Disclaimer- I own nothing so don't bother trying to sue me.

New story for me, so please no flames but I appreciate all reviews and advice. This takes place thousands of years before the current FFVIII. Also, I changed some aspects about the Guardian Force and this story will only reflect the story line of Final Fantasy VIII so there will be different interpretations of summoning and stuff but I promise it will make sense. I plan on making this a saga so feel free to ask any questions. Please review!

Dedicated to Winter's Roar, for never failing to make me grin.

~Prologue~

The gateway sealed shut with a last vestige of blinding light before it blew out like a candle. It was an eternal chasm of shadow. There was no ceiling, floor or wall to mark the boundaries, no wind to break the maddening silence nor any sign of life beyond the one who opened the doorway. A man would go insane after a single moment in this world. Yet it went all unnoticed to the fiery being. A rippling mane of fire burned without smoke or fuel. Gargantuan limbs stood patiently before the darkness. Great jagged horns sprouted from the back of the head elegantly designed to fashion its wearer. Where fur would be evident, there were only flickering flames that danced lazily upon the creature's form. It snorted irritably; a hiss of scorching air. Ifrit could have taken any form he wanted, but was content with his beastly appearance. Besides, he could care less with petty details. He could not say the same for the others. Quezacotl floated nearby in the airless void. Instead of feathers, she was covered in a misty exterior, calm emerald in shade. Her skin appeared to shift with a cloudy movement. Tribal marks streaked from the wings and torso, glistening with a godly demeanor. She too, made no effort to speak with the others. The three-headed demon hound of hell pawed the ground with his claws almost boringly, while a tiny dragon with a ruby embedded into its skull blinked in a curious manner. There were more waiting with him. Leviathan with his serpent body perched like a cobra ready to strike. Diablos with his horrifying demonic wings and blood red skin. Siren plucking the strings of her golden harp idly. Alexander the Archangel stood as stolid as any sentry. A tiny hole opened from the center and a hooded creature with glowing amber eyes scurried out, clutching a tiny lamp and a silver knife. No one paid him any mind. Days or even years could have pass if it was in the real world. Here, a stasis of empty time stood still. And yet they waited.

A last a doorway sliced opened the world of shadow and closed itself, leaving a lithe, stunning woman dressed in a pale blue silk dress. Raven black hair touched down to her waist. The hems of her sleeves held perfect moonstones that matched her serene, ever calm look. High cheekbones, deep sapphire eyes, and pale skin, she made a queen look like a beggar. Shiva was what the mortals had called her. Goddess of Ice. It was a human legend that her gaze alone could freeze blood and her touch, bring a tempest to his frozen death. For being a tale told to frighten children, it was not far off. With effortless grace, she took her time striding to her place beside the fire demon. Snow drifted from the locks of hair and ice sparkled with a shimmering glint. Unlike the other Guardians, Shiva was the only one who took the form of a human. He was not in the slightest impressed. She spent far too much time among these mortals than she did with her own duties, he thought as he shook his head in disgust.

"You are late."

He was the first to speak. His words a deep rumbling of content and a brush of annoyance. Not bothering to even face him, Shiva flicked back a lock of hair, but he knew she wore a cold smile of satisfaction.

"I was not aware of a deadline Ifrit." she replied smoothly. Too smoothly.

"We cannot afford for you to waste such time on your own petty schemes," he growled under his breath and the flames danced even higher. If his strength was formidable, his anger was unmatched.

"We have greater matters of importance that need of our attention."

"We?" she mocked. "I did not know you proclaimed yourself the spokesperson for us all. In that case, please exclude me from anything that you say for the rest of us. I do not like having an arrogant beast govern my affairs."

Ifrit gnashed his fangs together. Blazing eyes, hot with rage met Shiva's frozen but equal stare. Neither of them even thought of backing down from the other. The other spirits ignored them except for Bahamut. With a wing span equal to Quezacolt and diamond hard scales, the Lord of Dragons grinned with far too many teeth.

"That is enough. Both of you."

The voice showed no emotion but was stern enough to be obeyed. Mentally swearing in every tongue he knew, Ifrit sneered at the icy woman and turned his attention back to the others. Shiva just adjusted her dress. Ifrit shook off any signs of discomfort since Shiva never showed irritation, and waited. Tiamat, a smaller and darker version of Bahamut nodded after he was sure he had their full attention. From the circle of Guardians, Gilgamesh stepped forward. A crimson cloak and hood covered his body except for two sharp eyes and three fake arms that sprouted from his side. Ifrit was not fooled. Under the elaborate costume were four capable arms, no doubt a sword for each of them hidden behind his back. Odin's horse snorted at Cerberus who sniggered with three very unfriendly rows of teeth. The rider, as gargantuan as his steed, was armored in a war suit that blended perfectly to his surroundings. Odin was a silent wolf of a man. Capable of unmoving patience and deadly speeds. It was the red cloaked warrior who broke the silence. It had been hundreds of years since the last gathering. But they were all essentially the same. Except for Shiva. Oh how he hated that woman. Putting on his usual grimace, Ifrit tuned his attention back to the speaker. There was no need for welcoming or introductions again. He had known most of them for far longer than he would have liked.

"The mortals are involved in a full scale war," The calm but commanding voice demanded attention and respect. Not bothering to search for any sign of emotion, he continued without delay. " This has been the greatest war in a thousand years. Every nation has been torn into this conflict. I have seen it with my own eyes. Millions have died. Cities have been wiped out and the war goes on without pause." As on cue, the water serpent rose his head and cut into the conversation as he always did. Unwinding his coiled body, he was the perfect image of arrogance and self-assurance.

"That is none of our concern. We Guardians were given the task to foresee the balance of the world. Not it's inhabitants." Leviathan answered in a cool, confident tone as if he had repeated himself one too many times. "These people do nothing but give into their desires of greed and power. If they destroy themselves then so be it. It has nothing to do with our duties."

As always, Leviathan was blunt, heartless and logical. Several of the others nodded in agreement. The other half stood stiff with opposition. Alexander and Griever, a humanoid lion with a blue shade of skin and wings of white feathers betrayed nothing with his face that could have been carved out of stone and eyes a blood red. Siren plucked a note slightly off beat, which she recovered instantly with a smooth gesture of her fingers. Her own voice itself was a musical hymn, pleasant and light as the notes she played so simply. There was no need to raise her voice above the others. It caught their attention just as effectively as Leviathan's interruption. With the bare movement of the corners of her coral colored lips, she spoke.

"Perhaps it is none of our business. It's true, these humans are what you say they are Leviathan. They are susceptible to material desires. They murder, plot and steal to win even an ounce of power. Rarely do they listen to reason, and they allow their emotions rule them without pause." She struck a high pitch string, a melody of calm and reason. Her songs matched her moods yet she rarely strayed from her tranquil presence.

"And perhaps they deserve to die. They certainly treat life secondly. They are eager to leap into war for the slightest excuse." She smiled, but it was far from friendly. A cold woman of cold reason, she could match Shiva if she wanted to. "However, the fact remains that they are very dangerous. Not just to themselves, but to us, they are a formidable opposition if they ever truly master their skills." She raised an eyebrow at Shiva's direction. "I too have spent time among these mortals. They live shortly yet they have an extreme ability to adapt. Already they have been able to tap into far greater amounts of the world's powers than we thought possible. Perhaps one or two are not much of a threat. Yet a few dozen of these sorcerers could possibly be a danger to any one of us. They are quite resourceful, making them a danger to us all."

There was slow ripple of murmurs from the Guardians. Most of them skeptical about the whole notion. Doubt and even offense passed through the circle. Ifrit growled aloud, not bothering to cover the rage that threaten to overwhelm him. Spitting fire from his nostrils, he swung to face Siren who still played with her golden harp with skill that would have made a royal bard feel inferior. She barely acknowledged him with a slight shift of her eyes.

"You lie. These threats as you say, are nothing more than half-trained children who barely scratch at the surface of this earth. They are magicians with parlor tricks, too foolish to believe in anything beyond their own eyes." Folding his massive arms he raised himself to stand taller, even though the gesture was hopeless since others already dwarfed him. Regardless of this fact, he was equally balanced with any of the other Guardians. Being the spirit of fire, he was only one of the creators of the world and it was forbidden for them to fight amongst themselves directly. Still, it always helped to make yourself noticeable. The truth was that he was uneasy with what Siren had said. The very idea of mortals having the strength to even possibly harm their creators was incredulous, yet there was still that small possibility. A very dangerous possibility. "Even if what you say is true, and these people have the luck to truly discover us, any one of us could destroy them with a flicker of a glance. You worry far too much."

"Do not be so quick to assume Ifrit. You have not studied the ways of humans for quite some time." Pandemona's lecturing tone came out as a whisper but was clear as thunder. Standing twice as tall and painted in a flurry of shifting colors, the Guardian of Air's yellow eyes seemed to bore holes into his target.

Ifrit would have sneered if he had not been so furious. At himself for speaking too boldly, and at their emotionless faces. Grinding teeth that would have shattered boulders, he forced himself to be silent and listen patiently.

The harp continued to fill the emptiness with a trickle of meaningless music. It was an effort not to leap over and burn it to ashes. He hated any kind of human invention, even if it was nothing more than an instrument.

"It is none of our concern." A voice bluntly argued, speaking through a telepathic link. He spoke to each of them the same but Ifrit knew each message differed depending on the listeners. Tonberry, the spirit guardian always did enjoy manipulating others. Just as he had spoken, the twin Minotaurs grunted loudly and stomped their hoofed feet. The shorter one, Minotaur idly twirled his wicked spiked mace. Sacred, the younger yet taller Guardian of Earth snorted with what seemed to be an amused chuckle. Stupid beasts, Ifrit thought, although he of course kept the comment to himself. Even if he never liked the two beasts, he knew a few smooth words could easily turn them to his point of view. A unanimously agreement had to be reached for any decision and perhaps having their support could sway the others.

"Kill them all. Quick and simple." Sacred grinned crudely. His brother nodded in approval, still swinging his mace casually. If they were not so ignorant, Ifrit might have admired them. Might have. Flapping her wings angrily, Quezacotl heatedly retorted with a voice that could shake mountains. Now that was someone he could get along with. Quick to rouse with anger fueled by impulse and always hasty, the lightning guardian would be easy to win over.

"Do not speak unless it is a matter of importance! We have no time to hear out your pointless suggestions and meaningless rabble. Have you forgotten the oaths we pledged to or do you wish me to repeat them?" Electricity sparked from her eyes, and the distant roar of thunder was audible. The brothers shook their maces challengingly. What a mess this was. A hotheaded bird and two brutish cows. What a fine gathering this turned out to be. Cerberus howled, all three heads laughing in unison, plainly wanted to see a fight. The gem Carbuncle wore blinked almost as fast as his eyes. Tiamat and Bahamut mumbled something about a wager. Odin sharpened his vicious sword with a whetstone, the blade against stone making a whisk whisk sound. Without thinking, daggers flicked in and out of Gilgamesh's sleeves. Alexander received a nod from Griever and with an outstretched palm, fired a solid beam of white light into the darkness. It exploded into a shower of blinding nova, stopping the quarreling and regained their attention. The last traces of shimmering rain were swallowed up by the darkness. It was Griever who spoke.

"If you two are done," He began gently; his growl was cool but bristled with disapproval. "Then perhaps will shall focus on the true purpose we have gathered for today." He starred levelly at Quezacolt and the two minotaurs, just hinting that he dared them to protest. Quezacotl widened her eyes and huffily puffed herself up but she forced out a curt nod. Minotaur grunted but agreed reluctantly. He was clearly disappointed to lose a chance to test his mace. Sacred followed suit with a sharp jab from his brother. They said he was ignorant with human behavior but Ifrit was sure he could learn just as much by studying the other Guardians. They were certainly acting like a bunch of humans. Gilgamesh took the silence for a sign to continue. Sheathing the blades under his coat sleeves, he picked up where he had left off.

"I fear this war is not the true problem. We have seen nations crumble and be rebuilt. We have seen the land shatter and the ocean rise. Yet we have never interfered unless it was in dire need and when we did, it was indirect without breaking the oaths." Leviathan opened his serpent mouth to agree wholeheartedly but Gilgamesh ran right over him. "However, as of late I have felt a…disturbance. A ripple of unwinding evil that has already begun. I do not know how or even when, but I know this power is far beyond imagining. If we do nothing, if we turn our backs, it will bind and destroy us. I fear these wars are only a side effect of the true power. "

For the first time, since the meeting, Diablos finally decided to voice his own thoughts. The Guardian of Darkness always listened before he spoke and never said anything without meaning it.

"He is correct. I have seen it too. And it is a plain fact that all of us shall be drawn into this conflict." His blood curdling tone made Ifrit a little uneasy. Just a little. He had no doubt Diablos was as true as Gilgamesh, but he half wished the demon would have stayed silent in the shadows. "I know as well, that three of us shall become enslaved to this power. I do not know who, but I am sure of it."

Ifrit unintentionally allowed himself to clench his fist. He was not the only one. Quezacotl nearly exploded with disbelief. Bahamut and Alexander listened with grim acceptance. Odin stopped sharpening his swords and calmly tucked both away. Even Shiva flinched for a mere second. If this could unnerve that woman, than indeed it was bad news. Only a few of them had the talent of foresight yet no matter how weak or strong the user, the outcome was always the same. Foresight was never wrong. It happened one way or another. No matter what. Ifrit was now convinced, human problems he could ignore, but when it came down to him, he would not take any risks.

"Then we shall do what we must." He declared loudly. He hated being wrong but he hated even more to be forced into a decision. He instantly forgot all his scheming and plans to win support to oppose Siren and the others. He didn't like this. He knew as well as anyone else they were strictly forbidden to directly interfere with the lives of mortals but he would do what he must. There was no alternative, but it gave him some satisfaction to be the first to admit it. "What do you propose then Gilgamesh?"

Instead of the red cloaked warrior, Leviathan cut in as before.

"I stand with the Brothers. Wipe out the threat before it manifests. I would be more than willingly to flood the land if it comes to that."

"You as well? I thought better of you Leviathan. You and your mad cows are both fools." Quezacotl was just itching for a reason to unleash her poorly concealed anger. Pandemona sided with the lightning phoenix so the two of them glowered over the others. Even with a cold expression, Pandemona still retained his ability to lecture in a confident fashion.

"Do not abuse your powers Leviathan. You were given the privilege to be Guardian of Water. If it was offered to you, it can be taken back just as freely."

"Perhaps a select few of us can be reborn into the world of men? At least then we will be allowed to understand this threat." Whatever Cerberus meant was lost in an uproar. The five bickering Guardians instantly turned onto him. Some of them demanding they be chosen while others spat at the very idea. Tiamat shot columns of fire ahead to restore order but no one paid it any mind. Carbuncle dashed under the snow-white cloak of Alexander. Odin and Gilgamesh looked ready to butt heads. Tonberry was definitely throwing bits of information here and there that would encourage the arguing. Ifrit was suddenly aware Siren was still absentmindedly playing her harp while speaking to Shiva, but the way her fingers pulled the strings showedshe was being colder than usual. If he were not so irritated, Ifrit would have laughed out loud. Shiva and Siren in a cold logic contest. He did not want to miss that the next time it happened. If there was a next time. By the way everyone was fighting they could be here for ages. Only Diablos, himself and Bahamut had stayed quiet. Well, so did Griever but he was never one to speak more than he had to. The rest of them were too busy accusing each other to realize what had to be done. They were acting more human every moment.

Clearing his throat with a low rumble, Bahamut didn't bother waiting for their full attention.

"Being reborn is out of the question. We cannot risk exposure or interaction, and dying in their world would be no different than dying here. I do not think I should have to remind you the consequences if one of you are captured." That certainly snapped up any snickering. Several of them still bared teeth but for the most part they listened. "Straight forward destruction will not be an option either. Not until the last possible moment will we result to this. It is best to keep our heads cool and discover more simplistic and efficient ways to counter this threat. We do not even know the origin of this danger yet. Rushing ahead will only lead to disaster." He glanced at Leviathan during the last sentence and seemed satisfied that the point had been drilled into the serpent's thick skull. "Our only option left is to have the mortals deal it with themselves."

Quezacotl's eyes grew wide. She glanced around her as if alarmed. "But surely they will not learn of it until it is too late. They will need our help."

Griever nodded. "They will need our help." He repeated.

"You cannot be serious. We cannot hope to leave this cause in the hands of humans. They are incapable of such responsibility. They will allow their fear to rule them. We cannot allow t-"

Siren cut in smoothly with a wave of her hand.

"You may not have confidence in their strength Leviathan, but I have lived among these people. I am sure with the correct guidance and a certain amount of strength, they will do fine."

Shiva calmly smoothed out her dress even though there was not a single wrinkle.

"In any case, we must fight this evil that has taken form one way or another. I say we choose several promising families and pass to them a portion of our strength. Not too much to harm the carriers, and not too little to be of no real use. The power will lay dormant until the time is near. Their fates will entwine to shape the destiny of these fighters."

No one spoke. Shiva knew they were taking it into consideration. Well, if she had their attention now, she was going to keep it that way.

"It cannot be too many or it will become obvious. Too few will lead to disaster if even one fails. To ensure their success, they must be gifted in various skills to stand out, yet their personal attributes will be their true weapons. Perhaps eight?"

"Yes. Eight seems to be a safe number." Cerberus growled in approval.

"Four women and four men?" Siren asked with an indication of her eyes.

"A strong force of equality and balance." Tonberry whispered to all of them. Ifrit was positive this time the message was consistent. Alexander flicked his angelic wings and in his holy aura, joined the conversation.

"Perhaps one of them shall be the eldest. To lead the way?"

"Yes yes, she will be a role model to them all." Quezacotl hastily added.

"She? Why not a man?"

"Men rush into battle with an air of arrogance. Women stand to the side and wait to finish them off."

Gilgamesh chuckled under his cloak. Odin, with his stony face looked hard at Shiva but she just smiled and continued.

"Their fates must be directly tied with this threat or they will never face it with a true heart and a clear mind."

"Of course. They will be mature enough to deal with this; yet be flexible enough to bend." Tiamat said gravely.

"Now comes the matter of who of us will be willing to lend their strength?" Diablos whispered in his slurring, demonic voice.

Ifrit was partly surprised that volunteers stepped up so willingly. Bahamut, Shiva and Gilgamesh moved without delay. Siren followed suit with Quezacotl and Alexander. If they thought to leave him out, they were sadly mistaken. Did they think they could make such a vital decision without him? Infuriated at them and more so at himself, Ifrit joined the others. The last, Griever moved almost grudgingly but he did complete the number. The remainder Guardians watched quietly. They were wise enough to know that these were the best choices even if they themselves were excluded. Miraculously, the Brothers only shook their maces at each other and even Leviathan seemed reluctantly in agreement. The eight Guardians formed a small circle. There were some doubtful looks, but hope was evident. He was sure of it.

"You should begin scouting now. Who knows what this war will lead to." Tiamat suggested from outside the ring.

"We will see to it that all remains well until you return." Diablos said. Carbuncle nodded vigorously. Gilgamesh stuck a sword into the ground while still holding onto the hilt. His other two arms crossed blades on his chest. Then, he spoke.

"A deception of charm. The speed of a bullet."

Alexander plucked a feather from his wings and held it in midair with his staff. It shone with a halo of light.

"Truth of the heart. A spirit of freedom."

Clipping a string from her harp, Siren dangled it from her fingertips.

"A song of hope. The smile of the sun."

There was no need to actually use those physical items. But Ifrit did admit it was impressive to some degree. Bunch of showoffs. Raising his arm, he snapped off a piece of his own horn, which regrew itself immediately, and held it in his palm till a ball of inferno enveloped the shard.

"Ambition of a warrior. A dream of victory."

Facing downward, Quezacotl struck a lightning bolt from her eyes, which danced and hissed wildly as if trying to escape.

"Honesty of love. The fury of a storm."

Griever held out his fist and snarled in rough words. A soft charcoal light pulsed around his hand.

"The courage of a lion. Strength of the blade."

A pair of scissors appeared in Shiva's hand as she coolly, snipped off a lock of her hair. As it floated in front of her, she recited in the same icy serenity.

"Clarity of the mind. A soul of endurance."

Finally, Bahamut completed the task with his booming voice. A dragon scale shimmered to the eye.

"A life of compassion. The burden of duty."

The drifting enchanted items glowed in a jubilant vitality. Blood red from Ifrit. Pure ivory from Alexander. Sparkles of gold from Siren. They shown with such shining brilliance, it swallowed the circle in a sea of blinding colors. One by one, the eight Guardians flickered and disappeared.

"It has begun." Tiamat sighed, his voice sounding like a gust of wind.

"Yes." Leviathan agreed.

"It has begun." Pandemona echoed.

"We can only hope all goes well." Minotaur grumbled.

"There is no other possibility." Sacred glowered at his taller brother.

"There cannot be another possibility." Cerberus intervened neatly.

For the first time, Carbuncle plopped to the ground and murmured his timid but true mind.

"Except death."

Diablos nodded.

Odin unsheathed his sword indifferently. The world around him could shatter and he wouldn't even blink.

"Yes." He inspected the shining blade, though he knew it would never dull. "Except death."

~*~

Shiva appeared in a courtyard of trees wreathed with blossoms and the air smelling with the promise of a fruitful summer. Vines clung to the massive stone walls where the sky was a soft blue and birds sang freely. Unlike most of the world where war had ripped ravaged the land and brought destruction, this domain remained isolated and obsolete. Of course it would she thought. She had made it. How ironic it was for her to be surrounded in life when it was from the bitter cold that she was forged. A middle age woman with a sturdy face lifted her dress and approached her. Curtsying deeply, she greeted her with a smile.

"Good morning Lady Arene. I searched your quarters and the main hall but I could not find any sight of you my lady."

Shiva smiled in return. Her personal handmaiden was a loyal friend to this 'Lady Arene.' Shiva liked her. It was a shame she had to lie.

"I was just inspecting the gardens Maria. Joseph has done an exceptional job this year and I wanted to be sure they remained that way. There is no need to worry."

"Of course, my lady."

"May I ask why you came looking for me?"

"Of course my lady. A letter arrived about thirty minutes ago. The rider said it was important." She reached into her pocket to pull out a crisp, white envelope with a red seal.

Rising her eyebrows in mild interest, Lady Arene took the letter and broke the wax seal. She scanned the short letter written in rugged characters.

Lady Arene,

I trust your trip back was pleasant. I do not think I should have to remind you of our responsibilities, but since I know you are far too occupied with your business and I myself have already completed the task, I wanted to ensure that if you would like any assistance, I would be happy to help in this search. Do feel free to ask for anything at all.

"My lady Arene? Is something the matter?"

Shiva didn't realize her hands were shaking. Recovering instantly, she put on her best reassuring smile and carefully folded the letter.

"Nothing that concerns you Maria. Please, have this letter disposed of. I feel a bit tired. I think I would like to retire now."

Handing the letter back, Shiva took two steps before she realized her maid was staring strangely at her. Glancing back, she added mildly,

"Is something wrong Maria?"

"Your hair my lady. Did something happen?"

Without moving her eyes or reaching for the missing lock of hair, she answered coldly.

"I thought I asked you to burn that letter."

Maria's eyes widened and with a quick curtsy, she scurried out of the garden in as much as a run her dress would allow. Shiva watched her leave and left for her room. Curse Ifrit! He was the only one who really got close to bothering her. She knew he was arrogant but sending that letter was too much. Curse him! He thought she stayed around humans too much? Blockhead brute! What right was it of his to say how she handled her own affairs? She was the one who suggested the whole plan. She was the one who sent those stubborn fools in the right direction. How dare he have the guts to mock her. In her own palace no doubt!

Stalking down the hallway with servants rushing out of her path, she nearly trampled poor Joseph the Gardener who was rearranging the ice lilies. She would apologize later. First she was going to find the best specimen this world had to offer. A woman of course. And whenever this threat would present itself, that power she embedded would ignite and would give whoever the carrier was great power. Oh yes, she would be the finest woman on the planet. Calm as the sea and stronger than stone. She would be Shiva's greatest triumph. Locking the door to her immense bedroom, she regrew the lock of hair. She had to be more careful next time. She could not afford any mistakes. Stupid Ifrit! Knowing that horrid animal was right even once irritated her. Curse him! Curse him for eternity! She would show him. No one bothered Shiva, Guardian of Ice. She would prove to him just how useful spending time with humans would be. Snapping her fingers, her body winked out of existence

~*~

"Dadria," called a soft voice. She didn't bother looking at the doorway but she knew her mother was there. She didn't acknowledge her. Gripping the sweaty hand of the man lying on the bed, she focused all her attention on him. On Edren. On her fiancé. "Dadria, you need rest. You are no use to him now."

Her only answer was to tightened her grip on his hand. Smoothing out his long blond hair, she dabbed his face with a piece of cloth. Even on his deathbed he looked as handsome to her as he when she had met him so many years ago. She would never understand how he managed to do it. The cuts that decorated his body were nothing compared to the wound to his side. It was bandaged but still soaked heavily with blood. His blood. And too much of it. The healers had given up on him. They could only numb the pain and delay the inevitable. There were rumors of men and women having the power to heal anything beyond death. Even if she hated them with the utmost passion. Hated them for starting this war which dragged millions along. She hated them for all the pain they had caused. Hated them for recruiting herself and Edren as soldiers in the war that led to him taking that horrible wound. But she hated herself even more not being quick enough to prevent that wound and for feeling so helpless now.

Dadria dimly heard her mother shut the door. Her future husband muttered something weakly. His breath came in strangled gasps. The blood was slowly seeping into the mattress. Hyne, she felt like crying. No she sharply told herself. She would not cry. There was still hope. She would stay strong until the end. She had to. For him.

"I won't cry!" she fiercely told herself. "I won't!"

"There is no need to cry my dear. There is hope yet."

Dadria swung to face a woman in a blue robe that hid her face and covered her entire body. Her eyes flashed alarmingly and she glared at her with all the hatred she felt. Another person to say how sorry they felt. Another weak smile of pity. In truth, she really did appreciate their condolences, but all she wanted now was to be alone with him. He would not die alone. And she would not leave him for anybody.

"Do not be alarmed child. I come with good reason." Her voice was melodious. Like a charmer trying to ensnare the mind. Almost fingering the sword at her belt, Dadria forced herself to wait.

"Who are you?"

"Just a simple traveling woman."

"Then why are you here?"

"He was wounded in battle?"

"Isn't that obvious?" she hissed. "I will say it again. Why are you here and what is your purpose?"

Whoever this cloaked stranger was, she spoke as if she didn't hear her.

"Have you known him long? He must be someone you hold dear is it? Let's see. A brother? Oh no, how silly of me. There is no family resemblance."

Whoever she was, this stranger was certainly correct in that statement. Where Dadria was short, tan skinned, and had long hazel colored hair, Edren was tall, pale and blond. Yet they were no novice with a blade and were equal when it came to battle.

"What is it to you?"

"Not a friend either. And certainly not a father or son. Then I suppose that leaves your husband I take it? What is his name?"

"This is none of you business!"

"What else would make a woman cling onto the last strand of hope and fight back tears with her will. Men are foolish people but women will always need them, as they need us."

Snarling, she spared the woman only a glance of scorn.

"If you come on good purpose than please, you're welcome to do anything for Edren. Otherwise, leave! I have no need for your lessons on men!"

The woman lifted her hood to reveal a copper skinned woman with black hair and a face of nobility. The curves of her lips quirked into what could have been a smile.

"So," she began slowly. "His name is Edren. We are making progress it seems."

Almost gliding across the room, the woman approached the bed untroubled with the blood soaked sheets and haggard breathing. She was well aware of the condition he was in but took her time standing over the bed, examining its occupant.

"The damage is great. Too much blood has been lost. He will not live by nightfall."

Outside the sun was already falling. The clouds were a sickly crimson, a cruel reminder of what was to come. Pain, and when night came, death. Dadria nearly sobbed but she pushed it away.

"It is really such a shame. So young, and good looking as well. It will be a terrible waste."

That caught her attention. Grasping her sword, she instinctively leaped around and bared the blade inches from the woman's throat. The stranger however, hardly even noticed the sleek metal weapon at her neck. Not even blinking, the cloaked woman calmly made eye contact with the distressed girl. Hyne, who was this woman? Forcing herself to keep her voice steady, she spoke firmly, biting her words bitterly,

"I am Dadria. This is Edren. My fiancé. He is dying and if you cannot help him, leave me to see his passing. If there is anything you can do I would be most grateful, but I will not listen to this pointless talk any longer. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly."

Not even a hint of fear. Just a cool response. Hyne, what was this woman?

"Now, will you help him or not?"

Smiling slightly with admiration, the stranger gave a short bow.

"I will."

Lowering the blade, Dadria sheathed it and turned back to Edren.

"There was a battle yesterday. Several miles away. He was brought here late last night."

"Have you left his side?" The woman asked softly while examining the body.

"Of course not," the young woman snapped. "I love him."

Nodding to herself, the woman touched Edren's forehead with the back of her hand, then each side of his chest. Reaching into her pouch, she poured a small vial of clear liquid into his mouth, and with the rest, soaked it into the bandages in his side. Maybe it was her imagination, but Dadria could have sworn Edren's breathing sounded less labored. Satisfied, the woman smoothed her cloak and stood slowly. Turning to Dadria she spoke softly, almost as one would a frightened child.

"He will need plenty of rest. And be sure that he eats well. He will be back on his feet soon."

Kneeling to the ground, Dadria lowered her head and took the woman's hands in her own.

"Thank you. I don't know how you did it and I am sorry for the way I treated you, but I thank you."

Pulling her to her feet, she touched the back of Dadria's head. The warrior woman flinched as she felt a slight prick of freezing cold but the pain faded as quickly as it had come. The woman smiled again in the same admiringly way and said,

"Go to him. He will need you. You will do well."

Dadria turned to see Edren muttering her name. Moving to his side once more, she took his hand in both her own, muttering soothingly to her fiance. Turning to thank the woman once more, Dadria nearly gasped aloud.

The woman had vanished. Blinking in disbelief, she suddenly realized she didn't even know her name.