Gray mist fell lovingly over the lands, a lover's caress. The land stirred slightly with the memory of life that was. It yawned into being to greet the dawn, then fell into the decay and rumble that had become its natural state. A young doe scurried out behind a bush, wobbling on weak knees into the center of the grove. There it stood still relishing in the beauty of life, trembling from all the splendors around her. She nosed the dew-wet grass curiously, and kicked up her hind legs in joy.

Suddenly a shudder ran from the land encasing the foal in a pinnacle of need, the doe arched her back and a scream of terror rose from her throat. The life force that beat within the young ones chest stopped as the body fell to the ground, dead. The land came to life with renewed strength, taking in the body and the energy the doe once possessed. In the place where the new life's body had lain, a single rose grew, its thorns and bud climbing; reaching for the sky.

The Mother was taking back what the Blood had stolen.

The blinds, which covered Jaenelle's sapphire orbs, bolted open and her hand leapt to her heart. "Mother Night."

Her body ached all over and it took her a moment to register her surroundings. The cavern walls were familiar despite her unaccustomed attachment towards them, and the male curled up in the corner was her Daemon. After the purging she had been so shattered, so disturbed, that for her survival the kindred brought her away from her troubles to heal; to this cave. Heal had taken so much time already and there would be so much more to come, but right now that's not what worried her. Something had happened. She could feel it calling to her very Self but she wouldn't, couldn't believe it.

In the corner the arched back stirred. Jaenelle bit her lip with sudden guilt; she had wakened her lover from his long deserved nap. He had been the one who stayed up with her through the night during the times of the worst pain, he was the one who held her when the nightmares gripped her, and he was the one who would love her and sacrifice everything for her until his death; and maybe not even then. The least she could do was let him rest, but maybe it was good that he woke for now she could confide in him, as she needed to do.

"Jaenelle? What is it, what's wrong?" His arm curled around her waist and a kiss was planted on her head.

Jaenelle- he still called her that, even though the Jaenelle he knew was long gone and Witch stood in her place. A smile spread across her lips at this bittersweet realization. "I'm not for sure, but something is terribly wrong. Don't you sense it?"

Daemon had gotten over the fact that his lovely Queen had far surpassed him, and the first resentment no longer burned, now he felt only pride in his young lovers accomplishments. His lips found their way to her head again, he made sure to keep his more urging needs under wraps, for she was not quite ready for that. "No. I only sense that you're worried and that's no good. How are you supposed to mend if you keep picking at your wounds?"

"It's the land, she is dieing." Jaenelle heard Daemon curse beneath his breath. She knew he hadn't wanted her to discover this, because he feared she'd try to do something about it. "It's more than that though, she is calling in her debt."

A shudder ran from the small, fragile, yet powerful thing in his arms, and passed through him leaving a sense of fear and worry. "What do you mean darling?"

"I mean all the power the Blood has used in greed she is taking back to heal herself." Jaenelle turned and her face was awash with new comprehension. "Only it's the innocents that are being harmed, she is killing them."

Daemon's senses perked and he quickly dropped to his Black, channeling this power to scan the inhabitants of the Hall. All was as it were. "Are you sure? I've heard of no disturbances, and all is fine at the Hall."

"That's because Kaeleer is not where the Mother needs strength, or at least not drastically. Terreille- Terreille… What should I do?"

Daemon shook her gently enough not to be threatening, but harsh enough to get her attention. "Nothing. You will do nothing. Let Terreille handle Terreille, you rest."

"But what about…"

"No!" His voice shook and she drew away, a hiss resounding into a growl. Softening his tone he tried to make her understand. "I just don't want to risk losing you again. You mean so much to me, I couldn't handle it if something happened to you. I love you, and I can't just…"

Jaenelle interrupted his sentimental speech with a soft kiss. Her lips pressed against his and her tongue flicked across his, which welcomed her. Round breast rose and fell against his chest warming the blood in his veins, and enticing him to take pleasure in that which he denied himself. Pushing her down gently, so that she lay into the soft mat that was her bed, he removed her shirt and teased the pink nipples that instantly became hard. Over come with his desire he kissed her roughly, savagely needing her supple lips, his hand traced down her abdomen seeking the triangle between her legs. That's when he felt her draw away, she wrapped herself within herself defensively denying him her.

Respectfully he halted his hand and softened his kiss. Then he pulled back completely seeing the fearful yet yearning look in her eyes. He gently kissed her one last time before wrapping the blanket up to his chin, and retreating to the entrance. Before he left he took one more lingering glance and noticed the pained expression in her eyes.

"I'm sorry." She whispered and Daemon's heart broke at the sorrow in her voice. This guiltless innocent, sorry? Daemon couldn't stand for it, what they had done to her could never be undone, but he would damn well try.

"Don't be, I love you and nothing will change that. I'm willing to wait I will always wait if that's your wish. Jaenelle." He headed out the entrance and into the chilling wilderness, alone.

Jaenelle's eyes closed and once again she was sucked into the wails of the innocents, and the rebirth of the land.