"Great danger?" Sorrin asked, "What are you talking about? We’ve beaten back the inquisitors and suppressed the Circle. You don’t have to be afraid, Starlight. Our party is strong, we can handle anyone who cos hunting you."
I shook my head, feeling the weight of my horns swaying through the air. "You don’t understand. It’s not the Circle of Inquisitors I’m worried about. It’s the demons."
Rasce’s eyes narrowed. "You don’t an...?"
"an what?" Tana demanded, "Aren’t the demons all fighting Brithlite?"
"All of them except the one in the forest," Dyson muttered. He shook his head, grinning sardonically. "And whatever else managed to make its way here. But we’re so far out of the way. What could they possibly...oh."
I nodded, tail flicking back and forth, as the thief arrived at the sa conclusion as Racse. "They’re not wandering here by chance. They’re hunting. Hunting , specifically. In my vision, one of the generals reported heavy attacks on the defensive line just north of us by powerful evolved demons. All demons are drawn to mana like moths to a fla. Scions lack any sort of discipline, completely consud by their bloodlust, and attack the nearest lifeforms. Evolved demons are strong enough to have gained real sentience, as well as a hunger for more pure, refined souls."
The fire cracked and popped, filling the heavy silence that followed my words. Eventually, Sorrin raised his head, ears twitching. "Even if it’s as you say, there’s sothing I don’t understand. There are plenty of powerful people from here to Brithlite, many far stronger than any of us here. Why would they co for you specifically?"
I opened my mouth, but my tongue was heavy and swollen. I frantically grasped at words, trying to find a way to say it without sounding arrogant, but nothing ca. Did they really not understand the difference between our souls?
I turned away, a hint of red entering my cheeks, as Korra chuckled. "I guess I’ll spell it out for you. Xiviyah’s special. I’m not exactly certain why, but it might be due to her...unique circumstances. If the regular soul is an uncut gem, hers is the polished masterpiece of a master jeweler. I spoke with so of the Last Light Company in Brithlite before making my way to Heartland, and they said that the mont she appeared on the battlefield, every demon within a mile went into a frenzy, running themselves upon their blades in an attempt to reach her."
"So that demon the other day?" Rasce asked, peering at intently.
I nodded. "It ca for . If Fate hadn’t allowed to et Korra at that ti, we would all be dead. Everyone in this village, and Heartland to follow. Right now, we can handle a fifth-level demon together, but they’re not the only threat. There’s the anomaly, too. I think it’s looking for ."
This ti, even Korra looked surprised, which was to be expected. In this rural corner of the world, our only source of news was rchants, who mainly passed along hearsay and gossip.
"I’m sure you noticed the unseasonal cold," I said, drawing nods from the others. "It’s from the storm. I’m not certain, but I think it started moving toward us at the sa ti I awakened the Eyes of Fate and had a vision. According to Brithlitian advisors, its path is a straight line from where it started to here, in Westfall Village. The land for a hundred miles behind it is locked in an eternal winter. If it really is following , then between it and the demons..."
"Then you have to go," Rasce finished softly.
I nodded solemnly, grasping the hem of my dress in trembling fingers. It was an answer no one, except perhaps Korra, wanted, least of all. I had only just learned to trust the Glory Chasers, yet everything pointed to being drawn away again. It was just like with Elise, at Western University. Only this ti, I was forced to choose to leave, not have my path chosen for . Sohow, that made it infinitely harder.
The table descended into a heavy silence. Even the ever-present Bilev, too far away to hear our hushed voices, paused, looking around uneasily. My heart pounded as I watched their expressions, shifting from denial to frustration, and finally to acceptance.
"I can’t say it," Tana finally said, "I just can’t say it. I don’t want you to go. Not after everything we’ve been through."
"I agree," Rasce said, surprising by the sincerity in his voice. "But at the sa ti, it feels like our only choice."
Sorrin let out a long sigh, giving Tana’s hand a comforting squeeze. "Starlight, what do you want to do? If you don’t want to go, we’ll find so other way. You don’t have to do this by yourself."
As everyone nodded, a warm glow spread through my chest, my heart growing light and free. I bit my lip to keep it from trembling, holding back a sob. Korra flashed a smile, nodding encouragingly, and I bowed my head.
"I...I don’t want this place to be destroyed. I want to protect it, and you, and the mories we made. Even if that ans we’ll be apart for a little while, that’s a sacrifice I have to make. For Sari."
He nodded, wolf ears drooping. "I see." Then, turning to Korra, "She’ll be in your hands. Don’t even think of betraying her."
Korra smiled grimly, her eyes shining with conviction. "I did that once before. Never again. I’ll be there till the end, and even beyond if I can."
Tana nodded, tears in her eyes. "I...wish you luck. Korra, please take care of her. Make sure she eats, too. Starlight actually really likes sweets, even if she won’t admit it. Also, give her lots of hugs, especially when she has a nightmare. There’s lots of nights when she wakes up crying–"
"Tana!" I cried, flushing red, my tail quivering in embarrassnt.
Korra hid a giggle behind her hand, and Tana smiled.
"Don’t worry, I got it," Korra said, standing. "Now, I think we ought to leave today before it gets any later. I’m going to pack."
I hesitated, looking between her and the other Glory Chasers. Dyson stood and circled the table, offering a hand. Placing my slender hand in his, I allowed him to lift to my feet, letting out a squeak as he pulled into a tight hug.
"We’re going to miss you around here," he murmured and pulled back to look in the eyes. "Don’t forget to smile, alright?"
I nodded, and Rasce reached out, laying a hand on my uninjured shoulder. "Don’t trust anyone. I know you can see souls, but it’s the unseen heart that’s most dangerous. You’re demonkin, you’re going to attract a lot of negative attention in Brithlite. ...watch yourself, and co back safely."
My gaze followed the two humans as they left together, and I sighed softly. They had both been so intimidating in their own way, yet now, watching them leave, I felt a pang of loneliness.
A heavy hand rested on my head, rubbing between my horns. I looked up, eyes wide, as Sorrin smiled down at .
"H-hey!" I protested, but despite my embarrassnt, I couldn’t bring myself to shake him off.
He smiled softly, offering a wolfish grin. "I realized I never got to thank you for picking up Tana’s ring. So...thank you, Starlight. For that and everything else you’ve done."
"Yes, thank you," Tana whispered, drawing into an embrace, nearly squeezing the breath from my lungs. I nodded wordlessly, afraid that if I were to speak, I’d just end up crying instead.
"Take care of yourself," she murmured, her breath tickling my ear. After a long pause, she pulled just far enough away to look in the eyes, an anxious light flickering in her eyes. "You’ll co back, won’t you?"
"Can I?" I asked, eyes widening. "I an...do you want to?"
"Of course! No matter what happens, you’ll always have a place with us here. Please, co ho now and then." She smiled mischievously. "Or I might get lonely and co looking for you."
My lips twitched into a faint smile of my own, "I wouldn’t mind so much. I’ll never be able to replay everything you’ve done for , but if sothing happens, call on . I’ll be there. But even if nothing happens, I’ll try and visit whenever I can."
Ho. Sothing I’d never had in either world. A place to return to, a place of love and peace. That’s what this village was to , the closest thing to family I’d had since my mother abandoned . I opened my mouth, intending to express as much, but Tana cleared her throat, sharing a look with Sorrin, who nodded.
"I guess we’d best get going," she said, giving my hand a final squeeze before pulling away. "I’ll miss you, Starlight. May your travels be safe, and lead you ho again."
They were leaving? Already? Almost by instinct, I reached out and grasped her sleeve, holding her close. "Wait, Tana, I wanted to say...well, thank you. For everything. I’ve spent my entire life running from people, afraid of getting hurt, but thanks to you, I even learned to smile. I...don’t know else to say, but thank you."
"Oh, Starlight..." Tana cupped my cheek, smiling at gently. "You still have that wreath, don’t you."
It was more an accusation than question, and I looked away, a slight blush coloring my cheeks. "W-well, I, um, couldn’t bring myself to...you know..."
She let out a simple, joyful giggle, and held out her hand. "Give it here."
Still feeling a little bashful, I pulled the flower wreath out of my spatial ring and placed it in her hand. It was still white and pure, wound tightly together, but it wouldn’t be long before it started to wilt. Even so, the mories contained within stayed my hand, and I was determined to cherish it, no matter how many petals it lost.
My eyes grew wide as Tana began to chant softly, two magic circles dancing in her palm. It was a simple life spell, but not one I’d ever heard of before, nor could I ascertain its purpose. Tana soon finished the spell, and soft, green magic flowed into the wreath. As the light faded, the wreath looked more vibrant, as fresh as the day I made it.
"Alright, bend over," she instructed, laying the wreath on my head as I complied. "Perfect!"
"What did you do to it?" I asked, reaching up to touch one of the delicate petals. It was soft and crisp, but carried a mysterious, warm energy that sent a tingle through my hand.
"It’s one of the elves’ folk spells, usually used for preserving herbs and dicinal poultices. They’re pretty secretive about their magic, but–" she pinched the tip of one pointed ear "–being a half-blood has its perks. You morized it, didn’t you?"
I nodded, my tail flicking uncertainty. "Is that alright?"
She winked at , pressing a finger to her lips. "Probably not, but it makes happy I was able to teach you sothing, too. Just don’t tell anyone, alright?"
With that, she gave a final hug and left with Sorrin, leaving to prepare for our journey. I touched the wreath again, a faint smile tugging at my lips. The Glory Chasers had grown precious to , as much friends as Elise, or Thron. Even after having said my goodbyes, my heart felt warm and full, and I had to wonder why I hadn’t seen it before. Friends, family, a ho; all sothing I had been terrified to lose. But now...?
Turning my face to the horizon, I touched my cheek, still warm from Tana’s hand. I wasn’t afraid anymore. Now I knew that love wasn’t sothing to lose, it was sothing to protect. And so, even should the heavens fall and hell freeze over, I would protect it.
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