Tris lay in her hammock staring at the stars. She was neither tired nor hungry and staring at the stars was a good distraction. It helped her to realize and remember that no matter how big her problems got the world was still bigger. It had been three days since her encounter with Four and she'd felt the need to go back ever since. The sudden want to be with someone was an unfamiliar feeling after six years of living in isolation. In fact she'd gone out of her way to get away from everyone. She'd given up being General of the Fairy Army and ignored all of the letters her friends had sent her. Losing Caleb had been too much, especially since she had been the one that had killed him. The thought still made her physically sick and she rolled over on her side and took deep breaths trying to calm down.

Tris had grown up in the fairy kingdom with a father, mother, and brother. Her father the greatest healer in the kingdom had died ironically of an unknown and incurable disease when she and Caleb had been six. Her mother was one of the last of the Elemental Fairies. Her power you might ask? Dark, the ability to control darkness: it made people distrustful of her and her offspring. It helped some that her father had been a respected healer, but when he died all of the prejudice came back. And it just got worse after Tris and Caleb had developed Fire and Dark powers respectively a year later. Fire was only slightly more trusted than Dark, but both were known for aligning themselves with the Fairies sworn enemy, the Dark Elves, in previous times.

In school when kids had made fun of them Tris hadn't reacted well for the most part. But she always had Caleb to stop her from going too far. The same went for Caleb and they balanced each other out well. Then right before they turned ten their mother disappeared and everyone assumed the worst.

The bullying just got worse and all they had were each other. But then fate became kind to them and the Fairy Queen Victoria or Tori took interest in the young orphaned fairies. She recognized the pure soul they both had, unlike their mother, and took them both in. The next eight years were some of the best in Tris and Caleb's life. They both started training for the Fairy Army, made friends, Caleb found his soul mate, and Tris was well on her way to becoming the next Army General. They weren't jealous of each other and peace ruled the kingdom.

Then everything changed in one battle. It was supposed to be just a small border skirmish with the Dark Elves, but instead it sparked a war. A war that would change everything. Tris and Caleb were both part of the patrol sent to deal with it and so was the current Army General Savannah. She was older than most of the fairies in the Army, in her late forties, and still refused to stop fighting with her warriors. It was cowardly she said to have the title of General and not fight. The battle turned into much more and of the twenty-two sent only seven came back. They had been badly outnumbered and the losses were heavy. One of the dead included General Savannah after she took a flying dagger meant for the back of Tris's head as Tris fought off two other attackers. And Caleb was lost to, only he hadn't died. Sometime during the battle they had gotten separated when he should have been watching Tris's back, so the General needn't take the dagger. They fought in pairs to make fighting easier. It made his betrayal ten times worse when he switched sides and left the battlefield with the Dark Elves as friend not prisoner.

That had been when they were eighteen and after the queen had asked Tris if she would become the next General. It had shocked Tris and she almost refused, but then Tori had told her that she to many's dismay, but she proved them all wrong. Tris had turned out to be one of the best Generals the kingdom's long history had ever seen. In two years she led the Fairies to victory with minimum causalities on both sides. The war had ended in a final battle with Tris killing her brother and finding out that her mother had been behind it all. She had watched him kill his former mate Susan when she had tried to reason with him to stop the battle (Susan was there as a healer). Tris had gone after Caleb and their fight had been epic, most stopped fighting their own battles to watch. In the end Tris had come out on top and with his dying breaths Caleb had whispered that he was free. It turns out their mother had been controlling him and she had made him turn sides, and that by killing her brother she had released him. And now he and Susan could be together forever. Tris just barely survived the battle after Caleb had struck the blow that had ripped her wing open and left a horrible scar. She left the kingdom after, not being able to bare the pain killing Caleb had left. She had resigned a war hero at twenty and left to live out the rest of her life in solitude. At least she had… until now.

It was turning light now and the sky was gray with few stars visible. Tris sighed and rolled off the hammock she had put at the top of the huge oak where her home was. Standing on the platform where she kept her herbs and weapons she looked out into the forest. Her home was higher than most of the trees in the area and a dazzling sunrise began in the east spreading light across their tops. Tris closed her eyes and took a deep breath as the sunlight washed over her body. It was refreshing and she imagined herself being destroyed by the light then reborn of ash and fire as phoenixes were.

Her peace was short lived as she felt dark energy pass over her. She opened her eyes and looked up concentrating on where the disturbance had come from. Dark energy like that usually only came when multiple Elves had portalayed into place at once. Dread crept up her spine as she realized where the energy was coming from: Four's cabin.

Four stood between Violet, Evelyn, and the Dark Elves. He'd managed to kill one and injure another, but a third stood grinning evilly down at him. In his right hand he held a bloody dagger and his left was across his stomach holding the cut that was there together.

"Just move out of the way human and this entire situation will be over that much quicker," the Elf said in a deep creepy voice.

Violet gasped and started crying, but Four didn't move an inch, "I'd rather die," he spat out.

The Elf grinned a twisted sadistic smile revealing a mouth of gleaming white sharp teeth. "That can be arranged." He took a step forward and Four braced himself for the coming blow when the Elf's eyes widened and he fell forwards with a gurgle: dead. There was a glittering silver knife sticking out of his back.

Four looked up to see Tris standing in the doorway another knife poised to throw. She looked different from when they had first met, her hair was now red and her eyes flickered with what looked like reflected firelight, but she was still Tris. Tris looked at him eyes wide and she stepped forward, "Come on we have to go now before they send more." Her eyes were wide and fierce looking and Four nodded and tried to take a step forward, but his knees buckled and he fell. Violent let out another cry, Evelyn gasped, and Tris dropped the knife and lunged so she could catch him before he hit the floor. She reached him and sank to her knees, flipping him over in her arms. Now she could see the blood seeping from the wound on his abdomen. Her heart beat faster and she could feel his life force leaving him. "Four move your hand. I need to see it," she tried to keep her voice calm, tried to stop it from shaking, but it still did. She moved his hand and it came away covered in blood.

He looked up at her pupils dilated and full of pain. Two fingers on his left hand touched her cheek lightly smearing blood and he whispered, "Tris," before his eyes closed and his hand dropped.

"Four!" Tris shouted, "Open your eyes Four! Stay awake! Stay with me!" But his eyes didn't open. She took a deep breath willing herself to be calm, Four was not dead, his heart was still beating, and he would not die. She lifted his shirt and created a small flame on her finger to cauterize the wound so it would stop bleeding. When she finished she looked up at Evelyn and Violet. "We need to go now," she lifted Four into her arms and stood. She held him bridal style with one arm under his back and the other under his knees. His head fell against her chest and his light breaths tickled her skin and for a moment she could pretend he was sleep in her arms. But then she remembered where they were and knew this was not the time to daydream.

Tris saw the hesitation in Evelyn's eyes so she said, "I swear Evelyn I will protect you and your family with my life." Then she turned and exited the cabin knowing they would follow. Outside were the bodies of the three Elves she had killed. Tris of course didn't even blink at the sight, but Violet screamed and started sobbing at the sight of so much death. Tris inwardly rolled her eyes yeah great idea scream right as we try to make our get away, but she knew that it was unfair to expect so much, after all Tris had grown up in a life vastly different than Violet's. Tris took a deep breath and shifted Four so that she held him in her left arm so she could hold her sword in her right. She started off at a brisk pace knowing that Evelyn and Violet wouldn't be able to keep up with her if she went any faster. They jogged a few steps behind her. Tris groaned silently at their pace and shifted Four in her arm again. He was heavy and she was thankful Fairies were naturally stronger than most humans.

After what felt like hours Tris finally saw her tree house coming into view. She sped up unconsciously and basically leaped into the tree not even bothering to open her wings. Luckily though she'd installed boards on the tree so Evelyn and Violet were able to climb up. But right now nothing else mattered except Four and not letting him die. She placed him on her table as she didn't want to get blood on the bed she slept on when it rained. Tris took off her weapons belt and sword and grabbed a dry rag, a wet rag, honey, goldenrod, horsetail, and bandages. She cut off his shirt and began cleaning off the dried blood. The sun was at its highest point by the time Tris was finished. Goldenrod crushed into a poultice to help him heal, horsetail to stop infection, and honey as a painkiller and also to ward off infection. While she was bandaging him Violet came over and gestured to the used herbs, "What do those do?"

Tris smiled slightly at the innocent question. It had been a long time since she'd spoken to someone so light-hearted, "The goldenrod will help him heal, the horsetail will stop infection, and honey will stop some of the pain for when he wakes up."

Violet's eyes widened, "He will wake up right?"

"I believe it absolutely." Violet seemed so childish for her fourteen years. Evelyn and Four must have done all they could to shelter her from the horrors of the real world. Well that had drastically changed in the last few days and Tris suspected that the girl would need to do some quick growing up if she was going to survive.

She moved Four to the bed and rinsed out the rags. Then she threw out the used herbs and cleaned off the table and herself, including the blood Four smeared on her cheek. Tris gave both Evelyn and Violet food and water. She also took down her hammock from the top of the tree and hung it up on some of the lower branches so they had something to sleep on. Violet was tired from both the run and because she was still recovering so Evelyn helped her into the hammock.

Tris turned away from mother and daughter with a twinge of jealously, her mother had never tucked her into bed, and began cleaning her weapons. And she started to think about what the hell she was going to do now. First of all she had to keep her promise; keep them all safe. Not only did she not make promises she couldn't keep, but she also felt a so-called obligation to protect her mate's family. Tris couldn't do that if they stayed in her tree house forever. The Dark elves knew where she was and it would only be a matter of time before they came. And eventually she would have to go hunting and get water too, but she couldn't afford to leave them alone. It would be the perfect time to attack. No, the only option was to seek asylum in the Fairy Kingdom.

When her weapons were clean and put away Tris moved to sit on the edge of the platform looking out into the forest. It was late afternoon by now and she could see the shadows growing longer as the sun sank behind the tree line. Evelyn came and sat down next to her. She was silent for a moment before she spoke, "So Tris I have to ask why you're doing all this? Since I know that you don't go about saving random human families from Dark Elves. Or even how you knew we needed help?"

Okay she knew this conversation had been coming but really, this quickly? Tris took a deep breath, might as well dive in head first, "Did you know that Fairies have soul mates?"

Evelyn looked at her with a mixture of surprise and understanding, but played along as if she didn't see the obvious coming. "Really? I had no idea that Fairies had such practices. Then again I don't know much about Fairy culture."

"Yeah it isn't something we like to advertise. As in the past it has been used by our enemies as a weakness."

"Do you see it as one?"

Tris sighed and leaned back on her hands not looking at Evelyn. "It's hard not to since I have no good experience with it, but I'm told strength can also come from it."

"And my son?"

"I honestly don't know. Again this is not something I have good experience in and I'm not arrogant enough to try and even begin to guess how Four's going to react."

Evelyn chuckled softly, "Well I'm not sure how he's going to react either, but I am willing to it play out. Especially if it means the safety of both my daughter and son and me if possible."

Tris nodded, "I wasn't lying when I said I'd protect you all with my life. And the only way I can do that successfully is if we go to the Fairy Kingdom and I get sanctuary for the three of you."

Evelyn turned towards Tris an incredulous look on her face, "And how exactly are you going to manage that?"

If it had been a close friend of hers Tris would have replied sarcastically or with something along the lines of 'ye of little faith', but Evelyn wasn't so she didn't. Instead she said, "When I lived in the Kingdom I held a position of importance and the Queen was well, quite fond of me. I plan on contacting her later this afternoon."

At the questioning look on Evelyn's face Tris continued with, "I can't tell you how. It's one of Queen Tori's secrets."

"Okay then, well then if you don't need any help I'm going to try and sleep."

"I'll keep watch."

"Wake me up if you need a break Tris."

"I will Evelyn." Though Tris had no intention of doing so. Her senses as she slept would be about as good as Evelyn's awake. Tris watched Evelyn walk over to the hammock and get in gently as to not wake Violet. Tris waited until her breathing was even before she turned and started trying to contact the Fairy Queen.

Tris walked to the chest she kept her weapons and other belongings in. She opened it and took out a gold fairy pendant, with its green wings and eyes, attached to a silver chain. Tori had given it to her just in case Tris needed to contact her in an emergency. At first Tris refused but realized it would just be easier to accept the gift. So she had shoved it in the bottom of the chest that held the things she was bringing with her when she left. Now Tris could not have been more relieved she had taken it with her.

Queen Tori was telepathic and this necklace was one of three that would allow a non-telepath to make a mental connection to the Queen. So she went to the edge of the platform and faced southwest towards the Fairy Kingdom; now would this help any she had no idea, but it couldn't hurt. They had managed this once before, though the distance hadn't been so great that time.

She held on tightly to the pendant and focused on the Queen and everything that made her, her. From Tori's long black hair with the ever present teal streak to, her elegant green wings, and the staff she always wore on her belt. Tori...

(This conversation well be held in a mental space created by Queen Tori between her and Tris. Underlined is Tori, regular italics is Tris.)

My God Tris is that actually you or have I finally gone insane?

Tris smiled to herself almost laughing but that would have made her lose the connection so she focused. Yes Tori it is me.

Well certainly since your the only one that ever dropped my title. I remember how aghast the Goblin King was when you didn't address me by Queen once at one of our parties. (Every Kingdom that is part of the peace treaty holds a gathering once a year for the other leaders and anyone else who is important within their respective Kingdoms. That includes the Fairies, Goblins, Ogres, Trolls, and Dwarves.)

In my defense I wasn't a general then and if I do remember correctly I charmed my way easily out of further offending the King.

Yes and your brother was beyond mortified. Tris stiffened and almost lost the connection. Oh my apologies Tris that was insensitive of me.

Tris took a deep breath. Its okay Tori I can think of him a little easier now. The distance has helped, but I must steer to the reason I contacted you.

Of course Tris I understood your need to get away. I owe you for what you did for my Kingdom.

There is no need Tori and besides the Kingdom will forever and always be my home. Now I have quite a story to tell. So if this conversation isn't too draining and you're not busy I'd like to get started.

No this conservation isn't too draining and no I'm not busy. I'm in my private quarters. Now what do you need?

I found my mate and he's human and he, his mother, and younger sister are being targeted by Dark Elves. I already saved the sister from a blood poisoning spell and killed four Elves when they attacked his house. He suffered from a cut across his stomach and now we are all hiding out in my tree house. So basically I need asylum for the three of them in the Fairy Kingdom so I can protect them.

There was a silence then and for a second Tris thought they had lost their connection when Tori spoke again. Well you don't do anything halfway do you?

What?

What I mean my darling Tris is that when something happens to you you can't just leave it. Now what I'd like to know is why your mate is being targeted by Dark Elves. I'm not going to offer a place of safety for them if it means putting my Kingdom in unnecessary danger.

From what I gather its his father. He apparently abused both Evelyn and Four, but they got away from him when Violet was about three. Apparently Marcus is working with the Elves so he can get revenge. But that's all Four told me. But I suspect he's also become a powerful sorcerer or he wouldn't have been able to cast a spell as strong as he did.

Well Tris you have to know I would do anything for you. And I can easily arrange a place in our Kingdom from them. Though it goes without saying if you return with them as I know you will, you will have to become General again. Something is coming and it is likely that Marcus has something to do with it. We have seen more activity on our borders recently and that's never good sign. Nor is the Dark Elves considering alliances with humans.

I agree, but are your sure Tori I don't want to step on the toes of whoever currently holds the position?

Yes I'm sure. Lynn is the current General and she and the rest of your friends knew that you would one day come back. As you've said the Kingdom will always be your home.

Thank you so much Tori and I will accept the position of General again. But I will need help getting Four and the rest of his family to the Kingdom. Somehow I don't think I can carry all three of them by myself. Not to mention Four's injured.

I will send a patrol this evening and make sure they have appropriate accommodations. Though I hope you realize that Four and his family will be held to the same expectations as the rest of my subjects. And they will have to prove themselves useful if you want them to stay indefinitely.

Yes I have realized and I'm sure that we can find someway for them to help. Evelyn and Violet can pitch in at the healing center. And Four will be able to contribute too as soon as he is healed.

Then it is settled you and your mate can come with his family. I will send the patrol out now and you can expect them by late afternoon tomorrow. And Tris I'm glad that you're coming back and I think Caleb would be too.

I agree I have been adrift for quite awhile and am happy to be going back. With that Queen Tori severed the connection. Tris sighed letting the pendant drop from her hand suspended on the chain. It swayed slightly from the momentum and she turned her back to the forest and closed her eyes ready to face the future with bravery. When Tris opened them she knew she could handle anything for she held the weight of the world on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings. But for a short moment, in that brief time her eyes had been closed, she was the young Fairy again who had a father, a mother, and a brother. And that was the Tris she needed to remember and fight for no matter what happened.