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Lily frowned at Zola's questions and quickly arranged her features into the semblence of fear, assuming the woman could see her since she had carefully made sure there was fear in her voice. "My lady, I do not remember seeing you with the others, why hide from them? And I have learned that when one cares for the innocent one must know how to protect them as well. Why has it gone dark, and what has happened to my weapons madame?" she asked, her voice quivering in false fear as she looked around. She was trying to see anything through the darkness, but so far was failing.

Steven came and sat beside Zanzara. He pulled her against his chest and hugged her. She started to cry as he held her, then she whispered" I'd killed my family, I let them die." She paused and he sat silent waiting for her to continue.

She did after a few minutes; she pulled away from him and wiped away her tears. Then she said " I will not let our people die, when the time comes I will leave the girls side".

Zola watched from above and saw the interaction between Lily and the fairies.She needed to give the flamed haired one this test, to make sure that she was truly worthy and kind.

(The faerie folk only came to those who's hearts were in the right place)

The woodland sprite knew there were many secrets yet to be revealed in this young maiden,but she would have to gain her trust to learn the truth.

(for now, she decided to return with Lily to her camp)

At that moment, Zola asked the trees to release their hold of each other, and to allow the sun to shine within the dark forest.A great light immediately came down from the sky,and all was green and filled with life once more.She whispered in the wind to the fairies that it was okay to hide again,but to stay close if they should need their help.

The woodland sprite climbed down from the trees.She smiled at Lily and
slowly returned her blades.Zola then said,"Lily, I hope your not too angry,but I had to know if I could trust you.These woods are filled with trickery and many spells are here.I have decided to return with you to your camp,if that is okay.You will need of my assistance if your people wish to remain safe in this place.There is an evil watching you,that is why I am here..."

Tazzy looked around the camp. Soon all would return. Max stirred in his sleep. "Chasing a rabbit" she smiled to herself. She felt so alone, even with Max near by. No family, no home, her magic growing in her everyday. "Someone please help me, we are alone." Her mind raced.

The food was done and she removed it from the fire. She started to cut it up and hand it out to the others. "Lady Elemayne, when will we be leaving this evil place. I feel eyes on us all the time. Do any of you feel them? Even Max feels them in his sleep. My skin is crawling with the evilness of this place. Lady Elemayne, it is evil here, isn't?" Tazzy looked at Elemayne and Mikel with longing. Here were two who knew that they belonged where ever they were, because the were together. Steven and Zanzara sat close, she was crying. Whatever had happened to her had not been good. And where was the Princess? Maybe Max should go and look for her? And what had happened to the girl with the red hair? So many questions, Tazzy was making herself dizzy. She ate some of the food, it tasted bitter to her. She knew that it was just her, not the food.

(Zola answered Lily's question)

"Many moons ago, this forest was filled with happiness and joy.There was no need for any of us to hide;we felt safe here. Perizada (the name of the Forest,it means fairy born) was such a beautiful place in those days,the trees even played music,as the wind whistled in their leaves."

(The woodland sprite's smile turned to sadness as she said)

"A dark cloud came,and the faerie started to disappear.One day they were here,and then they were gone.We all tried to seek the reason for this phenomenon,but it was not until most of us were taken that we discovered a way to protect ourselves."( Zola showed Lily a small stone that looked like a black diamond) "These appeared the same day that the evil did,they glow whenever it is near.Until we discover a way to fight back,this is the only protection we have.They only work for those who posses magic.If you want to survive here,you will need me."

The woodland sprite than bowed to the flamed haired maiden and said,"Young Lily, I am your friend in need and trusted aili, I will help you and your kind with as much as my abilities will provide.Now please, we must return to your camp and warn the others.I'm afraid the evil already knows you are here, and we have wasted too much time."

Zola than adjusted the bows on her back and filled her satchel with as many stones as she could carry,then she waited for Lily...

Zola walked closely behind Lily,she carried one of the stones in her hand;just in case.The woodland sprite's fairy friends were hidden,following them,and keeping a lookout for any disturbance.She had asked some of them tho go on ahead and make sure the others were okay at the camp.Then the sprite said," I see a fire in the distance,it must be your camp.They appear to be waiting for everyone's return.I smell food in the air,I hope they don't mind me joining you." Zola smiled at the thought of a good meal.Then she said,"I have brought enough stones for the others,your camp is filled with a lot of magic;so much so that all do not even realize they posse it." She continued to walk with Lily.The anticipation of meeting new people was very exciting to her,but she knew that this was not the time to lead,it was to follow...

Elemayne was not surprised when the maiden returned with a sprite on her heels. She had learned of the disappearance of many of the forest creatures, magic and otherwise. A disappearance of such a magnitude that it would prompt a woodland sprite to team up with humans. But no matter, they needed all the help they could get.

After a quiet evening meal, Elemayne stood and addressed the group. "We will ride out at first light. Get plenty of rest. The road ahead will be a perilous one and we may well die before our task is done. But death will be welcome over the fate of the world if we fail." With that, she turned towards the shelter and told Mykal to be sure and tend the horses.

Mykal looked over towards the animals and saw several new horses standing by the ones they had rode in on. A quick count found that there was now enough horses for everyone to ride without doubling up. He shrugged his shoulders and looked over the new mounts.

Mykal paused for a moment after Tazzy finished her rambling to think about what she said. "As I understand the visions," he began. " everyone sees something different. As El has told me many times, the forest shows us what we need to see. In my case, I was hunted but in the end, I became the hunter. I take this to mean that we will be victorious in the task ahead. If you saw your village destroyed, it may well mean that you will pay a price for saving the world. I would choose to believe that the forest showed you the price of failure. After all, you were apparently chosen to be a part of this little group. At least that is what El thinks." He continued to check the remaining horses, hoping his words would comfort the young woman, hoping he could come to believe them also.