From the Ashes

Chapter 48 ~ From Ash and Corruption

    The days were passing far too slowly, each one leaving Morana's imagination open to whatever horrible things might be happening to Neeri and Tarion. She was trying to keep herself busy, but on days like today when Arlon and Lonan had left on patrol, her training was cut short. She didn't trust herself to train with anyone else and Rehema was busy preparing for the first Elders to arrive.

    Morana had tried to persuade Lonan to allow her to accompany the patrol, but he held firm, claiming that it was best if she didn't leave traces of her scent around. The Cahirim was undoubtedly looking for her, and they couldn't risk her scent leading them directly to the village or wherever they were patrolling.

    Her safety lay in the secrecy of her location, and until they were ready to confront Astaroth, she would have to remain there. Morana had decided to further explore the village instead.

    She'd spent a few hours looking through the squares near her own sleeping quarters and around Lonan's house, but eventually all of the curious staring became too much. She'd chosen to head further towards the village outskirts where she was told some refugees were living.

    The first rows of temporary living quarters were filled with other Fae and Humans whose villages had been found and destroyed. But it was the tents beyond them that caught Morana's attention. She'd heard children's laughter.

    Morana approached the tents quietly, aware of the gazes that turned towards her the nearer she drew. Several women had been seated in front of the tents, but noticing her curiosity, some of them rose and called their children back.

    They cloistered them back inside, leaving only a few other females and their offspring remaining. Morana's gaze landed on one female's pale head. Her breath caught as the female turned. Recognition filled her gaze and she rose.

    "We heard you were here," Astrelle said, gesturing with a dark hand for Morana to join her. "I wondered if you would discover our whereabouts. Neoma swore you would not remember us."

    "I had no idea you made it here," she replied. "Did everyone make it safely?"

    Astrelle shook her head with a sigh. "Laina's child was killed on the way. It was...a terrible accident."

    Morana's heart clenched in brief sorrow for the Human woman. "Where is Wenn?" She asked, her thoughts darting back to the Corrupted female who had been protecting the group. If a child had been killed, had the group's protector also perished? There was no sign of her here.

    "She stayed with us the first few days after we arrived but she felt that she was not welcomed here by anyone other than the Elder. She decided to leave with one of the groups who answered your call to fight. She wanted to prove that she does not serve Astaroth. Laina decided to go with her and serve as a medic."

    Morana cocked her head. "Are she and Laina close?" She only remembered the female being very gruff with the Human.

    Astrelle dipped her chin. "They were lovers in secret before. Now that we're free of the males, they've brought their relationship out in the open." Her lips twitched into a smile. "I see what you're thinking. Wenn did not seem like she cared much for any of us. That is just her way. She is a very coarse person, but that doesn't mean she doesn't care or have emotions of her own."

    "I'm sorry they aren't here. I would've liked to see them both."

    "Perhaps you will see them on the battlefield." Astelle's gaze fell briefly.