We made our way back into the part of the woods where the auras were thick and bright. The air was cleaner and warmer, but I couldn’t help but wonder if we missed something or we were followed closely or we walked into a trap.
“I think I’m just tired.” It was more than that, and Danst sensed it as well. But, he didn’t seem inclined to argue, which suited me fine, as I didn’t own the strength to keep an eye on the forest behind us, remain close enough to Marren in case he woke up, and argue my wellbeing with Danst.
“You will be able to get plenty of rest when you reach the elven territory.”
I smiled at the way he spoke about the land he was from. That proud honor and icy calm that all elves, half-blood or not, seemed to possess. “What’s it like?”
“I don’t know.”
That surprised me. “You—you have never been there?”
“Never. I was never allowed to. I could view it from a distance, but I could never actually go inside the village.”
“Why?”
“Because of what I am and what I did. More of the latter than the former.”
“Well, obviously, your race or heritage has little to do with it if they are willing to accept us now.”
“You misunderstood, Lady Relena,” Faun spoke as she continued to walk in front of us. She never turned to speak to us directly.
“Oh, how so?”
“Only Marren is invited into the village. He is an Ancient, and as such, our responsibility to do our best to revive him.”
“You must forgive me, but you aren’t taking him anywhere without me.”
“You will be able to camp outside our boundaries. That is the most that we can offer you.”
Something inside me started to burn. “I don’t care who you think you are, you—”
Faun stopped and turned so abrupt she was a blur, stilling with an icy glare. “I mean you no disrespect, Lady Relena, but you must remain outside our land. Our rituals and customs are sacred, and though you are Marren’s heart song, the circumstances regarding your union are still hazy at best. We will be able to do our best without any distractions.”
Something was wrong. I sensed it inside me stronger than I’d experienced anything. Her words started to fade. Her image took on a fuzzy quality. I became faint and numb.
“No—” It barely came out in a whisper, echoed in the air to my ears and far more distant than words from my own mouth should sound. The world tilted and all light removed itself from my sight.
***
I opened my eyes to a strange room lit by four oil lamps. The oil assaulted my nose, making my stomach churn. Beyond that was the nuttiness of oak, pine and another scent I couldn’t place. No decorations hung on the walls, only the print of wood grain sanded smooth. The air was quiet. Too quiet. I stood from the bed carved from the very wood the room was, despite its soft texture. Or I was too confused by my new surroundings to take in every sense correctly.
Then the thought came crashing to me; I stood within the elves home. Something happened when I fainted. Marren!
He had a dim aura when I found him. That had to be the reason why. I stood, turning in circles to find the door to the room. Just as I took a step toward the wall to feel my way, a portioned opened, revealing Faun. She seemed just as angry and rigid as usual. Only this time, she held ice in her eyes.
“You are not to view this place,” she said, heavily pronouncing every word.
“Why did you bring me here?” I said, snapping back.
“Because, we nearly lost…” Her eyes fell to the ground just as fast as my heart sank.
“No, that can’t be.” Tears stung my eyes, blurring the room and everything in it.
“I didn’t say we did. Just nearly. When you fainted, we realized what Marren believed was true. Yet, you are still a stranger to us and need to earn the trust of my people.” She walked up to me with a cloth in her hand. I stepped back and glared at her with as much warning as I could muster.
“I’m sorry. I need to put this on you. You cannot set eyes on my home. That is forbidden.”
“Lousy traditions,” I muttered under my breath and gave a nod, however reluctant I was. “What about Marren? Is he awake? Can I see him?”
“He has not awakened. The forest of the dead is named such because, as you discovered, it sucks the life out of every living thing, surviving on the essence of those that find themselves ensnared within it.” She placed the blindfold over my eyes and tied tight against my head. “As such, the forest nearly drained Marren’s life from him. It will take some time, but he will recover. Meanwhile, you will be allowed to stay a few days. Until you regain your strength. Then, you must return to your own land.”
She pushed gently on my back, leading me out the door.
Once out, we continued walking, seeming as though we stepped along a downward sloping hill. “You know as well as I do, I can’t do that.”
“You will have no choice.”
“Why?”