It was a queer sight. The heavenly bodies watching down upon the small group of survivors as one might the comings and goings of ants. These lives, so fragile, so easily snuffed out, were nothing compared to the eons that the small twinkling starts had lived. Even through the Aether, Arn had seen their meager energy dim in comparison to the astral bodies. Still, life, however meager, is precious. More so, those of friends and family. Made even more so by the bonds of affection that few know are also reflected in the unseen Threads. What people call love or loyalty has a direct correlation in the magical binds. This is the reason why lovers yearn to be close to one another, why friends can sense anything amiss, and why family is so fiercely loyal. These Threads pass life force between those they bind. They share the same energy and as such, are bound. If Arn could have known that his Thread to a Knight Captain of the noble Venray family would be so intertwined before proctoring the battle between the Crimson Baron and the Spider, the master mage would have doubted it very much. Both men were as different as could be expected. Tyrhallan was dutiful and of high birth. Arn was a whore’s son and cared nothing for duty more than for results. Yet, they both had bonded over the responsibility of protecting a blonde simple girl. At least that is what Eilis thought of herself. For the master mage, she could not be more important. Even now, he could not accurately explain why. It went beyond the normal comprehension of relationships. She was not a fried. Not family. Yet, to him, she was more than that. It was almost as if she was part of him. How can you truly explain why you need a part of your soul? [color=f6989d]“You’re worse off than I am. You’ve always safeguarded me...let me do something back for you for once.”[/color] His pretty charge was definitely as stubborn as him. The weakened master mage tried to wave her off more than once but her lovely face would scrunch in a look of stubborn appeal. No one in his entire life had so much sway over him….other than his mother. Begrudgingly Arn allowed her to tend to him. He used her small hand to get down from their mount. [color=f6989d]“But I’ll keep my own limits in mind. If you want to be of use you...you...you can... keep me warm.”[/color] With almost a resigned sigh he let her pour her warm and peaceful energy into him. He drank it greedily, though he would never let Eilis see it. Though she may feel it. The master mage basked in the flow of the energy as one does the pouring of a hot pitcher of bath water over tense muscles. Remembering his end of the bargain he wrapped his arms around her as they sat on the rocky ground. His big arms having no problem enshrouding her. As they sat there, it almost seem to Arn as if the flow of energy was two way. Sort of a like the flow and ebb of the tides. While his was only a trickle at the moment, Eilis should be able to feel his own cool energy enter her. His was like the plunging into a fresh pool of a natural spring. It made the warmth of his arms feel that much nicer. The contrast was perplexing. After all, the master mage was not called the Hellspawn for nothing. Yet, it seemed that under the rolling fires, there was a cool center that had only bleed for the young blonde lass. [color=f6989d]“Arn...please remember...whatever happens...I don’t want you to…”[/color] The quiver could be felt in more than just her voice. There was a strumming in the Aether as her worries caused the flow of energy to falter. Arn moved one hand from her shoulder blades where it had rested to her head. [color=0054a6]“Shhhh”[/color] He said weakly and softly. He did not need to say more. The warmth radiating from him began to soothe. He knew what she meant. She did not want to see him hurt. She did not want them to go so far for her. How could he let her see that she was worth that and more? Not only because she was a formidable tool that could be used to a horrific proportions but mainly because in all his life he had never truly had a reason to die. Now he had her… He sat there with her, letting both their energies mingle. She was healing more than his body, but she may never know that. In truth, the was scared to let her know that. Scared that it would drive her away. In truth, he was scared he even felt that way. Never in all the times he had faced death, and there had been plenty, did he fear to die more than now. He did not fear death…Arn feared the emptiness of the darkness after having felt Eilis’s light. Tobi stole a few glances and an insolent smirk spread on his cheeks. Who would have thought that the ice cold master mage so revered and feared by many of the Shootings Stars would be so meek and malleable. He imagined the scandal when he told….when he told… His smile vanished. Who was he to tell? Many of his friends, maybe all, of them were dead. Who knows if any remained. He had seen Lornias and the others fall. A sudden knot stuck in his throat and he turned away into the darkness to swallow it down. He looked into the firmament and saw the arc of light left by a passing shooting star. He sighed, the squad was aptly named. Just like their name sake, his friends had burst magnificently for a second or two before their light extinguished. However, those who have chanced to wish upon a falling star know that the memory never fades. He heard the crunch of gravel underfoot and hastily wiped the treasonous tears that threatened to pour forth from the rim of his eyes and sniffled away his feelings. Turning slightly he noticed the Brightwind lass. [color=00aeef]“I am not the smartest man around but even I know its not time for us to change the watch yet.”[/color] He managed to say without the strain in his throat showing. [color=ec008c]“Oh shut up. I cant be expected to sleep. Might as well do something useful. You can go to sleep if you like relieve me later.”[/color] Alexa told the young mage trying to sound annoyed but there was a difference in her voice. Normally, the trickster would jab and under cut at her with sarcasm and wit. Even he could gather that she was concerned and worried. [color=00aeef]“Well, I don’t feel like sleeping either. So that wont do.”[/color] He looked at her knowing that she would also balk at him showing any sort of kindness. [color=00aeef]“Tell you what, we can sit back to back and keep watch. That way, if we fall asleep the other will know.”[/color] He patted the ground next to him. [color=00aeef]“Though I bet you will close those pretty eyes before I do mine. Those long lashes must be heavy my lady.”[/color] Alexa pursed her mouth and her yes shot daggers at him. [color=ec008c] “I’ll have you know that I am a knight, a full true knight. I have stood many a watch in conditions far worse than this.”[/color] She huffed as she sat and pressed his back against his unceremoniously. [color=00aeef]“Ouch, mind your armor your ladyness.”[/color] Tobi objected as the cold iron of her breast plate dug into his back. Once she was settled the two sat silent for a little while. Finally Tobi cut the silence. [color=00aeef]“I lost many friends today.”[/color] He turned his head slightly towards her. [color=00aeef] “I am sure you did too. But, I promise you. It will not be in vain. We will make those Viemese bastards pay.”[/color] [color=ec008c]“Shut up.”[/color] She said, though not as harshly as she normally would. [color=ec008c] “I know….”[/color] She almost whispered as she looked upon the thousand of little stars looking down up on her and the small group of survivors.