It was Frostfall, two seasons after the birth of my lovely Essetia, and as much time since I had been cured of my illness. No headaches had plagued me in the time since my meeting with the God of the Earth, and slowly the fear was beginning to wane. I had been lost, I had been angry, but somehow now I had found my purpose, regained my stride. It had not been an easy journey, but I had not been without help. A smile graced my features as I crossed the border of the World's Edge, remembering the protective form of my mate. He would have given up everything for me, had I asked, and in some ways I suppose he had. He had cured me, with the Earth God's help, and had brought me back to sanity when I had feared it to be lost. I was a different fae now than I had been upon my arrival in Helovia, and I felt as though I had finally found a place where I fit.

I did not think to bring an escort with me as I trotted evenly toward the Thistle Meadow on a search for medicinal herbs. I was a nurse now, and as such I had certain duties to perform. All had seemed peaceful in my little herd, though I had heard whispers of rising tensions between the Dragon's Throat and the Aurora Basin. A slight shiver had run through me when I had learned of the Basin's beliefs, but I did not think much of it. I had Thor, I had my family, so what harm could possibly come to me? And so when I wandered from within our borders, I did so alone, and with a jaunt in my step to boot. After such a long life of fear and shyness, I felt as a flower blossoming in the springtime. I felt truly alive for the first time, and it was a welcome surprise after the first season of my freedom, in which I had bound myself in a dank pit of depression.

But no more. As I arrived at the edge of the Thistle Meadow - perhaps my subconscious knew to keep me close to home, though little did I know, it would do me no good - I found myself in a brilliant mood. The day was brisk, but not cold, an oddity for this time of year. The sun was shining, and I found only a light dusting of snow covering the plants which I sought. I took pause then to enjoy the beauty of the place, a pause that would come to be my downfall, though I did not know it at the time. I could not have done anything to change it, though, and now I can only look upon the memory with dismay.


"talk"

If love is surrender, then whose war is it anyway?