Ok, First off, I'm sorry I haven't updated in like...FOREVER, but time is tight with school and all sorts of activities, so fanfiction-writing sort of got pushed pretty far down the priority list. I'll try to make the next chapter longer, promise!

Many Apologies,

Nal'om

Ashe froze. Was this some kind of sick joke? She wasn't laughing, that's for sure. Staring at him, she realized that there was a sincerity in his eyes. Whether that was just a front or honesty she couldn't tell, but reason outweighed her desperation.

She turned and slapped him.

"How dare you." Ashe's voice was low and dangerous. The soldier put a hand to his cheek, which was now turning an interesting shade of purple.

"How dare I what?" the soldier asked, confused.

"How dare you imply that Rasler lives on when I saw him with my own eyes, dead and lifeless lying in a coffin. The arrow wound was fatal."

"I am sorry for your loss, but it is possible his spirit lives on."

"No, I'm afraid you must be mistaken, or insane. I warn you if you don't stop reciting this jibberish right now, I shall be forced to have you punished by your emperor, whom I happen to know quite well." Ashe turned briskly, making quick, deliberate steps away from him.

"My lady, listen."

Ashe, however continued to walk away.

"You know the sword he used was enchanted, correct?" Ashe stopped moving, but didn't face him.

"What sword are you talking about?"

"The one he used at Nalbina. Someone enchanted it before he left."

"You must be mistaken."

"No, my lady. I am a mage myself, I recognize a spell when I see it."

"No matter what spell it was, it obviously didn't do him much good."

"I wouldn't be so sure, your majesty." Ashe turned to face him, finally.

"Why shouldn't I be sure?"

"The spell on the sword was a powerful, ancient enchantment. You must know there was a small amount of magicite contained in that sword."

"Magicite? I'd sooner have nothing to do with that. Do you have any idea the devestation it has caused?"

"Yes, I witnessed it first-hand at Nalbina. However, for every evil there is a greater good. The enchantment on the sword allowed the bearer, if killed, to remain alive in the memories of others."

"What are you saying, soldier?"

"I am saying, if I may be so bold, that the Prince lives on in your memories."

"Rasler will always be with me, but that doesn't mean I can ever see him again."

"I beg to differ, your majesty."

Ashe's breath quickened at his words, her heart speeding up. If this was another one of her dreams, she hoped she wasn't going to wake up.