Remnant of the Past

by Flames of Nocturne

The Hero fought, she conquered, she was betrayed, she was forgotten. Yet her story is still unfinished, read as the lost hero returns to a new war in a land she had once sacrificed everything for and for which she wonders what she will give up again. GW1 character in GW2, an AU novelization.

10. Preparations

"Blah" – Talking "Blah" – Thinking "Blah" – Distortion

~I do not own Guild Wars or Guild Wars 2, both are the property of NCsoft and Arenanet~

Chapter 8: Preparations

Jai glared out at the ocean from underneath her hood. Since she and Trahearne had made it back to fort Marriner Jai had assisted with organizing the troops and divulging all the details she had observed from the attack on Claw Island, Jai had often noticed Trahearne giving her worried looks as she kept working and keeping herself busy, throwing herself into the bustle of work with a single minded focus. Jai ignored the scholar for the most part, she had to keep herself occupied otherwise she'd think about- even as her mind drifted Jai could recall a memory of Forgal giving her a smile and reaching over to ruffle her hair fondly, and then she saw the dragon spewing virulent green acid over a lone distant figure again.

It was…difficult to reconcile the fact that Forgal was gone. So many times Jai had caught herself thinking that he would come back like how she did, that he would reform and joke about paying back the dragon that got him. For all the death Jai had faced in the previous two and a half centuries she had almost forgotten that it was, permanent. Logically she knew, but emotionally… It was a hard realization of just how accustomed she had become to the Realm's version of 'death'. In many ways Ganes' death had been easier; though Jai was loathe to call it that, because she hadn't gotten attached to him. It was a difficult truth to adjust to, her heart was even more stubborn than her mind.

"It's so quiet... You know I was born here? I've never heard this city so silent." A voice drifted over from behind her.

"Yes. It would be peaceful if only it didn't feel as if everything were holding its breath."

Jai inhaled deeply, it may have just been her imagination but she could smell rot on the breeze. As her face contorted into a scowl the assassin turned away from the shore and returned to meeting point, ignoring all the idle conversation of the vigil troops doing last minute preparations.

"The Lionguard drew up the underwater sluice gates, cleared the streets, and put the city in lockdown…"

"What are you, a jellyfish? Keep that arm stiff and use your wrist!"

As she finally arrived at Fort Mariner and stood before General Soulkeeper Jai gave a crisp salute. The charr gave her an acknowledging nod, "Scouts are reporting undead just off the coast. It's a small force, but substantial enough for concern."

Across from her Trahearne nodded, "Zhaitan's overconfident, assuming Claw Island was the only thing standing between its army and Lion's Arch." He reasoned. It was then that Jai also noticed he was ever so faintly glowing purple, the soft bioluminescent glow present throughout the leaves he had for hair and along his arms and shoulder. It even almost freckled his face on the darker leaves. But the shade of purple was what drew her attention as she recalled how his shadow minion had six eyes. "You're just being paranoid, the sylvari have nothing to do with Abaddon."

Jai shook her head, focusing back on the present. "That, or he's splitting up his army to spread us thin defending multiple locations." She muttered quietly, but as Trahearne gave her a sideways glance it seemed he was the only one to hear her.

"Then it's our job to show the dragon how wrong it was." The General snarled, and it was a sentiment Jai agreed with. Then the grizzled charr turned to face her, "At ease, Warmaster. After what happened at Claw Island, the Lionguard — no, the whole city — owes you a debt of honor."

Giving the General a stiff nod Jai hesitated before asking, "Permission to speak freely General?"

"Of course Warmaster."

"I don't see how that's the case General." Jai replied flatly, "F- He was the one who gave his life to save us. I left him there alone." Her fists were clenched tightly.

The General's voice softened, "Forgal will be remembered as one of the Vigil's great heroes, and he will be dearly missed."

"He shouldn't need to be remembered or missed. He should be here instead of me." Jai thought darkly only to flinch as a hand rested on her shoulder. Looking up she was met with Trahearne's golden eyes, "Forgal's sacrifice held them back, but it was your bravery that led us to safety, my friend. I am grateful to you." He paused, indecision flickering across his face, "I- I failed you when you asked me to look after him. Forgal told me to take you and run so I did." His eyes looked down briefly in guilt before returning to hold her own gaze, "If I can aid in this defense, Warmaster, I'm at your service."

Jai swallowed hard, a flash of anger rushing through her as she fought the desire to yell at the timid Sylvari for listening to Forgal but she ruthlessly stamped the feeling down. The blame didn't lie with anyone but Zhaitan, Trahearne had done the best he could with what he knew. Giving him a small nod Jai was slightly surprised at the wide grin Trahearne responded with, and then she belatedly realized he had called her 'friend'. "What the Torment? 'Friend'?! We haven't even known each other for a day yet!"

"You took out enough of Zhaitan's forces to stop the imminent attack on Lion's Arch, but the dragon won't pause for long." Soulkeeper cut in, giving Jai an approving nod, "There are reports of undead landing up and down the coast, likely an attempt to soften the city's perimeter. We need to organize the Vigil's forces and defend the beach. Come, I've got to review the troops."

As she turned to join the General the hand that was still on her shoulder tightened just enough to get her attention, giving the Sylvari a questioning look his faint purple glow in the gloom of General Soulkeeper's office tinged pink as he rubbed the back of his head in what appeared to be a nervous gesture, "Are you alright? I mean with Forgal's…" He stammered as he cut himself off, "I want to help, a friend of Forgal's is a friend of mine but you've been going from briefing to briefing and-" Trahearne took a deep breath, "You can't do this alone. I'll stand with you- I want to stand with you even though I've just been following along lately."

"I'm not the best with people-" Jai warned him bluntly.

"Oh yes I've noticed." Trahearne replied before looking like he wanted to slap himself. But Jai just quirked a half grin for a short second then turned to follow General Soulkeeper.

By the time she made it to the rallying field the General was already delivering her speech, "Crusaders! Forces of the Elder Dragon Zhaitan stand on the very threshold of Lion's Arch. If Lion's Arch falls, the nations of Tyria will not be far behind. Fight for your homes! Fight for your families!" She raised a clawed fist as the troops cheered, "This is what we've trained for! This is what we've bled for! This is what we will die to defend! We will hold this ground! We are the Vigil!"

As the troops all rushed out Jai followed at a more sedate pace, Laranthir falling into step beside her, "I never thought this day would come. I like Orr far away—not standing on Tyria's doorstep." He fretted.

Jai raised a brow, why was he telling her? "We always think our enemies are farther than they really are until we are faced with them." "I certainly never expected to fight a 200 year old vengeful spirit or face a fallen god and his demonic army in my lifetime." "Personally I prefer to be the one invading." She finished darkly. Laranthir gave her a startled look, "Invade Orr?"

"Yes, can't be any harder than surviving as an entirely covert operation in Koruna. Or marching through the Realm of Torment from the gate to Abaddon's throne." Jai thought acerbically before realizing he was waiting for a reply, luckily she was saved when General Soulkeeper cut in.

"Warmaster, I want you and Trahearne on the western flank. Laranthir and I will take the east." She ordered.

"Yes General!" Jai called back as she joined the troops marching to the left. They were only in place for a moment when a soldier called out about spotting risen on the beach.

Jai drew her blades with a rasp of steel, her face set into a deep scowl. All along the water's edge were risen crawling up onto the sand, some crawling and dragging themselves up the beach while others shambled on unsteady rotting legs. Gritting her teeth Jai joined the charge, but no war cry escaped her lips. "Not worth the wasted breath."

Jai waded right into the thickest groups, a corrosive hex trailing her blades like ribbons of red. The first risen she ran into lost its head, the second's head was cut in half, the third followed the first. She knew the head was most important target from her experiences with the lich Palawa Joko to sever the nexus of magic animating the corpse, and if she couldn't get the head then incapacitation would make them easier targets for the other soldiers. Weaving in and out of the thickest fighting Jai never stopped moving, fully immersing herself into the rhythm of the battle as she dodged each clumsy blow and retaliated with lethal force. Duck, kick, don't over extend. A risen's face would come too close, empty eye sockets staring blankly before a flash of steel. Hands would pull at her armor, some would try to trip her by grabbing her ankles. Other times shambling corpses would drunkenly stagger up to her before exploding into clouds of acid, forcing her to quickly retreat. More than once she'd spot a risen overpowering a Vigil soldier only for it to be cut down from behind as the assassin shadow stepped to her allies' aid.

It wasn't long before the frantic pace of the battle took over with a furious din of noise and potent stench of rotting undead. The overcast skies hid the sun, which was to Jai's benefit as her hood fell down after a close dodge. On several occasions she would be surrounded, and Jai would wish for her war scythe, or more specifically she would wish she could just cut lose and not worry about injuries but she had appearances to keep. Suddenly a voice cried out in pain causing Jai to look around only to spot Trahearne on the ground holding his leg while a massive risen raised its large hammer over him. Tendrils of black smoke ran down her arm as Jai pulled it back and then whipped it forward, a thick black rope of her magic springing forth to wrap around the risen. Yanking back with a jerk of her arm the minion of Zhaitan dropped its hammer next to the fallen Sylvari as it was pulled through the air towards her. When it came close enough Jai lashed out with a blade and bisected it, the two halves falling at her feet where she stomped down on the rotted skull making it pop putridly with gore all over her boot.

Making her way over to Trahearne as he staggered to his feet Jai offered a hand to help him up. He sent her a surprised look but took her hand. "Broken?" Jai asked, warily watching for any approaching risen but the necromancer's minions seemed to be doing an adequate job of keeping them back.

"I'm fine, thank you for saving me." He responded, a wide but exhausted grin on his face, prompting Jai to simply stand there awkwardly as she was unsure of how to respond, "Um..."

Trahearne almost looked like he wilted slightly, making Jai feel like kicking herself, "Oh."

A loud gurgling roar broke the relative peace as a risen abomination charged them, easily trampling Trahearne's small minions before it swung its massive club in their direction. Jai dropped her blades and quickly grabbed the scholar before shadow stepping away to safety, the massive club embedding itself deep in the sand where they once stood. As soon as they reappeared Jai let Trahearne go and leaped onto the abomination, summoning her blades back to her hands and climbing it with them until she was in position to stab down at the junction between neck and head to inject a corrosive poison hex under its helmet. When jai jumped back down to the ground the helmet fell off, clattering hollowly and revealing a missing head Trahearne winced as it rolled past him.

Jai caught the wince but just turned away, she should get back to fighting anyway and she could trust Trahearne to take care of himself- for the most part. She needed to focus more on the fight anyway, and as she readjusted her grip Jai tried to quell the shaking in her hands.

"I think Forgal left a few things out when he told us about the new Warmaster." Laranthir told Almorra on the other side of the battlefield as he notched another arrow, wincing from the stinging sensations in his fingertips. They had been fighting just over an hour by now yet the new Warmaster in question didn't even seem to slow down in the slightest, instead she was fighting just as hard as when the battle had begun.

Almorra cut down a risen thrall with a backhanded swing and a grunt. "Looks like she's handling herself well enough. Burn me if we didn't get lucky with a soldier like her."

Laranthir sighed, "She hasn't stopped since Claw Island General, and I don't think I've even seen her stop to eat between briefings."

"We aren't her primus," the charr retorted, "She's old enough to take care of herself."

Letting another arrow loose into the horde and feeling like he wasn't even making a dent Laranthir just notched another and took aim, this time shooting a thrall that had just crawled out of the water. Letting his gaze wander back to the Warmaster he watched with a grimace as she climbed and killed yet another abomination, he regretfully observed that any arrows used on the risen near her would be wasted at the rate she was cutting them down.

Jai dodged another hammer as she cut down another thrall, by now she was covered nearly head to toe in the gore of fighting undead but paid it no heed. She had received a handful of minor injuries over the hours but her blades had healed them quickly. Ducking as one risen's hammer swung over her to hit another and cave in its ribcage Jai kicked in the nearest knee and finished off what fell into her reach. Looking back over the rest of the fighters Jai spotted another of the stronger risen shambling up behind two limping vigil soldiers. Whipping her arm out, Jai threw her offhand blade and split open its skull before summoning the weapon back to her hand.

Whirling around at the sound of approaching footsteps Jai had her blades poised to attack only to jerk to a complete standstill as she saw Trahearne, "It's over." He said while ducking back, his hands raised and eyes wide, "There's only a few stragglers left."

Blinking as she slowly comprehended his statement Jai lowered her blades and looked around, true to his word there were only a last few risen thralls being culled. Looking up to find the sun she was surprised that the fight had lasted roughly an hour and a half- maybe, her time telling skills were still rusty- yet it had felt so much longer. "Casualties?" She asked.

"Very few surprisingly." He told her, "I only know our side of the field but we lost just a few. Far fewer that what was expected." Trahearne then paused, slight uncertainty on his face as his golden eyes looked her over, "Are you well?"

Jai stiffly shook her head, "I'm fine..."

Trahearne frowned but he also seemed to accept her words, sighing he said, "The Vigil bought us time, but not advantage. The undead don't get weary, and they have an almost unending supply of troops. We must retake Claw Island and drive Zhaitan from these shores." His eyes shifted from Jai to just behind her. "General Soulkeeper, there are many brave souls throughout Tyria who may be willing to lend a hand, if the Vigil reached out to them."

Jai quickly snapped into a salute, mentally cursing the exhaustion that was settling into her bones now that she had stopped fighting, "General!"

"At ease soldier," the charr told her, waving a paw, "But you make a good point Trahearne. A few even come to mind. A norn called Fibharr has been making his name in the tournaments. Fights like a rabid drake." She let out a dry chuckle, "I also know two fine charr soldiers that I've been trying to recruit for years—Snarl and Galina. They'd be a tremendous help. Warmaster, I want you to pick one or the other- we don't have time for you to find both- and do your best to bring them aboard. Meanwhile, I'll return to Vigil Keep and rally our crusaders there."

Jai immediately wanted to protest, wanting instead to stay and continue fighting. Her mouth worked soundlessly for a moment as she warred with herself only to slump over, "Yes, General."

General Soulkeeper caught her indecision, "I'm sending you because I know you can handle yourself alone, you're our best bet to do what needs to be done to get us some assistance."

"Whatever you decide, I'm going with you. You need the help—and I owe it to Forgal." Trahearne chimed in as he fidgeted nervously. Jai just gave him an even look, "I suppose that explains why he called me friend, it's out of guilt. I can understand that…" she thought morosely.

"Looks like you got a shadow." Soulkeeper laughed. Jai huffed lightly, appreciating the irony that she had a shadow, "And Warmaster? Well done. Forgal—bless his soul—would be proud."

Swallowing the large lump in her throat Jai looked down at her feet as the General stalked off, shouting orders as she went. Turning back to Trahearne the assassin took a deep breath, "The norn… if he's at a tournament would skaalds also be there?"

The scholar's face scrunched up in thought, "It'd make sense that at least one would be- oh." His glow dimmed slightly as he caught on to Jai's plan, "Two buds on one stem?"

Raising a brow at the odd expression Jai nodded, "Forgal placed quite of lot of emphasis on my 'legend' as he called it. I want to do my best to honor his tradition." She said softly, "So yes, two fish in one net."

"Well, Fibharr is powerful, skilled, and charismatic...but he's also the most egotistical snot-brain I've ever met." Trahearne told her flatly. His insult making her snort a laugh, 'snot-brain'… that was a good one.

Turning around with a 'follow me' gesture Jai set out for the asura gates, "You know where we can find him?"

Trahearne nodded, "Yes, the Krongar waypoint in Timberline Falls would take us right there."

Jai grimaced as she walked past him, she hated asuran travel.

"…Shouldn't we rest first?"

Not even breaking stride Jai answered, "I can't stop if I do I'll-" "Think about Forgal's death…" she finished mentally, her throat clenching at the thought. Taking a deep shuddering breath to regain control of herself Jai heard a soft splattering sound. Looking down she noticed that some unidentifiable grey goo had fallen off of her, and that she was covered in similar stuff that was best not thought about, "But we should at least clean ourselves up. Do you need to rest?"

"No, I'll be fine. But I do agree with you on removing this muck." He told her quickly, nose wrinkling as he flicked something off of his chest. Jai narrowed her eyes at the quick response but let it slide as he did for her. Instead she grabbed an empty bucket and filled it with saltwater from the beach as she went.

Jai then hoisted the bucket up and held it over her head, squeezed her eyes, held her breath, and then before she could talk herself out of it, dumped the water over herself repeating the action until she was mostly clean. As she put the bucket back Jai shook her short hair with her fingers, trying to get it to start drying. Her armor had proved its quality when the water washed over the hardened leather and the cloth covering her neck was the only part that had remained damp. Meeting back up with an equally soaked but cleaner Trahearne and gave him a nod before she headed towards the nearest asuran waypoint. Once at the device Jai pulled out enough silver coins for herself and the scholar, "Where too again?"

"Krongar." Trahearne answered. "In Timberline Falls."

Nodding to show she had heard him Jai held out the coins and gestured for him to step close enough that he'd be teleported too. After clearly enunciating their destination Jai scrunched her eyes shut as the familiar unpleasantness of waypoint travel surrounded them. When it was over she staggered away from the waypoint, feeling nauseous. Behind her Trahearne was looking on with amused interest. Even Jai's withering glare did nothing to deter the laughter that was poorly hidden all over his face.

"This moot is for tournament champions. No doubt, Fibharr will be here, telling tales of his glory." The scholar stated with a grin, Jai nodded and began walking up the nearby hill briskly leaving him to catch up.

Looking around Jai was surprised to see a mountainous landscape, the snow and spots of grass reminding her of the snowcapped peaks of Shing Jea Island. So lost was she in her memories that Jai actually startled a little when Trahearne hesitantly spoke up, "I dreamed of Orr, as Caithe did. But where she saw a dragon to fight, I saw a land to heal." He sighed, "At least Caithe had a tangible target. I barely knew where to begin. Do you think we'll be able to stop Zhaitan's armies from destroying Lion's Arch? Is our goal even possible?"

"Why is he telling me this? Dreaming? We all dream, I dream of Torment… or rather I have nightmares of it. But a green and growing Orr? I suppose we all have our goals, good for him…I guess?" Jai thought in confusion but she kept silent, if Trahearne wanted to share whatever he dreamed then she wasn't going to stop him. But she'd also keep it to herself; she didn't feel any need or see any reason to tell anyone else. As for his question, Jai shrugged, "We can try."

He drew up short, "Well, that's not very optimistic."

"I don't know what could happen. If it's just his armies then yes. If Zhaitan himself flies out to Lion's Arch then no." the assassin replied bluntly, cresting the hill and staring out at the festival going on. Cheering norn all gathered in a large circle with ale mugs raised as they boisterously placed their bets. Jai even saw a few rat like creatures scurrying about and squeaking in high pitched voices.

Trahearne grimaced, "I suppose that makes sense."

Turning back to the scholar who was once again giving her a contemplative look Jai just shrugged again, the gesture a sort of default answer. He sighed, "This will be difficult, Jai. I hope you are ready. These norn are at the top of their fighting class. You will have to beat them before they will join us."

Jai shrugged again.

Trahearne rolled his eyes, "After you then." Then gestured at the crowd.

Frowning at having to be surrounded by people Jai complied nonetheless and strode determinedly towards the loudest norn surrounded by the largest group of adoring fans. His armor displaying a bright red sash and a wide charismatic smile marked him as someone used to attention, at the least he'd know who was who at this festival.

"What happened next, Fibharr? Did you slay them all?" One norn asked eagerly.

"Well, I may have been outnumbered twenty to one, but they were merely griffons!" The central norn stated boisterously, flexing as he spoke to Jai's dismay, "Vabbi all over again…"

"I locked eyes with the biggest one...then I charged! Battle cries, beaks—feathers everywhere!" The boasting norn- Fibharr- described, gesturing animatedly and throwing out his arms to show just where the feathers had gone. "In the end, the mighty griffon king bowed before my strength, and I set him free."

Jai rolled her eyes as the eager norn gazed upon Fibharr with wide admiring eyes, "Amazing. Simply amazing!"

Fibharr then settled eyes on Jai's skeptical face and boomed out a laugh, "Oho! You're from the Vigil. Finally decided to come pay respect to the victoriffic Fibharr Ygosson?!"

Jai felt her eye twitch. Taking a deep breath she snapped into a crisp stance with her shoulders squared, appearing every bit the disciplined soldier as Trahearne looked on curiously, "I'm here on behalf of General Soulkeeper. Lion's Arch is in danger, and the Vigil is readying soldiers. Your aid is requested immediately." She said in a clipped tone, ignoring the 'victoriffic', after all she'd seen a Vabbian thespian rip a demon apart and then complain about his hair being out of place. Eccentricity did not mean incompetence.

A dismissive hand was waved in her direction, "Defend Lion's Arch? A noble cause. Still, sounds like I'd be just one sword among many. Sorry. Not my style..."

The only sign of Jai's rising ire was a clenching of her jaw but Trahearne beat her to the reply, "Your tournament conquests are second only to your fame as a gambler, Fibharr. I propose a wager. My companion and I versus the rest of you." He flattered, a strategy that had Jai giving him an appraising look. "Well, that was unexpected."

"Ha! Do you realize you're facing an encampment of tournament champions? You're victorifically insane!" Fibharr laughed.

"And do you realize that you are fighting a demon?" Jai retorted in her mind with a sinister grin. "Let a deal be struck then, if we win, you and your companions join us to defend Lion's Arch. And if you win..." She trailed off to let him set the terms.

"If I win-" He paused for dramatic effect, "-you two have to carry my pet dolyak to the encampment! He can't make it up that steep hill. Prepare yourselves for the challenge!"

Marching to the ring Jai was joined with Trahearne, she looked around and reached over to grab a broom, hefting it to test its weight. "…Aren't you going to use your weapons?" The scholar asked her.

"If I do I might kill them out of habit." Jai replied flatly, "We need them alive after we beat them." She then gave Trahearne a second look, taking note of how his shoulders slumped and his weary expression. "…Do you want to sit this out? You've already fought in the defense of Lion's Arch. I can handle this alone if need be."

"I thank you for your concern but I'm still capable." He told her with a grin, "And you already fought as well today, if you can handle it then so can I." Jai opened her mouth to respond but she was cut off.

"A challenger has arrived to fight the great Fibharr! Gather 'round. We'll carry out this wager in true tournament style." Fibharr announced, grinning widely, "Challengers, prepare yourse- is that a broom?"

All the onlookers took one look at Jai and her broom and began laughing, Fibharr's dumbstruck expression was hilarious as Jai simply gave it a stamp on the ground. But he recovered his composure quickly to continue announcing, "Okay then! First in the ring, a dangerous beauty whose eyes are as keen as her arrows! Famke the Fair! Don't turn your back on her partner—Wjerd Bladeborn! Two daggers, one kill! Ready? Bring the thunder!"

Two norn opposed them; one wielding a bow dressed in earthen greens and dark skin, the other of a lighter complexion with messy blond hair and padded leather armor. The ranged one immediately began firing arrows while the other- Wjerd- disappeared. "Thief" Jai thought, vanishing as well but shadow stepping to Trahearne's shadow rather than going on the offensive.

Her hunch proved correct as Wjerd appeared right behind the necromancer who was already summoning minions to distract Famke. Raising her broom Jai easily deflected both blades with a shove to off-balance the blows as she focused on redirecting Wjerd's strength rather than meeting it. The norn and Sylvari were both startled by her sudden appearance. Keeping her face blank Jai kicked out, hooking her foot around behind his knee to bring the thief down. Trahearne sent her a grateful look as he returned to throwing minor curses at Famke who then either dodged them or sent blunted arrows back.

Jai focused on her opponent, not giving him a chance to recover as she jabbed him in the face with the broom's bristles and then followed up with a strong hit to his elbow. The blow sent vibrations up the handle but her firm grip on the cleaning tool didn't falter, instead she had hit Wjerd in just the spot to make him drop his blade with a pained cry before Jai kicked it out of reach. As she made to strike again the norn vanished prompting her to do so as well, but this time Jai turned invisible and waited where she was. Trahearne meanwhile was handling Famke easily, his shades sneaking up on her and blinding the archer while a massive flesh golem emerged with a spray of soil to lumber over and pin her down.

Some of the loose soil moved on its own.

Quickly teleporting herself to the small movement Jai struck out with a heavy arc at where she thought the norn thief would be. Before her Wjerd dropped like a sack of potatoes into unconsciousness, Jai's strike having hit him in the back of the head by complete surprise. Walking over to Famke who was still pinned down by Trahearne's flesh golem the assassin placed the broom bristles at her neck. "Dead."

There was a brief moment of silence before sudden applause. "Well it looks like our Vigil guest swept the competition away!" Fibharr laughed, "Our challengers survived the first round. Second round, twice as tough. Here's a norn so big he blots out the sun! Pier Darkmountain! His lovely wife, Esmet Ravenswhisper, is no stranger to the darkness! Watch out!" Jai snorted, "Their daughter's following in the family tradition with magic of her own. Welcome, young Ayla! Everyone prepared?" Another dramatic pause, "All right! Bring the-!"

The older woman- Esmet- held her hand up, "Wait." She gave Jai a piercing stare, "I am a raven shaman, and I often speak with the spirits. They whispered of you before you came, Raven in particular whispering of loss and a dark past. You have the spirits' respect stranger, and I find myself curious for they refused to tell me why."

Excited and curious whispers broke out amongst the onlookers, but Jai maintained her stoic pose and expression. Internally she was sending up her thanks to these spirits for respecting her privacy but Jai didn't understand why Esmet was bringing this up now.

"There is more to your being here than you have told." The norn accused with narrowed eyes.

Jai's breath caught in her throat. Swallowing hard she lowered her broom. "Yes. I will admit to being unfamiliar with your funeral customs." She explained, "But Forgal Kernnson asked that I tell his tale by hearth fires, I will honor him according to his wishes."

Many of the norn in the crowd looked impressed, upset or intrigued as they whispered amongst themselves. Taking a deep breath she began, "Forgal was my partner in the Vigil, and we were present at Claw Island when it was attacked. He fought bravely, felling wave after wave of risen to buy time for the Lionguard to rally, and then to escape. When a champion of Zhaitan arrived, he stayed behind to distract it so everyone else could escape. Every survivor owes him their lives."

Fibharr's wide grin faded, "Thank you for sharing his legend, though I can tell you aren't the story telling type."

Shrugging at the norn's slight Jai didn't let it bother her, it was true after all. "He did say I would make a terrible norn."

Several onlookers chuckled and Jai continued, her grip tightening on her broom and her voice dark with promise, "I fight for his memory now, I will return to Claw Island and I will avenge him."

"Very well then!" Fibharr stated, a bit of his egotistical exuberance returning, "All contestants are ready, so let's bring the thunder!"

With that the fighting began anew, Jai easily defending Trahearne as he cast his spells through misdirection and trickery. Pier was easy for her to work around, his massive blows containing devastating strength but slow enough for her to dodge or redirect. The assassin even managed to knock his daughter out by swapping places with her as Pier took a swing at Jai. "And the Vigil Warmaster has some tricks up her sleeves!" Fibharr cheered, "Careful! It seems she fights dirty!"

"If I was fighting dirty or even trying they would already be dead." Jai thought mutinously. Pier's blunted weapon and the weakened spells attested to that as she ducked under another swing from the large warrior. She then prepared her immobilization hex and trapped him, ethereal purple chains wrapping around the norn as Jai rested the bristles of her broom against his neck with a flat statement, "Dead."

Trahearne meanwhile had managed to pin Esmet while she was dealing with Pier. As Jai approached him though he gave her a wide grin, "Well done handling the other two."

Startling slightly Jai gave him an odd look before turning away, unsure of how to answer. Instead she rubbed at a patch of dirt on her broom and muttered back, "You too."

Then Fibharr came forward once more, "The family that fights together falls together! Another round goes to the challengers! All right, you Vigil lose-masters." Jai fought the urge to smack her forehead with her hand. "Prepare to chow down on victorificness!" He sent a flirtatious wink at a few of the onlookers as he stepped into the ring, "I am Fibharr Ygosson! I AM the –"

Fibharr's speech was cut off with a yelp as Jai threw a rock at him out of irritation. "What are you-?"

Jai interrupted him again as she immediately shadow stepped in front of him and struck outward with her broom. Her opponent's hammer still on his back and she caught him completely off guard. Fibharr doubled over with a whooshing breath as Jai twirled her broom and knocked him flat onto the ground, striking so hard that the handle splintered and broke. There was complete silence, prompting her to look up at the sea of surprised faces, "What?" Jai asked, their looks prompting her to justify herself, "Never turn your back on your opponent, and he was the announcer. That meant the match started as soon as he set foot in the arena."

Several norn burst out laughing, most of the others chuckled. Even Trahearne had a mirthful grin on his face as he rested a hand on her shoulder to gently pull her back from the still wheezing Fibharr. "While that is true this is a tournament my friend. Showmanship is a part of it."

Scoffing with a roll of her eyes Jai retorted, "Showmanship isn't going to impress a risen enough to prevent it from killing me." To which Trahearne inclined his head in agreement, "True."

Suddenly Fibharr began laughing from where he lay on the ground, "You certainly showed me! I didn't expect this much talent from the Vigil. Perhaps your order is more formidable than I'd thought."

"We fight against relentless monsters twisted in both mind and body whose sole purpose is to kill and corrupt." Jai deadpanned, "Of course we are formidable."

Beside her Trahearne let out a small snort while Fibharr slowly got to his feet and held out a hand, "A norn always keeps their word. My friends and I will fight for the Vigil at Lion's Arch. Together, we shall be victorific!"

Setting what was left of her broom down Jai slowly stretched her own hand out to Fibharr's, and it was immediately dwarfed in his own as he grabbed it and gave a hearty shake that off balanced the assassin. Esmet then came up to her, "And thank you for sharing Forgal's legend, you do his spirit proud."

Overwhelmed at the moment Jai just nodded and then quickly excused herself and ducked away from the crowds. It wasn't long before Trahearne found her though, "Ah! I was hoping for a moment alone with you."

Jai tilted her head and looked at him curiously, "I've…" He trailed off hesitantly, "I've been considering our options. The Orrians are entrenched. It will be incredibly difficult to regain Claw Island." She gave him a flat stare, that was an obvious assessment of the situation and one she honestly had expected. Trahearne fidgeted, rubbing the back of his neck as he continued, "I haven't lost hope." He told her in a defensive tone, "In fact, I'm counting on hope to lead the way. I-" the scholar took a deep breath, "I feel that we should ask for wisdom from the Pale Tree."

Raising a brow she asked, "Shouldn't we return to Lion's Arch as soon as possible to reinforce the Vigil?"

Trahearne shook his head, "If anyone knows how to defeat Zhaitan, it is the Mother. Please come with me to the Grove, and we'll speak with her before the battle."

Jai belatedly realized that her question could have been- and probably was- interpreted as a 'No.' rather than the honest curiosity she had intended. "I was only asking for clarification." She defended weakly.

"Oh."

They both stood there awkwardly for a few moments before Jai took a deep breath and broke it. "I'll join you. Information on one's enemy is important."

The sylvari sent her a literally glowing smile as he light up with a bright gold. "Wonderful!"

"Just let me write a quick letter to General Soulkeeper about the delay," Jai told him before pausing and looking back at the scholar with an assessing glance, "Actually it might be quicker and better if you write it. My New Krytan is still very rough."

Trahearne nodded, still grinning, "Certainly my friend."

ooo

Jai and Trahearne had spent the night at an inn in Lion's Arch when they made it back to the city after the tournament. It had actually been Jai who decided that they rest after Trahearne started dragging his feet and nearly walked into a wall while yawning. He had been quite sheepish about the incident but the assassin simply paid for two rooms and told him to get some rest. Jai herself had caught a few hours during the night.

Now as she followed him into the asura gate Jai felt her jaw drop open as she laid eyes on the Grove. It was beautiful, but most of all it was just so alive.

A cloud of dandelion fluff floated past her and Jai twirled around to watch them drift through the air, the soft springy grass giving under her boots and the vibrant colors all took her breath away. The last time she had seen so many different colors had been a Vabbian Bazar, but those were silks and jewels. Here was the complete opposite of the dead, cold and desolate places that she had been in for nearly all her life, even the very air smelled alive. And the people! All over Jai could see a wide variety of Sylvari of every color, their joyful laughter and chatter creating a pleasant hum of sound that went well with the melody drifting through the wind as a central plaza's wooden wind chimes swayed.

"Are… are you well?"

Nearly jumping out of her skin Jai let out a squeak of surprise at the sudden question behind her. Turning around to see Trahearne looking at her with a bemused expression while her heart pounded in her chest Jai took a deep breath. "I'm fine. I just- it's very beautiful." She gestured jerkily at the Grove, embarrassment making her duck her head.

Trahearne grinned at her reaction, "So you aren't just a soldier after all." Jai ducked deeper into her hood, was that seriously the impression she had given him? He then sighed, a wistful look on his face as he looked over the Grove, "It is hard for me to return here. Each time I do, I feel more and more distant…"

"If it is no longer home to you then why not make a new one?" Jai suggested, she never really had a 'home' in the traditional sense of the word. Instead she considered her companions as home rather than a location, it wasn't a viewpoint many connected with but it had worked for her. Till she lost them.

He seemed stunned by her simple answer, "I- I'm afraid it wouldn't be that simple. But that's not why we are here, follow me please."

Jai shrugged, and fell into step behind him finding fun irony in literally walking on his shadow. "Okay, I'm not gonna tell you how to live that's for sure. I'm definitely not the best example one could pick."

It wasn't long before they both crammed into a small pod that spun in dizzying circles as it ascended to a chamber up above in the branches. As soon as the leafy door opened Jai staggered out holding a hand over her mouth and her stomach, the whole world spinning before her eyes. "Oh Torment I'm never doing that again." She groaned.

Behind her Trahearne chuckled, "Do all methods of travel disagree with you my friend?"

Sending him a potent glare Jai waited till everything stopped wobbling, but a new chiming laugh echoed from across the room they were in. "Trahearne! My beloved son, it is good to see you once more! Come and bide a while."

The scholar lit up with a happy glow and equally beaming grin, "Hail, Mother. We come to seek your wisdom."

Jai blinked in surprise at the luminous figure Trahearne quickly gravitated towards. She too approached but kept silent, preferring instead to give just a simple but respectful bow as she drew the being's attention. "I welcome you to my grove. You'll find warm hospitality always in the shade of my branches, so long as you foster peace and partnership."

"…Her grove? Her branches?...Mother….hang on," Her eyes going up to the ivory branches above them the pieces all fell into place. It also helped that Jai had experience with metaphysical beings. As she looked back at the glowing figure before her the Pale Tree smiled, "I see you comprehend more than most of your race."

Ducking her head Jai replied, "I thank you for your warm welcome Pale Lady." It was the most appropriate and respectful title the assassin could come up with quickly. What does one call a sentient tree?

The Pale Tree smiled serenely, "You are quite a unique individual, but you have not come for pleasantries." She then gestured to Trahearne.

"Mother, I am sure by now you have heard of the destruction at Claw Island. Zhaitan is attacking in force." He informed her bluntly and seriously.

"The soul of Tyria mourned as her children were cut down by the beast. The land wept, and the world shuddered." She intoned, a frown on her face.

"Well, that was a bit dramatic. I didn't notice anything like that, I wonder what she'd say about Torment's spread across Elona before my companions and I stopped it?" Jai mused as Trahearne continued, "My friend and I seek to right that wrong. We wish to fight Zhaitan, and take back what was lost. We've to come to ask your counsel."

Gesturing with spread out arms the Pale Tree said, "The answer is at the heart of Tyria's future—and your own. Both of you must face the darkness, become guiding stars in the night. Come. I will show you a vision of your future, and the challenges to come..."

Jai only barely held back a snort at her words, 'face the darkness, become guiding stars in the night'? Trahearne maybe but the assassin was already one with the darkness. She was the farthest thing from a guiding star, and more of a shadow in which one could hide. But as a large blue portal appeared behind her Jai's eyes widened as she sensed a strange mix of Mist tinted magic and something else wholly unique.

"The portal before you is a passage into the Dream. There, you will see glimpses of the past, the present, and the future." The Pale Tree explained, a slight strain in her voice.

"That's twice now I've heard of a 'Dream'. If I may ask, what is it?" Jai inquired, certain they had a different definition of the word than her at this point.

"The Dream is the sylvari subconscious, the wellspring from which we flow. It holds our memories, as well as our hopes and fears. I am its keeper." Nodding along to his mother's words Trahearne added to it with a sheepish grin, "The Dream is not reality, Jai. It is made of memory, aether, and powerful magic. Even I do not understand it."

Jai took a large step away from the portal, "No." She said, her head shaking and eyes wide open, "I'm not going in."

Trahearne almost looked hurt, "But-"

"No," Jai repeated, "If that's your race's subconscious I refuse to risk tainting it with mine." Secrecy be damned, she wasn't going to risk the possibility of inflicting her memories upon some poor innocent Sylvari.

A silence descended upon the three of them. Trahearne and the Pale Tree both appearing surprised and confused. But Jai knew she'd have to give a reason they could accept as dire enough not to press the issue. "I- I'm cursed." Jai admitted shamefully, resorting first to her cover story. Well it was still half-true, "I wouldn't have said anything- it's my burden to bear- but I refuse to risk my memories or mind or whatever tainting your Dream."

"Cursed?" The scholar echoed, "There must be a way to break it or-"

Frantically shaking her head Jai remained adamant, "No."

He let out a frustrated sigh, "I do not think your memories would be assimilated into the Dream. And one person's fragments of memories would not be too disastrous-"

"You don't 'think'? I'm not going in unless you can say with absolute certainty that my nightmares won't taint it. Minds don't work like reality. All it would take is seeing something in there that reminds me of something bad and- and- argh!" Jai pulled her hood down to run her fingers through her hair with frustration, "The things I've seen, the things I've endured…they- they'd break someone unprepared for them. I'm sorry, but I can't…" Swallowing hard she elaborated, "Maybe your right and only one memory gets in, and just one Sylvari witnesses it. I- I swore to stop the source of my curse; I gave up everything to stop it from spreading. Even one person would be too many."

Jai never noticed how both of them shared a look when she mentioned 'nightmares', or how Trahearne was looking at her with open curiosity and a bit of sympathy. A hand settled onto her shoulder, pulling Jai from her mental worries to look up and met Trahearne's golden eyes, "I thank you for your concern." He told her, an odd tone to his voice matching an equally odd expression that Jai couldn't quite place. "Someday I'll find a way to help you break your curse my friend." He looked back at the waiting portal with slight trepidation, "But for now it seems I'll have to go alone…"

"…I'm sorry…." Jai told him in a meek voice, and truthfully she was. But he just gave her a reassuring smile and stepped into the portal, vanishing from this plane. As soon as he disappeared though Jai pushed her hood down and ran her fingers through her hair repeatedly as she tried to work out what just happened.

"How can he just say that?" Jai asked rhetorically out loud, completely baffled and even a little frustrated that this was happening again. What was wrong with her that made it seem like she was the only one who was hesitant in accepting new 'friends'? "We only just met, how can he claim me as a friend so quickly and promise to try and break my curse? He has no idea of anything but he still- He- I just don't understand!" She pressed the palms of her hands to her eyes and groaned, completely confused. This wasn't just his guilt about owing Forgal to look after her.

"Is it really that surprising that one would care for you?"

Stiffening as the Pale Tree spoke up Jai gave her a sideways glance, having completely forgotten she was there. "No- yes?" She let out a frustrated sigh before turning and giving the avatar a bow, "My apologies Pale Lady, it is improper of me to burden you with my minor concerns."

"You have no need to bow child." "Oh if only you knew…" "And your concerns are not minor, I admit to being curious of my son's newest friend. Trahearne is often a loner; he has made many connections but few close friends."

Frowning Jai shook her head, "But we aren't, we only just met! I'm terrible with people and being open, and I've been even worse because…because F- Because a friend died. Trahearne doesn't even know me! Torment, I could be evil or something for all he knows." "I'm a literal demon, not someone you would encourage your son to be friends with."

"But you aren't." The Pale Tree chuckled, prompting Jai to look up at her with an exasperated face, "Please not another 'hello friend!' person, please no. Am I the only one who's suspicious of unknowns? 'Beware the danger of secrets kept' ring any bells? Has caution gone extinct in this time period?" Gesturing to the portal the golden figure continued, "Someone heartless or cruel would not worry about a person they have never met suffering from the risk of their own memories."

Jai held back a snort, trying to maintain at least some decorum in front of the Pale Tree who seemed to be the leader of the Sylvari. "….Your curse cannot be broken, can it?"

Nearly choking on her own surprise Jai turned to stare at the Pale Tree, mouth agape, how had she-? So quickly-?

The avatar looked at her with sorrowful eyes, and Jai could have sworn some of the smaller branches and leaves around them drooped and the bioluminescent flowers dimmed. "I- I've made my peace with my fate Pale Lady." Jai stated shakily, "Instead I've turned it to my advantage." She couldn't help the small wry grin escaping, "I'd be dead by now if not for my curse."

At that moment Trahearne came falling out of the portal, a strange glowing sword made from what looked like a massive sharpened thorn on his back. He was also shaking like a leaf. Immediately Jai rushed over and looked for wounds- nodding when she didn't find any- before holding out a hand to help him up when he was ready. Just because she didn't trust him yet didn't mean she wished him ill.

"T-the Guardian nearly k-killed me." He told her, causing Jai to raise her eyebrows in confusion. "I c-couldn't beat him alone."

Guilt welled up within Jai, his words reminding her of the words Kormir and many other Sunspears held in high regard, 'You never fight alone.' Even more recently she'd left Forgal…. Her hands pulled back as though burned due to the guilt that gnawed at her, Jai had left him to fight alone because of her probably paranoid fears. "And that is the lesson I wished to teach you both. In the possible future I foresaw, alone, you cannot succeed. But with unity, you will find that many impossible things can be achieved."

"Orr has had all hope stripped from it." The Pale Tree stated solemly, "To confront the dragon you must overcome your greatest fears, lest you be consumed by them." Jai could feel eyes boring into her back, "But curiously you are different. You appeared in none of my visions and yet here you stand before me… you're mere presence signifies change from what I foresaw. What is it that you fear?

Trahearne gave her an openly curious look from where he still sat on the ground while Jai froze before she slowly stood up and turned to face the Tree's avatar with a stony expression, "I would prefer to keep such matters to myself Pale Lady."

"You can trust her Jai, my mother is only trying to help." Jai looked back down at Trahearne and helped him back to his feet.

Jai kept silent, arms crossed. Trahearne sighed, "I'm afraid I'll fail my Wyld Hunt, my Dream is to cleanse Orr but it is such an empyreal task that even I think it is impossible."

Glaring at the scholar lightly Jai felt her resolve crumble a little, why did he have to be so open? I made her feel like she was kicking kittens to keep saying no. Although her fears weren't that bad to share, not like they would expose her or anything. Her face softening Jai looked away and muttered just loud enough for them to hear, "…I am afraid of being left alone again…" "That I would have to hurt my friends again, that those I am close to would abandon me for what I am, that- that I would lose my friends…again." She added mentally.

"Your soul is a gentle one," Jai really did snort at that, "-compassionate even despite all the trials you have endured. Share that kindness and you will forge unbreakable bonds." At the Pale Tree's words Jai felt her jaw clench, her cynicism rearing its head. She thought she had 'unbreakable' bonds with her friends before, it didn't take much for them to shatter to pieces or fade into nothing. Looking directly into the avatar's eyes Jai held the heavy gaze with her own, but she didn't reply.

The Pale Tree sighed, "To know the future, even a mere possibility, can be a great burden. I am sorry, brave heroes, that you must walk this path." Again Jai had to refrain from rolling her eyes, being forewarned meant being forearmed. A burden such knowledge may be, but as a weighted club could be used as a weapon so to would Jai turn that burden to her advantage just as she had everything else in her life.

Trahearne was not as confident as her, "Must these things come to pass, Mother? Must I take up Caladbolg and travel into the heart of Orr?" Jai sent him a sympathetic look, at least he had warning of what he was in for.

"You must both take up this mantle. Trahearne, your duty is to cleanse Orr. Your friend shall aid you...and then face the dragon." Jai gave her a sharp look, while the tree wasn't wrong that Jai was willing to face Zhaitan the certainty in the avatar's words made her feel defensive.

"Will we be able to retake Claw Island Mother?" Trahearne asked, "Yes we can, don't need a Seer to see that….I'll do it myself if I have to, to make sure Zhaitan didn't take Forgal…." Jai thought darkly.

"I believe so...but that will not be your first test." Jai's eyes narrowed, where was all the Avatar's certainty now? "The dragon seeks to destroy its enemies before they can strike. I see within the Dream that Zhaitan's forces enter battle—not against Lion's Arch, but at the heart-" she turned to face Jai "-of your Order."

A cold chill washed over Jai at the Pale Tree's words. "The risen got past the blockade at Lion's Arch? How?! …The canals and sewers! Shit! Shitshitshit!" Instantly on alert Jai gave the Pale Tree a hasty bow, "Thank you for your time and wisdom Pale Lady. But I must cut this meeting short, I will not let the order Forgal dedicated his life to fall."

Her words were crisp and short, leaving no room for debate. As she turned to leave though Trahearne scrambled to catch up, "I will go with you!" He called out, "Our fates are bound together, and from this day forward, we fight as one." Jai stared at him incredulously, why- by Blasphemy's ghostly purple ass- was this stubborn scholar so eager to stick with her? Bound fates? For his sake he better hope he was wrong considering what her fate had been so far and yet… Jai couldn't help the small warm fuzzy feeling that came with him saying they'd fight together. The hope that she might be gaining another friend, not a replacement for Forgal but a person she could trust to be there… Shoving the feelings aside with a deep breath Jai nodded stiffly and got back into the transport pod. She wasn't going to open up as quickly, it would hurt too much if he was taken from her as well.

The last thing she heard as the leafy door closed up over the pod was the Pale Tree's parting blessing, "Farewell, valiant souls. May your Wyld Hunt be successful, and may your courage illuminate the dark of night."

Oct, 1, 2016
Words: 9,801
Pages: 19

AN:

-Sorry this took so long!

- P.S. Please please please review, it makes my heart and soul sing with joy. Seriously, review, I'd love to hear what you think will happen, what you think of my OC, and how I'm doing. Have any head-cannons with Jai? Share them!