We made camp very near to the temple. The ground was soft with rich grass. Raven sent us to collect firewood, but he warned us not to stray far.
Staying together, we spoke little as we foraged, the day weighing heavily on all of us.
Returning in the dying light, arms full of organic fuel, we found Raven at the camp, having laid out bed mats and set a circle of stones to control the fire. He sat on a rock awaiting us, a full pot of soup sitting beside him, quietly ready to receive our flames. Quickly we helped set up the fire. Raven produced flint and set the blaze roaring. Soon the meal was ready. Huddled close we were comforted by bright fire and hot food. Reminded of the safety of Raven's home, that now seemed a year ago. Sadness, coupled with fatigue, proceeded to smother us in turn each succumbing to exhausted sleep, till only Raven and myself were left.
We sat in silence, each reserving the right to thought. I was mulling over the day's events. How had everything happened? And how our feelings had changed! I no longer felt a brave (or worthy) warrior as I had done, and I wondered about our fellowship. How our trust and bond had been broken so easily and I wondered about Raven who had seemed so angry at the Element's words. I understood that, but not his disappointment, I knew he cared for us, but would not let grief or relief show on him as though he didn't care. Maybe he had to show his strength for us? But I sensed that there was more to it than that. I wondered what those scorch marks were. I picked up a stick absently poking the fire.
"Your mind is troubling you, Kayra?" enquired Raven.
"Just thinking of the day, wondering where it all went wrong."I answered truthfully
"Today has brought grief that no one of such an age should suffer." He paused, eyes sorrowful. Raven seemed to be speaking of more than Midhar.
"This is a dark world, Kayra, the shadows close in, we are the only light, we shall attract all forms of demon and all will try to break us."
"I know. It's already happening. Midhar's left a void in all of us. I have not lost anyone before; my heart feels as though it were made of iron, pulling down on me. In a few days, I lost my home and family as I knew them and now a friend was stolen in front of my very eyes. I do not know how much my spirit can take."
Raven moved to sit beside me. His eyes boring into mine full of feeling and urgency, "Kayra, you and the others have handled these events more stoically than a grown warrior. I marvel at your courage at even reaching this far."
I swallowed.
"But I don't feel it like that, I feel lost and afraid. How do you accept death and continue in life?"
"With time and experience, Kayra." His eyes again grew sad.
I dared to ask, "How many battles have you fought in, Raven?"
"Too many." He replied, "Too many wars to quell evil. My first was many an age ago, when the tribes united to hold back Malgar, Bringer of Oblivion. I lost many a friend that day."
The first battle of Malgar? I could not believe it, I hadn't considered his words too closely before, those days were old, ancient, the words passed my lips before I could halt them, "If that was your first battle, that makes you how old? Do you ever grow used to the pain of loss?"
"I have seen over a thousand new springs," He answer simple yet laced with emotion, "witnessed the ebbs and flows of life, watched families form and fade, fought many battles, forged great friendships but through all my experience of life I have never learned a way to ease the burden of loss. The raw wounds heal but scars remain. I find that to remember and honour the fallen well is to bring joy to where suffering dwells. I have never forgotten any who fell, not since the black tide robbed me of my comrades and I was left alone to fight. But I learnt a lesson that day, that even when you are in your darkest peril, you are never alone. For the spirits of your friends shall fight alongside you, they shall be there for you."
Raven grew silent. Although he was giving me comfort, his words were heavy as if a great sadness hung upon them, but it seemed deeper than that as though Raven had harboured guilt at his life and his friend's death.
I spoke softly, "Thank you Raven, for your words, I will keep them in my heart."
Raven smiled at me and nodded. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Sleep now my friend, let heavy words and feelings pass. Tomorrow shall bring a new dawn and a clear path." Instantly my eyes were weighed with sleep. Raven rose and went over to the rock. My last memory before sleep claimed me, was Raven's voice whispering strange words. Sounding like "Elunaye nargishia" then my world faded to night.
AN:
Heya guys, sorry this has been a while in coming, another short one but more action is right around the corner! Thanks for sticking with this, I'll post as often as I can but I promise, like my other story Mission 2110:Battle Rites these stories WILL be finished-they'll just take a while!
Thank you for all your support and lovely reviews! Please let me know what you think!
