After a few hours of riding in the desert, we arrived at our first destination. Kasmeer and Rytlock joined us, and we talked on how we should bribe the armies of Joko on fighting on our side.

"I can use my illusions skills to make us look like one of the main generals and subordinates. It will only be broken if we engage in a fight or if you decide to uncover."

I nodded my head to Kasmeer's suggestion. "That would be great Kas. However, we have to know how one of the generals look and act like so we can get the show going…"

Canach pointed behind me. "Speaking of the devil, we have one fine specimen walking on the open field just there."

We took that as our cue and headed towards the general. I made sure to analyse his demeanor, his tone of speech and any traits that could help me while being disguised. After we've collected enough information, I looked at my teammates and we killed the general and his minions following him.

Kasmeer took a piece of clothing from each of the bodies and infused them with a spell. "This will do. Now everyone, I'm sorry if you feel any discomfort while wearing the spell, you should feel exactly how they did before they died."

I looked at everyone, we all nodded and understood what was at stake. I stared at Kasmeer, extending my hand forward.

"Let's get going Kas, time is flying."

Once we got the spell on, I felt all the thoughts that the general had. This will be useful, as I won't be at loss for words if they ask me more specific questions. But I have to be careful and… Praise Joko as much as I can…

I shuddered at the thought and gave a quick look to my comrades.

Rytlock grunted in displeasure and looked at me. "Is it really necessary Commander? I smell and feel awful in this."

Canach was rubbing his forearms and glanced at me sideways. "I have to agree with Rytlock, it makes me feel like if I was killed and forcefully brought back to life…"

I looked at Canach and Rytlock. "I'm sorry, but you have to deal with it. The quicker we do this, the faster that we're off this costume."

They grunted, but accepted anyway. We proceeded, one by one to rally each troop leader to our cause of killing Balthazar because of his treason to Joko. It's a bit difficult, but it seems to work so far. Our disguise worked perfectly, all thanks to Kas.

After all of this was done, we took a break on a remote hill.

Rytlock stretched himself and let a roar. "Rarhh! Finally, feels good to have my fur back and not some patchy, rotting skin."

Canach was adjusting his sword on his belt and looked at his hands. "I couldn't agree more with you, feels better to be alive and not smelling like a rotting corpse."

"Glad you liked my spell Rytlock and Canach... " Kasmeer sighed and looked at me. "Do you think all of this will work? No need to disguise anymore?"

I slowly shook my head. "Hopefully, yes. They are going under their will and since they are so loyal to Joko, they will fight until they see the deed done." I sighed and smiled at the mesmer. "Thank you Kas, I know this wasn't an easy task."

She beamed at me. "You're welcome Commander!"

I picked up my weapons and glanced around to make sure that everyone was fine. Satisfied, I rose up to rest further away from the group, near a solitary tree on the hill. They seemed to have understood that I needed some time alone, I was grateful for that.

I looked at the setting sun. It wasn't an easy task… I am already tired. My limbs feel heavy, my body felt like a complete stranger to me. I removed my weapons and hat, then leaned against the tree. The bark felt good and I took a couple of deep breaths. Reconnecting with the earth… I should have done that earlier… Oh dear Mother… Am I really the one for this? I already completed my wyld hunt by killing Mordemoth, then why do I have to fight again? I sighed and closed my eyes. Maybe I'm asking myself too much questions… I should rest a bit, it won't hurt.

Time passed, as I dozed off and tried to recuperate from all of the recent events. The sun had long been gone from the sky as I felt a presence getting nearer. As I opened my eyes, I could barely distinguish the horizon from the sky. Pitch black was covering every part of the horizon that was once colored. Shadows blended with the cloudless sky.

"Did I wake you up?"

I turned my head to face the one who asked the question. To my suprise, Canach was there, sitting down next to me, his molten bronze eyes staring back at me. Such intensity in that look. Sylvari eyes really do stand out in the darkness… not a good asset if you want to sneak out on someone. I softened my glance, letting my eyes adjust to the darkness surrounding us.

I slowly shook my head. "No Canach, you haven't woke me up… I think it was about time that I wake up anyway, turns out that a small nap was really what I needed."

He looked at me, not convinced by my words. "Katharos, I must say that you are a terrible liar…"

Damn. I guess I really need to open up and talk then… Denying and saying nothing will make the situation more awkward. I sighed "Very well… I do remember your offer back in the desert. I have a lot on my mind and I just don't know where to start…"

I looked around "Where are the others?"

He smiled. "They left a few hours ago, Kasmeer had to report to the temple and Rytlock went to see Taimi. She has been pretty lonely those days, so he figured that company wouldn't hurt."

I smiled "That's very thoughtful coming from Rytlock… why did you stay? You could have gone back to Amnoon."

He sighed, bringing his hand to his face, shaking his head side to side. "You really are dense, did you know that?"

I blinked, startled "Is there something I'm missing out? I'm sorry, I know that I don't see the obvi-"

My rambling was cut off by Canach rising up from his spot. Did I say something wrong? Way to go to keep company, I always end up being alone. Stupid mouth of mine… I closed my eyes, brought my knees up to my chest and leaned my forehead onto them.

I felt a breeze on the back of my neck, giving me goosebumps. Then, a strong arm grasped my shoulders and another one went underneath my knees. I looked up and saw Canach lifting me up bridal style.

"W-what are you doing? I can walk just fine…" He's close, too close for my confort. Try to stay focused… I was blushing furiously, staring at my hands who had become really interesting.

He started walking "I stayed because you didn't look too well. Hell, since you died you're even worse than before." He exhaled, clearly trying to keep some frustration at bay. "If you didn't know, there is people caring about your well-being. And that is including me." He glanced at me to make sure that I've understood his point.

I sighed, feeling bad from expelling people that wanted to help me. I am really blind… "I'm sorry Cana-"

He sighed, and he looked at the sky. "You don't need to apologize… We, I… turned a blind eye on your well-being, and you needed help… I should be the one apologizing from all the silent treatment that you've had. "

I looked at his face, feeling sorry and relieved at the same time. Such a kind man is hiding in his heart… I'm happy that he cared, it makes me feel… Appreciated.

I don't know what compelled me to do so, but I crept one hand up to the side of his face. Slowly cradling it with my palm. "Thank you…" It was the only words that I could formulate. My face felt as it was set on fire and the electricity tingles were running up and down from my arm from where my hand rested on his face. My heart is beating so hard, why am I feeling this way?

Canach was surprised by my actions and stopped walking. He looked down at me, raising a questioning eyebrow. He closed his eyes for a moment and looked forward.

"We've arrived."

My hand slowly dropped down, as I followed his gaze. The desert was long gone, and a luscious forest greeted my sight. How long have we been walking? I didn't remember crossing one area like this near the palace.

As if he knew my question, Canach answered: "I found this place a few weeks back. It recalled me of the Grove, even though it is clearly a man made plantation... I thought it would help you unwind a bit more from all the recent events."

Startled by his words, I turned my head to face him. That's really sweet of him to have thought of that… But why he's still carrying me like that? I could have walked… I wonder…

"Um, thanks. That will help… can um… can you put me down?" I shyly requested.

He jolted and stuttered an answer. "Y-yes of course."

He put me down, making sure that I've regained my balance before pulling back. Now what? This is awkward…

Looking around, I saw a small lake, reflecting the full moon. I headed towards it, feeling compelled to plunge my feet in the calm water. As I neared the border, I removed my weapons, hat, gloves and boots, forming a small pile on the edge. Then, I seated myself and dipped my toes in the water.

"Ah… This feels nice…" I closed my eyes in contempt and sighed. I turned my head to look at Canach once more.

Watching from afar, Canach looked at me like a predator looking at his future prey. He seems, conflicted? That gaze is so intense, I can barely look away… I feel like I should say something, but at the same time, our silence speaks more than words. If he comes nearer, would I understand more?

I felt compelled to look more at him, his features that always intrigued me. The way that his bronze eyes are framed by delicate yet defined green leaves. That his strong neck is partially hidden from his intricate armor. Would the skin there be the same pattern as his face? I noticed that he wasn't fully armored, only having the basic pieces. Having his armor while carrying me would have been troublesome… had he planned all of this? I wonder...

I snapped out of my reverie when he slowly made his way close to me, never breaking eye contact. My heart was pounding louder and louder as he neared. After a few moments, silence was broken.

"Do you feel better?"

I gulped. Partially. This is a nice break from the battlefield, but having you staring at me like that… Makes me feel even more conflicted. "I-uh yes. This is a calming place." I blushed slightly, looking downwards. Not even able to phrase out what you're thinking uh? Way to go Kat.

Canach snickered. "Once again, you're a terrible liar. Your eyes tell a different story." He kneeled beside me, bringing his gaze at my level. His smile disappeared, concern written all over his face. "A penny for your thoughts? I don't mind if you keep silent… but if you voiced what is on your mind, perhaps it will make me feel better." He proceeded to sit on the ground, leaning on his left elbow and kept staring at me.

Like I said before, that gaze should be illegal. It makes me even more at loss for words. I sighed, and tried to calm my mind. Let's just start with a question, then we'll go from there…

I let out a big breath and tried to put into words my first question. I was playing with a few strands of grass, as if it would make the task easier for my mind. "So um… why did you do all of this for me? You didn't have to, I know that you have other obligations…"

He raised a questioning eyebrow. "Obligations? That word has left my vocabulary since Anise set me free of my debt." He pointed a finger towards me. "Don't forget, I told you. I am a free man with a free will. I do what I deem important." He scurried over, sitting right next to me, his left arm slightly touching my right arm. He frowned slightly, and poked my arm with a finger. "And you are important."

Time stilled for a moment. My heart beating even louder. My senses were overloaded, his touch, his gaze, his smell, his words… I didn't know what to think or do anymore. I was looking at him like a deer that has been startled in the night, eyes wide open. What is that feeling? And those… tingles running through my body each and every time that he barely touch my skin. Is he feeling those as well? Should I…

Surprised by my own boldness, I raised my left hand and followed it's path with my eyes until I've made contact with his right cheek. Tiny sparks flowed through my arm, all the way down to my belly. Feels strangely good…

Canach on the other hand, had seemed to have stopped breathing. His eyes questioning mine, but clearly not objecting to the touch. He slowly closed his eyes and let out the breath that he was holding, leaning his face into my hand. It's like he melted under my touch.

I suddenly had the words and the courage to ask. "What am I feeling…? Do you feel it too?"

I felt his face muscles move as he smiled and opened his eyes. "You really are dense...or you just have no clue of what's going on?"

I was even more confused… what am I missing? I went to remove my hand from his cheek when his right hand came to cover mine. My mind blanked out, a rush of tingles just passed through my whole body. It is getting hard to breathe, if I could just slow down my beating heart it would be easier…

Canach resumed, while gently stroking my hand. "So young...inexperienced… but I guess that in your situation it can't be helped."

In my situation? "What… Is there something I should know?"

He chuckled. "Should wouldn't be the word I would have used. You left the grove when you just woke up from the dream." He sighed. "So young… a small sapling thrown up in the deadly claws of faith. You were programmed to do your mission since day one." He paused, his gaze softened. "You only know war and suppressed feelings. But life has more than that to offer." He let go of my hand, which I brought back to my pounding heart.

I stared at him, wide eyed. "Then, you know what I am feeling?" I felt hopeful, but scared at the same time.

He looked at me, a sad smile appeared on his face. "I do. Although, I don't think that you should share those feelings with me." He looked down, and slowly shaked his head from side to side. Then he chuckled, looking up at the moon. "Ah Mother, you are so cruel." He looked back at me, grasping my chin with his thumb and index. "I think this is not the right time for this. I'm sorry, but… I'll explain once this whole ordeal is done."

He collected himself and rose up. Wait, that's it?

I turned myself around, both of my hands on the ground, despair written on my face. "Don't leave, please...I don't want to be alone again, at least not until we are finished with Balthazar…" I let out a strangled sob, I felt torn apart. Part of me really wanted to know this feeling that is overwhelming me whenever he's near, and part of me wanted time to go faster so I can learn what he's hiding from me.

He sighed. "Fine, I'll stay. You'll be the death of me you know that?" He winked at me and walked closer, sitting close, but not as close as before.

I looked at the ground. "I'm sorry… Let's just hope that everything goes according to plan." I looked up to him. "Then I guess, we'll have all the time and freedom we need to talk about everything."

He nodded and layed down to look at the starry sky. I should relax a bit also, we have a long journey ahead of us and the grand finale is right around the corner. I mimicked Canach's actions and lowered myself on the ground. I stared at the multiple constellations and closed my eyes. If only peace could last forever after this, it would be nice.

Time passed in peace and quiet. Nature has provided us a night free of worries and let us rest for the first time in years.

The sun rose up a few hours later. It's warmth spreaded across my dew covered skin, slowly waking me up. I slowly stretched myself, feeling a bit better than the day before. I should thank Canach again for showing me this place. It definitely does wonder to a tired soul. I stood up, and put back every piece of clothing and armor that I've discarded earlier. I have to stay focused, this is the last stretch. I am so scared of dying… Again. Please mother, give me the strength and courage that I need to finish my task at hand. Hopefully, I'll have some rest after all of this.

I looked up to Canach who didn't move from his spot. He met my gaze with sad eyes. Don't look surprised, it will wait after all of this. I… we need to get through this. It pains me to see him like that, I wanted to know too...

I steeled my voice and posture, trying not to show my disappointment by leaving this tiny piece of heaven. "I'm heading towards the final stage. Let's get this over and done, then we'll finally get some well deserved rest. Meet me there once you're ready."

It worked, he smiled at me and rose up. "I'm always ready when you are. Lead the way, let's send back this false god to where he belongs."

I nodded and called my raptor. I took a long deep breath, and anger filled my gaze. So, we're going to meet up again Balthazar. I'll show you that a mortal with a will to live will do anything to save the ones that he loves.

"To the final stage we go. Aurene, I'm coming for you."