[b] The First Lotus ~The Oasis~[/b]

I stare silently at first, confused. This tree is old and new. And sentient beyond what I'm used to from trees. I know this tree... or should. [i]She[/i] planted it after all... but I doubt even the Current Lotus knows what's going on with this tree. 

I speak to it normally now, seeing how circumstances have changed. "I sent out a call for information on the whereabouts of Galen Kard. It led me here. So, do you have any relevant information relating to our search? Like why Galen has a backdoor into the Oasis, perhaps?"

[b]Blaze ~ Shadowhold battlegrounds~[/b]

" Vitals stable." the tablet chirps at me.  But she's still unconscious so I scan her again. 
"Vitals stable. " 

I glare,  " If Flame's Vitals are stable then what's going on. "
" Princess Flame not detected. "
"What? " I scan her again. " Run diagnostic for Flame."

"Subject vitals stable. Princess Flame not detected." 

Dread settles over me,"What?"

"Princess Flame not detected." The tablet repeats unhelpfully.
 
Terrible understanding dawns on me. I need to see her back, I go to move her over and she's scalding hot. I pull back with a hiss and nudge her to the side with my boot. The symbol of the Fox Spirit glows on her back. I curse just as her eyes flick open.