The Forgotten Zodiac

"That'd probably be a good idea," L'arc agreed, nodding as he glanced over at Bermuda. "I just want him to get better. He sighed and looked at Sylas. "Both of them."

"I know. It's okay, L'arc. So long as they're still alive, they're fighting to stay that way. You know that. Sylas has always been a fighter. And Bermuda too." Aries rested a hand reassuringly on L'arc's shoulder. "They won't just give up."

"I know that," L'arc said, sighing. He pulled his knees to his chest as he sat there, frowning slightly. "But I... can't help but worry. They've always been there, you know? I... can't remember a time without them, and I hate to think of what I would be without them."

"I know what you would be." Aries sighed. "You'd be the king of the Forest. Our proud Leius. With or without Sylas and Bermuda, that's what you'll be. The difference is...whether or not you'll be happy." There was a long pause, then Aries smiled. "This is a magic induced sleep, you know. He can hear what's going on around him. Have you said anything to--" She flinched when Sylas suddenly squirmed and let out a cry of pain.

"No, no, no, it hurts..." He whimpered before falling still again.

"Sylas," L'arc said, reaching over to grab the human's hand. He stopped short, however, when he recalled how Sylas had reacted the last time that L'arc had done that. The Forest King sighed, pulling back.

"I'm here, Sylas," he offered simply. "I know it hurts... but I'm here."

Aries watched quietly for a moment, then took Gabe's hand and headed back to her tent to find the papers. "Come on. Let's go talk to Bershee and Eltanin."

"Hey, we've got a message," Bershee entered Eltanin's office with a small smile. "It's from Aries. She wants to know if I can visit with some healing water. Apparently they've run into injures that the healing tonic can't fix..."

Eltanin rose to greet Bershee as soon as she entered, only giving slight pause at the request. "Will you be all right?" he asked, frowning slightly. "They're at war. Do you want me to come with you?" he offered quickly.

"You have a town to oversee!" Bershee chuckled. "If you really want to come, I won't object. But I've survived this long, I think I'll be okay." She sat down at his desk and started to write a note back, humming softly.

"...I know, you're strong," Eltanin said, smiling at her gently. "But I..." he let the sentence trail off there and the smile faded slightly, he himself not knowing exactly sure what he was trying to put to words. "I'm sure you'll be fine," he said with a nod, smiling at her again. "Do stay in contact though, won't you?"

"Of course. I'll make more paper," Bershee looked up and smiled at him, then stood and walked over to him. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. "Something feels...different. Can you feel it? I feel a great tide of ease and relief coming from the east. I feel that a great evil has finally passed from this world. It's a very...unusual feeling." She pulled away from him, and locked eyes. "Do you think, if I were to lay my eggs in a lake, would I still be capable of nurturing them as much as I would be in the sea? Their gills would adjust immediately, of course. As is only natural for an Octi, mature or not. But...I don't know. Some part of me wants these little ones out..." She rested a hand on her stomach, smiling a little. She then chuckled, and grimaced a bit. "I...can't really hold them for all that much longer, anyway."

Eltanin smiled at her, wrapping an arm around her waist. He kissed her cheek gently before speaking. "You know I'll help you, no matter what you choose," he said, bringing his other hand up to stroke her chin once, gently, before taking a small step back and putting some distance between them in preparation for her soon departure. "If you want to lay then before you go, I promise I'll let nothing happen to them. Sailor's promise," he said, lifting his right arm and placing his left hand over his heart. He grinned at her warmly. "Seriously."

Bershee looked torn. "Eltanin, your people would not permit me to raise my children here. It's far too dangerous for any of my kind to be in the company of yours. That has already been proved." She took his raised hand and pulled it down, merely holding it. "And you'll likely say that my sins have naught to do with them, but...someone here will see differently and exact the revenge they want. That would put you in as much danger as them. What kind of leader would you be, to deny your people their righteous crusade?"

She sighed and brought Eltanin's hand up to her face, resting it on her cheek. "I want to trust you. Very much so. But the entirety of my race depends on this, Eltanin...I simply cannot leave anything to chance. That being said, if you really wish to prove yourself to me - which is highly unneccisary, might I add - I...I suppose I could lay one here. But only if you're absolutely certain..."

"I... no, you are right," Eltanin said, stroking her cheek lightly with his thumb. "The risk is too great. Forgive me?" he asked, tenderly pressing his lips to her forehead. "I did not mean any insult. You are right... I want nothing more than your children's safety, but... I cannot promise it. Put the idea from your mind."

"If it were safe, I would gladly do it, Eltanin. You know I would." She rested her head against his shoulder. "I'll return when my young have hatched. Would your people take my young when they appear so similar to yours?"

"Then, I'm sure," Eltanin said with a nod. "I'll help you raise them, too, if you like. As if they were my own..." he said, wrapping his arms around her. He sighed, then smiled slightly and pulled back. "Look at us, talking like this. You should be heading off soon." He smiled at her in a sad sort of way, brushing her hair back gently before pulling back.

"I know." Bershee nodded. "But...Eltanin, they will need a father figure. Would you take up that place for them?" She smiled at him, then turned away. "A silly question. You already said you would," She giggled a bit at herself, then sighed. "I'll be off, then. Would you escort me to the sea, Eltanin?" She requested, smiling still.

"Of course I will," Eltanin said, offering her his arm. He waited for her to take it, then rested his other hand over hers gently.

"Do be careful while you're gone," he said. "You know how much I would hate for anything to happen to you."

"Of course." Bershee smiled a bit. "I'll be as careful as possible." She nodded, then moved away from him as they left the hut. Eltanin was obviously protecting her as she left, but it wouldn't be good if they were seen as in a relationship...not right now, anyway.

Eltanin smiled at her again, walking with her to the water's edge. "...do hurry back, won't you?" he asked. "You know I'll worry. Stay in touch," he requested, dropping his hold on her arm so that she could go.