After the darkness had succumbed over me, I felt nothing but pain for what felt like eternity. At some point the pain was eased as I felt the cold touch of something which my body ached for and I could feel that that something was keeping me fighting, keeping my heart beating.

But in the end I felt that no matter how much I wanted it to, my heart stared to give up as I felt myself staring to float. The pain started to disappear and I felt the world around me shift. I still could not see, but I felt connected to the world in a way I had never done before, as I had become a part of the world around me.

Then I suddenly felt anchored to the ground once more as my mind started to anchor into the earth in a different way. I felt the joy of feeling how the wet soil gave way to my roots which was digging deeper into the ground. I felt how the water of the earth moved up my body, cleansing its thirst and silencing my empty stomach. I could also feel how I stretched my branches the hardest I could to allow myself to taste every little ray of sunlight that I possibly could.

It amazed me how content I felt with my life, for it was a simple life now, but in my memory the struggle which had accompanied my first decades was as fresh as ever. The struggle to grow the fastest and reach the rays of sunlight, which would bring life, had been a battle of life and death, one many other seedlings had lost when not managing to grow fast enough.

Then a huge crack echoed through me and I felt myself return to my own mind. For a moment I felt lost and confused in my own human body, longing for the steady and warm essence which had been the old oak tree I somehow had connected with.

I searched for her all that I possibly could, wanting to return to her simple and comforting life, but she was nowhere to be found.

Feeling lost and empty I opened my closed eyes and had to close them once more as I was met with something so strong that I hurt my eyes. Was I dead? Had I somehow passed through the tree when leaving the life of the living?

But I did not feel dead, I could feel the wetness which was creeping through my cloths where I was laying on the ground and I could hear the sounds of the world around me, I could feel the world around. Once more I carefully opened my eyes and blinking at the strange light which was such a huge contrast to what I usually saw, which I now understood must have been darkness, as I felt how it somehow got easier and easier to keep my eyes open for a longer period of time.

Then I started to look around and I did not know how to understand what was happening. Around me I could see things! At first I could not understand, but then somehow my numb brain started to piece together what I had sensed for so many years with what I now was seeing and I was astonished by the world's beauty.

The colours of the trees, the leaves, even the grass were miracles in their own right. Then my eyes landed on the one sitting next to me. It had been many years since we had met, back then I had not even been able to sense her, but I had not needed to then and nor would I have needed to now.

She was nothing as I had imagined and still I could never had pictured her any other way.

Isabella…

Her voice in my mind was as affectionate as it always had been and with tears in my eyes I embraced her as I still was in some state of shock. She returned my embrace, but after just a small while she spoke to me once more, urging me to turn around.

As I did so, I felt how my heart nearly stopped once more. Behind me stood my family, all of the Cullen's and all of the wolves, but my focus was only on my Edward as I tried to take him in, for I realised I never had done him justice in my mind and I followed each line of his face although I already knew them all, for now I saw them for the first time.

I could not help but to be astonished by how handsome he truly was.

Then I looked into his eyes and to see them for the first time was indescribable, still I could not help to wonder why he had described his eyes as golden? For me they more resembled the moss which was spreading out across the ground, rocks and trees, and I had always been told that the moss had the colour of dark green.

Still who was I, whom had never seen colours before, to question those who always had? So instead I said the one thing which, remarkably, was true.

"I see you." At my words I saw Edward's face light up in smile which almost blinded me as much as the daylight had done before, before he kissed and drew me as close to him as he possible could. For some reason, he felt warmer, and his grip felt weaker, but I found that I did not care.

When he drew back, he placed his hands on my cheeks, looking at me as if I was the rarest and most beautiful thing on this earth and my heart swelled. Feeling new tears of joy staring to run down my cheeks, both of us gave small laugh of relief before we were sounded by our family, all of them crying and holding me close.

Then it dawned on me.

They were crying.

Vampires could not cry.

Suddenly I started to study all of them closer and I saw that their eye colours were not the same which they should have been, they were different.

Carlisle, Jasper, Emmett and Rose all shared different shades of the same colour as the sky, while Alice and Esme both had shades of the earth. Edward was the only one with the colour of moss.

"Can gold have many different shades?" I asked confused as I studied them.

"What do you mean dear?" Esme asked with her face still a huge smile as I kept on staring at them.

"Your eyes…" At my words I was as if the Cullen's suddenly saw each other for the first time and I could see and sense them becoming as confused as I was, but I could also see the fear in their faces, mixed with disbelief.

"What the hel…" Emmett began but he was interrupted by the booming voice which I knew from my childhood.

You do not call for the darkness in this place young vampire. This meadow is my domain and a place for light and life, so do not dare to taint it with despair. At her words all of turned towards my friend who was still sitting on the ground, her eyes without an iris staring at us, my eagle friend in her lap.

I felt Edward wrap his arms around me and I could feel that neither of the Cullen's were comfortable with her presence.

"Excuse my son for his expressions. But may I ask, with all due respect, what are you?" Carlisle said, looking hesitant, still I could hear his curiosity as well.

I do believe you already know.

"I am sorry… but I am afraid I do not." Carlisle said, looking as if he was ready for my friend to attack him at any moment. Instead, she just sighed and turned her focus to me.

The blind see more then the once who see, is it not true my dearest?

"I do believe so." I answered with a small nod as the rest of my family stared at me.

Now come here child, come and sit with me.

At her words I felt Edwards arms tighten around me, but I knew I could not be hurt and with a small smile I carefully tried to walk out of his arms but he held firm, shaking his head.

"The last time I let you go you nearly died, I am not letting you go again." Before I had time to reply her voice boomed through our minds.

Insolent child! I gave her life, I will not harm her!

"It is alright Edward, I promise." I could see the indecision in his eyes, but in the end I felt how Edward reluctantly let go, his eyes fixed on my friend.

"I only trust you since you saved her life."

A fair deal. And with those words I walked over and sat down in front the spirit which had saved my life as the eagle left her side and came to rest in my lap instead. Its eyes without iris full of content.

You know what I am child, you know what I owed you and could not give, but now I have in a different way; I have given you of my life, just as you once gave life, so know I will not be at your disposal ever again.

"Nor would I ever have asked that of you spirit, I am forever grateful to you." I could feel how the spirit in front of me studied my soul, looking for any kind of dark feelings, but my words were true and I felt how pleased she became with this prospect.

Then one of her long fingers came to trace my face, before stooping by my left eye as a new sigh escaped her.

I could never give you what you asked my dear and it is one of my greatest failures. You asked for sight but I could not give it to you, but when your other half, this vampire of yours, asked for your life I could give you that to you. I hope you do not mind I allowed him to speak for you?

"I will always choose Edward, I do not hold it against you that you listened to him." At my words the spirit nodded and drew back her hand.

You are wise beyond your year's dearest child, but I have to tell you that your vision have not been restored along with your life, for as I said I cannot restore it. You were born blind and since I am nature I cannot change nature.

"But I can see." I said feeling confused.

Yes and you always will be able to when you are here in this very spot. This meadow gave life to let you live and now that life and those who gave it will live in you till you die. Therefore you will be able to see through their eyes, see what they saw, as soon as you return to where they lived.

"So you mean I shall return the way I was once I leave here?"

Yes.

"But what if I choose to become a vampire, would that restore my vision?" At my words the eagle in my lap gave a small sad cry as it looked up at me with eyes full of sorrow. The spirit in front of me however had a different reaction.

You mean to tell me, human, that I have given you new life simply for you to abandon my gift and turn into a being which resents the turning of time and nature? The spirit's eyes turned darker as she spoke and although she did not move, a menacing feeling came flowing from her.

"I do not resent your gift dearest spirit as I said I will be forever grateful to you for your gift, but I cannot be alive without Edward, my heart and soul belongs with him, and even if that means turning into a vampire than that is a decision I will make." I could tell Carlisle was about to say something from behind me, but one "look" from the spirit in front of me silenced him.

You do know that if this is the path you choose, I can no longer protect you? I am life, my gift upon you to see through me will have to be returned to me, for in it was also the protection against the vampires, the hunters of your race. You will return to the form you had before.

For a moment I almost withdrew my wish, for how could I ever return to not sensing or seeing anything from the world around me? But as I threw one look back at Edward where he was standing along with our family, I already knew that my decision would never change.

"I understand and I accept it."

Very well, as for your other question I do not know what will happen to you after your transformation my dearest. There is nothing unnatural with your loss of eyesight and therefore there is no promise that the venom will change it for the venom's purpose is to perfect and develop, not to change.

"I understand this as well."

Very well, when you leave this meadow my hand of protection will leave you as well. With those words the spirit rose from her place on the ground, looking down on the now sleeping eagle in my lap.

I gave him life as well, just as you he wears my mark, but his connection with you will never falter or die, he will never leave you even when he returns to me. You gave him the chance of life before me and he will be eternally bound to you, just as he is to me. Just as a part of you always will be as well.

Inside, I felt that those were her parting words and carefully, with the eagle now in my arms, I rose and gave my friend and protector a small nod which she returned. Then she walked past me and stopped a little in front of my family looking at Carlisle.

To know what I am you will have to ask Isabella if you have not already figured it out. As for your human appearances they are already fading. They are always a side effect from being around me, especially when I use my influence.

Finally the spirit turned to Jake and the rest of the pack, whatever she said, for she did not share with the rest of us, all of the wolves looked at her on awe for a moment before they all looked at each other and then collectively shook their heads. As a reply the spirit only turned around and, causing Nessie, Emily and Esme to all give a startled cry, the body of moss, bark and twigs which she had inhabited fell to a heap on the ground as she left it behind.

In a second Edward was back at my side and to my astonishment I saw him change before my eyes as his lines became more defined and his eyes changed into what I suspected was the colour of gold. Looking into them, they were the same as his green had been, but for some reason I found that I missed the green colour very much.

"Bella what was that?" Jasper said as the rest of our family also changed in front of me, all them turning into more perfect versions of themselves, making me realize what the spirit had meant.

"She is the protector of this realm, this forest so to speak, she is a wooden spirit. Sometimes they are referred to as nymphs, but it is not a name she liked when I used it the first time."

"I see." Despite the, for now, slightly stunned expressions on everyone's faces, I knew that soon enough, both Carlisle and Jasper would be asking me plenty of questions.

"Did you truly mean what you said Bella, do you wish to become one of us?" Edward whispered in my ear, even though he knew everyone could hear him.

"You know I do." As I looked into his eyes I could see the love shining from them and I hoped that he could see the love which shone from mine, for it made my whole body to ache since it was so strong. Somehow I think he did for he placed a light kiss on my lips and I thanked my friend for giving me the chance to not lose this.

"But I will not turn here today love, I will have to say goodbye to all those I care for first." I said to Edward and he gave me a small nod.

"I think that is very wise my angel."

"Yes it is very wise." It was Rose who spoke and soon she was giving me a warm hug and just a second later so was the rest of my family. Never had I felt more accepted and loved then what I did in that moment, I felt that I had found my place in the world.

With a small cry the eagle in my arms caused my family to take a step back, probably afraid that they once again would be attacked by my friend which caused me to giggle.

"He will never harm you!"

"Say that after he has hunted you Bellie and pierced your arm." Emmett said as he gave the eagle a cautious look which only caused the eagle to snuggle deeper into my arms as it kept on staring at him, causing me to laugh even more.

Then with a sigh I threw a glance back to where I knew the Cullen's home was laying, was I ready to leave? Was I really ready to return to whom I had been so many years ago before I met a spirit in the woods?

"We can stay for a while longer dear, we do not have to leave now." Esme said as she placed a loving hand on my shoulder.

"I know, but I will have to leave sometime nevertheless, the time when does therefor not really matter. And I will be able to return." Esme responded with a warming smile as she placed an arm around my shoulders as Edward placed one around my waist.

But before we were able leave however a voice from behind us stooped me.

"Bella." Turning around I saw Jacob standing with a lost expression on his face, sorrow and regret shining strongly from his eyes, but as I looked at him that picture was replaced by the picture of him turning into a giant wolf and I could once again feel the pain of his claws as they cut threw my skin, for even if the wounds were gone, the scars in my mind wasn't.

"I am sorry Jake but… I am not ready… not now… I am sorry, but not now…" I said shaking my head and I felt the tears rise in my eyes as I the whole pack look at me with sorrow, and my heat broke a little as I saw Sam looking at me with raw pain in his eyes, but I was not ready to forgive any them, not just yet, and with a heavy heart I turned around.

Walking away with my family, the tears started to flow freely and when I took the first step out of the meadow all sight left my eyes as complete darkness overtook me. After one more step I would have fallen to the ground if Edward had not caught me in his arms for the world had not only gone dark for my eyes, just as the spirit had said the world which I had been able to see through vibrations were now gone as well, just like the sounds of the smallest creatures around me, sounds which I had gotten so used to.

As we kept on moving, I was carried by my love as I cried in the darkness which was now totally surrounding me as the eagle, who was still with me, caressed my cheek with his buck, cooing soothing sounds as the rest of my family cried with me.

So the next chapter will be the last, a kind of epilogue actually. There is a slight chance that one more chapter will be up after that, but it is a very slim one so you will have to wait and see.

Now I want to thank all of you who reviewed the last chapter, even though I might not respond, I do love to hear your thoughts and feedback! So please leave a comment!

Love Lysistrate