like a barrier around his face. He sobbed softly to himself, asking over and over, "Why? This can't be true...when will this nightmare end..."

"Zil," said Asche in a tired and sickly tone. "Let's walk back to the inn and give Meno his space, hmm?"

Zil nodded, helping Asche up and back to the inn. He didn't notice that as they walked past, an old man sat on the side of the street, his body wrapped in bloody bandages and only barely protected with rags. Under his hat fell long rows of pure white hair.

The stranger and her pet continued to watch Meno from a distance, slowly starting to creep away until the big beast snapped a few twigs.

Asche stopped, knowing the familiar aura..."Wait ...Zil..." said Asche, looking toward the man.

Meno perked up his ears, vanishing in a wave of bright holy like light.

The stranger drew her sword, keeping her bow up as a shield. Her pet also kept close, both ready to attack if needed.

"Ziltai...Go to that man over there, and give him some help."

Ziltai nodded, but when he turned around to look at the man again, he was gone. He looked around the streets, but was nowhere to be seen.

Asche fell to the ground on his knees, coughing with a sickly cough. Could it be? He thought to himself...Was it him?

Zil helped Asche back up. "C'mon, old friend. Best that we get you home before this gets any worse."

Asche nodded as he left with Zil. "Really, you worry too much, my friend."

"With good reason," Zil responded.

Asche laid back in the bed back at home, staring up at Zil as he reached for his friend's hand. "I will be fine with some rest. What worries you so much, Ziltai, tell me?"

Zil sighed heavily. "I suppose… everything… I've never been the same since this war ended with such devastating results…"

Asche nodded, breathing heavily. "I…see...You've....always ...been there for me...thank you, my friend..." He closed his eyes, seeming peaceful. His grip loosened from Zil's.

Zil stared down at Asche's hand, his heart rising all the way to his throat in fear. Please, he thought, please, for gods sakes, wake up again. He didn't budge, anxious and frozen in fear.

Asche slowly opened his eyes, smiling. "It's alright, Zil...I was merely resting my old body."

Zil managed to relax, exhaling with relief. "Oh god…this is exactly what I meant when I said I worried about everything."

"It's not time yet for me to go. Trust me, my friend, you will know..." Asche said, closing his eyes, falling back into a deep slumber.

Zil sat by Asche's side, pulling out a book, reading to himself to keep his nerves at ease.

Back out in the woods, Finn sat in complete silence. No matter how much she tried to calm herself, the flashbacks just felt like too much. She feared going back into her state of insanity, just wanting it all to end.

Meno finally sensed around, looking for his wife as he snuck up on her, wrapping his arms softly around her. "Forgive me, Finn." He laid his head softly on her shoulder, his eyes wet with tears.

Finn was calm when Meno finally found her and embraced her. She gently stroked his hair, trying to calm him down as well as she turned her head enough to kiss his brow.

"Asche has only a short amount of time to live...Oserian is a traitor...I'm a fool...."

"Shh… don't worry so much about all that for right now, love. Just stay with me for now."

Meno nodded, finally sniffling "All I have wanted was to hold you in my arms all these years."

Asche suddenly started his coughing fits, slowly sitting up in his bed, a cloth over his mouth that was covered in fresh blood.

Ziltai jumped to attention the moment Asche started coughing. He panicked about what to do, but was stunned by what happened next.

The old man from the streets suddenly appeared, walking over to the bedside and gently pressing a hand to Asche's throat. It stopped the coughing spell, but one of his own wounds started bleeding out as a price. He slowly took a canteen from his belt, pouring a familiar glass of demonic berry juice and handing it to Asche.

"I knew it was you..." Asche said to the man, thanking him for the demonic berry juice.

The old man nodded, starting to get up from where he sat and tried to slowly hobble away. His hand was clutched to his ribs, blood dripping from his bandages.

"Aren't you going to tell Ziltai who you are?" He called after the man.

"I already know," said Ziltai. "I can hardly believe that you're still alive after all that's happened, father."

Zelfurrion slowly turned his head to look back at the pair, his eyes faded and full of pain as he struggled to keep his wound at bay.

Asche waved his hand chanting a powerful spell, healing Zel's wounds. He fell back into the bed, looking tiredly up at them. "Please, stay..."

Ziltai helped his father back to a chair. Zel looked down at Asche, slowly taking one of his hands. "How long has he been like this?" he said at last.

"A very long time now. I fear he doesn't have very much longer," answered Ziltai.

"Well," Zel chuckled wryly, "I suppose that makes two of us."

Asche's eyes filled with tears, smiling up at Zel. "I never gave up hope, Zel. I never gave up..." Asche closed his eyes, seeming to fall back into a peaceful state of rest.

Zel gazed down at Asche, keeping a gentle grip on his hand.

"Father," asked Zil, "What happened to you?"

"After the incident where I almost died? I was captured by opposing troops, kept as a prisoner of torture for several years until the camp was disbanded. I somehow afterward managed to find my way back here, to what's left of the city. Although, with wounds as severe as these, wounds that have gone without treatment for so long, I don't have much longer to live either."

His breathing heavy, his features seeming to fade into a soft blanket of death, Asche rested, his hand still in Zel's as he opened his eyes once again, looking more distant than from before. "I was struck down...I have internal bleeding, Zel...it's only a matter of time…b-before.." He starting coughing once more before finishing his sentence..." Before I disappear from this realm...I still love you all with everything I have lived for and have seen in my life...I love you..."

Zel leaned down enough to kiss his lover's lips, cringing in pain as he slowly sat back up. "Don't speak, love. Just rest for now. I'll be by your side now, for as long as the wounds will allow me."

Asche's eyes filled with tears as he slightly nodded. "I love you both..."

Zel softly smiled down at Asche. "We love you too, Asche." He looked over his shoulder at Zil. "Go on and rest, son. I'll take care of him from here."

"You're sure?" asked Zil.

"Yeah… go on. You deserve it."

Zil softly nodded, leaving the two be.

Asche looked up at Zel, smiling softly. "You should rest too, Zel."

Zel nodded. "I know, but being here now is a lot more comforting than these last few years combined."

Staring into his love's eyes, tears now slipping down his cheeks. "I am glad to be able to see you one last time, Zel...I feel so cold.." Asche said, closing his eyes. "It...was very cold...s-sleeping alone…Zel...I-I remember everything of my past like it was yesterday....I ..remember it all ...our teenage years...everything."

Zel smiled. "I'm glad… I'm glad that you have it all back after all this time. Nothing is a mystery anymore…" He lost his voice to his own tears for a few moment, then he finished, "You'll have everything with you now."

Asche didn't respond as something seemed strange. He looked to be at peace, laying there.

Zel closed his eyes, tightening his grip on Asche's hand and tears rolled down his cheeks.

After a few minutes, Asche moved his head, opening his eyes once more. "Zel...come lay next to me...k-keep me warm...please?"

Zel opened his eyes, smiling as he nodded. Slowly, he got up and laid himself down beside Asche, wrapping his arms tightly around him.

Closing his eyes, one last time, he moved his head to rest it on Zel's chest, listening to his heartbeat. His body became as cold as ice, laying there in his arms. He didn't wake again, laying there, still and breathless.

Zel slowly closed his eyes, kissing Asche's brow and clutching his body tightly in his arms. He felt his wounds taking over, the pain almost unbearable. He concentrated everything he had left on his heart, feeling its beating slowing down until he finally let himself go and follow his lover into the land of death.

She'd watched them for a while now, flying down into the now empty room on silent wings of death. She slowly approached the couple, lifting their souls from their corpses and leading them on their way before disappearing again.

Meno suddenly perked up his ears, standing suddenly, looking toward the city.

"I felt it too," said Finn softly, full of fear.

Without any warning, Meno shifted into his demonic form, flying quickly to the city, running in to the inn where he had left Asche with Zil.

Finn followed close behind him, carrying herself on wing of blue fire. Zil was already standing at the bedroom door when they arrived, looking back at them just long enough before shaking his head grimly and lowering it. Finn was heartbroken when she saw the pair laying there, bursting into sobs and covering her face.

Meno embraced Finn. "How long ago, Zil?"

"Not long at all," Zil answered. "I only left them alone for a few minutes and they were like this when…" He cut himself off, pressing a hand to his eyes.

"It's alright, best to let it out now then never." Meno looked up at Zil, revealing his own tears. Meno also embraced his brother-in-law, holding both his wife and him tightly. "Just remember all that they have done for us..."

Zil nodded, shuddering out a few sorrowful breaths and sniffling, biting his lower lip as he released his tears. Finn continued her fits of weeping, also clutching onto her brother while keeping Meno tightly in the other.

A sudden clanking noise came from one of the parlors downstairs, as Oserian dropped to his knees in tears, holding himself tightly. He whispered out loud to himself. "No, Asche...no..."

The two Bloodcresent siblings jumped when they heard the noise, their faces stained with tears and their eyes stinging red.

Oserian came walking up, seeing the three in their current state. "I'm...too late...aren't I?"

Meno let go of Finn and Zil, grabbing for his sword. "How dare you come now, traitor?" He growled at Ose.

"Meno," shuddered Finn weakly. "Please, don't do this now."

He nodded at Finn, keeping his eyes locked on Ose.

Oserian sighed. "No, probably deserve that treatment...what happened to them?"

"They just passed away," answered Zil, still interlocking an embrace with his sister.

Ose blinked. "Both…o-on the same day? Where is my brother's body? I want to at least see him..." Oserian charged toward the room, stopping in the doorway.

Zil nodded. "They both passed one after the other. They're together in the other room."

Ose dropped his knees beside Asche's side of the bed, shivering uncontrollably, "Asche...no.…"

The two siblings became silent again, returning to their previous state of mourning.

Ose started to softly sob, placing his hands on Asche's body. "I'm sorry, Asche...So very sorry...brother..."

She watched them from her pedestal, her eyes scanning the scene she'd created. She simply hated this job, hated her father for forcing her to it… only at the cost of saving her from the very thing she'd become hostess to. Her eyes especially locked on Oserian. So close, and yet…

Oserian sat there for a long time, trembling. Meno looked over at the others, refusing to go see Oserian as he walked out of the inn and out to Eversong wood, sitting at one of the many benches, his head low and covered by his hands as he sobbed silently.

The same stranger from before was lurking around, her eyes focused on Meno yet again. Her pet was still close by her side, also keeping a close watch.

Oserian came out of the room, looking over to Zil and Finn. He didn't say anything as he stood there, looking ready to burst into more sobs.

Meno perked up his ears, now sensing the person watching him. "C'mon...come out...I know you're there..."

Finn and Zil walked over to Oserian, doing what they could to comfort him.

The first thing to pop out of the bushes was a huge green raptor. Soon following it was a leather-garbed young woman, her face masked save for her green eyes.

Oserian sat with his face covered next to the bed where his lifeless siblings lay, silently weeping. He couldn't believe that his brother was gone as he sat there quietly.

Zil and Finn nodded, deciding to leave Oserian be for a while, but to keep close by just in case.

"Maybe someone should check in on him. I will go outside and let you guys take care of things while I arrange a funeral." Came a familiar voice as he walked up the stairs, staring at the two siblings. "Meno should be fine, I would worry more about Oserian."

The two siblings spun around when they heard the familiar voice, trying to get a glimpse of who it was who spoke.

Vellien stood there, looking battered and bruised and unaffected by death. He winced in pain, grinning at the two siblings. "I would know you two in an instant." He suddenly dropped to one knee, gripping his left arm as he kept his gaze on them.

Zil went over to Vellien, helping him to a chair before nodding at Finn to go ahead and start making funeral arrangements. He turned back to Vel. "You'll have to tell us where you've been all these years."

"That's hard to say...I have been searching for the one that killed my mother." Vel looked up at Zil with tears in his eyes. "They will pay for the price of their life, so that my mother can rest in peace."

"Seems that most of our original circle are dead and there are a good number of them missing as well," said Zil. "As much as we'd like to get revenge for our dead, it's not always easy with the world being the way it is now."

Vel nodded, placing a hand on his side, wincing slightly. "Aye...it's hard to do it alone. My whole team was wiped out, Ziltai."

"Also seems like there's more than enough tragedy to go around," Zil nodded. "Perhaps we should get that looked at, hm?"

Vel nodded, moving his hand to reveal his side covered in blood. "Yeah..."

Zil nodded calmly. "Yeah, you'll be needing to tend to that." He went over to a nearby shelf, picking up a first aid kit.

"Just a deep wound, but yeah too much death to begin with." Vel said as there was a sudden slamming noise coming from where Oserian was sitting.

Zil looked up at the ceiling, handing Vel the first aid kit. "Start fixing yourself up. I'll be back." He quickly made his way up the stairs, poking his head into the room.

Oserian was standing near a wall, his fist in the wall shaking his head with it hung low.

Zil sighed, walking into the room and softly closing the door behind him. "I know it hurts, Ose. It's going to take a very long time before any of us will be able to overcome the pain…"

"Stay away from me....I don't want anyone comforting me." Ose growled at him.

Zil hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded and backed out of the room. Who was he to say anything against Oserian's wishes now? He went back down the stairs, looking at Vellien as he made the bottom stair.

The raptor lowered its head for its master to pet. The masked woman lifted up a hand to its scaly snout and stroked it gently, eyes still focused on Meno. She slightly tilted her head to one side, a couple strands of dark gold locks slipping out from under the leather helmet. She stayed quiet, waiting for any words or reaction from the Blood Knight.

Meno removed his plate helm, revealing his face to the huntress. "Kill me if you wish it, though I might be a bit hard in your case, milady."

Vel looked up at Zil. "What happened?"

"Ose just wanted to be left alone. He's overwhelmed with mourn," answered Zil.

The woman's eyes didn't move and nor did she. "And why, may I ask, would I want to do that?" she asked in a low yet familiar tone.

"Yeah, he lost everyone apparently." Vel said. "I take it he is taking it harder than the rest of you?"

Meno stared at the woman as one name escaped his lips. "Carmenia?"

Zil nodded. "Aye, he is, but who can truly blame him?"

The huntress removed her own helmed, an entire head of gold dropping down to her shoulders and back. Her eyes were dark and her features were more matured, but it was obviously the face of his youngest daughter. "It's been a long time, father."

"How? I thought you were all dead?" Meno blinked his eyes in pure surprise.

Vel nodded at Zil. "You both lost someone dear to you today, for that you have my condolences."

Zil slowly nodded. "And it only adds to it that we've all lost more than everything in this damned war to begin with."

Carmen shook her head. "No, father. Kaicen and Bledri didn't make it, but I still managed to survive. I've been training to the full extent since then and have only just returned to the city."

"Yes…this damned war...we've all made some sacrifices as well." Vel winced in pain, looking up at Zil. "But, those of us that have survived regret living."

Meno suddenly got to his feet, pulling his daughter in close to him. "It's good to see you, Carmen..."

Carmen returned her father's embrace, tightening her arms around him. "And likewise with you, father. I always worried I was the only one left. Did mom make it?"

Meno nodded. "Yes, but...your grandpa passed away only a few hours ago, Carmen. Your uncle Zil and her are at the inn in Silvermoon..."

Carmen slowly lowered her head. "I see…He wasn't in too much pain, was he?"

"As far as I could tell, he went peacefully along side Asche in his sleep." Meno had answered, lowering his own head.

She slowly nodded.

"How do you think the bandaging is coming along?" asked Zil to Vel as he took a seat close by.

"It's better than nothing honestly. I think I'll just relax here for a little while longer." Vel nodded to Zil in thanks. "I appreciate it."

Zil nodded. "Don't mention it. It's better to rest and let your wounds heal for a while anyway."

Vel bowed his head. "Yes...yes, it is..." He seemed distant as he looked away from Zil.

"Carmenia, maybe you best come with me so that your mother can see you, hmm?" Meno said as he loosened his embrace on her.

Carmen nodded. "That would probably be for the better."

Meno nodded, leading the way back to where Finniah was. "Wait here, okay?" He walked into to where his wife sat. "Finn, I know something that can cheer you up."

Finn looked up from her work to Meno, confused. "What, love?"

"You can come in now." He called for Carmenia as he smiled over at Finn.